My car wouldn't start (2011 MCS, 2800 miles, three months old, more info here). After finally getting a diagnosis, the service department told me that the valvetronic software was 'out of date' and has caused the car's timing to 'slip' out of proper timing.

How does that happen? I understand a physical timing belt hopping a tooth. I understand the mechanical ways that things can 'slip', but I'm not understanding how electronics can 'slip' in this way. My symptoms sound like a fuel pump issue, given that the car started without issue a scant 10 minutes prior. And starting had never been a problem before.

This was just a new thing to me, so I wanted to start a new thread for some feedback.

--Frustrated in Boulder.

 

It's possible that there was an error in the code that runs the valvetronic system. I've seen bugs in other kinds of code plenty of times that under rare, or unforeseen, conditions can cause a calculation to be off just a little. Have this happen enough, and "suddenly" things are off enough to cause problems.

 

Just heard back from the dealer--software update didn't do anything. As I had suspected. Now they're opening a case with MINI for the next course of action.

 

Diagnosis now: MINI recommends replacing the valvetronic actuator motor. It won't be delivered to the dealer until Tuesday. They said they'd call then with an update on estimated completion.

 

I think what is meant to be said is that the valvetronic is out of sync with the rotational position of the engine.
If the valvetronic actuator isn't opening / closing properly for each cylinder in it's respective phase to the piston, of course the engine will not run.
It's basically opening / closing at the wrong times where the four steps of combustion are not occuring (intake, compression, expansion, exhaust).

Good luck; do keep the masses posted on the progress.

- Erik

 

Got the call from the dealer: part came in early, car is ready to be picked up. I'll be heading down there in a few hours. Wish me luck.

 

Officially, the valvetronic actuator was defective. Dealer installed part #11 37 7 591 588. Car is back in my driveway, and it seems to be back to its regular MINI wonderfulness.

The tech who got my car for me said there was another car in the service bay with the exact same problem. Not a good sign...though he did say that MINI has updated the part (?), so hopefully it will be an easy fix if others fail.

 

Thanks for documenting your experience for us.

 

I am looking into possibly needing to replace this part and was curious if in retrospect you experienced any other symptoms leading of to this part actually failing? Did you start to hear it engage when you started ignition or opened your door? Any noticeable engine performance reductions? I am experiencing a few of these symptoms (Thread started HERE) and would greatly appreciate hearing what you experienced prior to having this replaced - other than the obvious no-start.
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