I bought my first Mini Cooper in February. I love the car but am having troubles with it. It as a 2009 R57 that had 87k miles when I bought it.

The intake snorkel was cracked so I replaced with K&N cold air intake
June 2017 started getting P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire , P0301, P0303 and P0304 codes
Cleaned the intake valves with DIY walnut blasting, they were very bad
Runs much better, not jerky, very smooth
Then started getting P0442 EVAP System Leak Detected
Had a display to tighten gas cap twice
Replaced cracked PCV hose from passenger side head cover to intake manifold
Reset ECU and started getting P1497 - Downstream Throttle Air Leak
Removed and inspected valve cover, cleaned PCV ports with brake cleaner and reassembled. Checked timing chain while apart and it looked good, very tight no slack
No longer getting P1497 but EVAP readiness will not complete
Yellow engine low power icon on but no CEL
Took to BMW / Mini shop this week and they ran a smoke test and pressure test and said there are no leaks, they suspect the turbo. They said it is making some noise.
Planning to take intake side of turbo off this weekend to see if shaft has play

Does that sound like the next step to take?
Anything else I need to check?
Does it just need proper drive cycles to allow the EVAP readiness check to complete?
Will the EVAP not completing cause the engine / low power icon to come on?
I would think the computer should be telling me why the icon is on. I have an ODBII dongle (BAFX Products 34t5 Bluetooth) and have tried the free versions of Auto Doctor and Torque to help troubleshoot.

I bought a BSH OCC and PCV blocks for passenger side that I may install if I decide to keep the car. If not I will have them and maybe K&N cold air for sale

Thanks for all the great posts! I would not have attempted the walnut blasting without your great posts. I can take the manifold or valve cover off in 15 minutes or less now!

 

Welcome to NAM and thank you for stating that many of us here already may be thinking, yes this place has an immense amount on information of our Minis.

 

Welcome to NAM! Are there any other fault codes present in the system? Yes, check for shaft play and I'd also be curious about your wastegate. You can test it. We have an article for the R56 (still should be useful to you) at the link in my signature that says "DIY help." Click on that and then go to the R56 articles. It'll be the 2nd from the bottom article. Let us know what you find out. Let me know if you need anything.

 

Welcome.


And best of luck.


Motor On!