So I recently rebuilt my '02 S engine (120k miles) due to excessive burning of oil (bad rings, valve seals, etc.). I just got all of the components back in the car when I started the process of filling with fluids, I then started cranking the engine over with the fuel pump fuse pulled and ignition coil disconnected in order to get oil pumping through the engine. I noticed that after turning over the engine a couple times the pace started to slow down. I assumed the battery was starting to lose its charge. Then when I reconnected the fuel pump fuse and ignition coil the engine completely failed to turn over, I also got codes P2300 for Ignition Coil "A" Primary Control Circuit Low and P2303 Ignition Coil "B" Control Circuit Low. Turns out I burned up the starter motor from attempting to start the car with a nearly dead battery. I ended up replacing the battery, starter, coil and wires (also, the plugs are brand new). I was able to increase the speed of how it turns over but still no ignition and still getting the ignition coil codes, then it went back to very slow turn over. I checked and I am getting a spark, and I have fuel pressure. The next path to check was corrosion on battery connections. I checked and sanded all of the connections I could find (battery posts and connections, ground strap in trunk and the one on the passenger side of the engine, and checked the connections on the starter). Still no change. I am at a total loss for what is going on, I still think it is electrical as the engine seems to be totally normal mechanically (none of the pulleys are seized). Unfortunately, electrical engineering is not my forte..

Here is a video showing what I am talking about:

If anyone has any info, or can point out what I am doing wrong I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

I saw your video yesterday and have the exact same problem. I mean exact and have tried everything you have done. Did you ever figure it out. Would love to know any information.

 

So what , if anything was the cause of this problem. I eagerly await your reply as my mini is doing the same thing after a rebuild?

 

Any updates on this issue? I’m having the same problem on my project Mini and I really don’t want to have to deal with replacing the starter.

 

I recently purchased an R53 with the same problem. It had been in and out of the dealer with starting problems for years. I removed and cleaned every contact point for the battery cables and starter, cleaned them and coated them with dielectric grease. I also cleaned and greased every ground wire for the car and engine. The car had not started in three years and I fixed it with this repair in about 2 hours. there were at least 10 locations that were serviced.