Hello folks!

Matt here with a 2009 Mini convertible; intersection yellow. Non-turbo model. My now wife owned it when we met 9 years ago, and its just part of the family.

After some not to fortunate dealings with our local Mini dealer, I have decided to work on repairs and maintenance myself, and I the car very fun to work on!

Presently I'm chasing an idle issue that really has me whipped. Can anyone suggest what forum to submit my question to? I have searched my issue before becoming a member, and I have used discussions posted here to direct my work on the car. Things have improved, but I think the car can do better!

Nice to meet you all, and thanks for access to this amazing resource!

Matt

 

Folks on here do not respond on here like they used too. Do you have any check engine lights on?
Another option is to look at Facebook. I’m on there. You find a lot of info on there as well.

 

Whats up with the idle?

 

Ha! Thanks guys to posting! I’m still figuring this site out, hence I am just now reading your responses. I posted something the other day, but no responses yet. Let me cut and paste from my other computer exactly what’s going on. I’d love some help.

Matt

 

Here's what i posted the other day: Hi gang,



New here to the forum, and hoping for some advice on my 2009 base convertible, automatic, with 118k miles.



While at throttle, the car is flawless; fun, powerful, etc. Just love it. At idle, or navigating at slow speeds in a parking lot, its a mess!



Chasing what I think is a vacuum or timing issue at idle, I have done the following:



1) new timing chain (by Mini dealer; 102k miles

2) new VANOS (both)

3) new OEM oil cap

4) new valve cover gaskets (complete)

5) changed oil every 3-4k; check at each fill up, and its never low (does not consume oil, either)

6) new PCV valve (kit, not the entire valve cover)

7) new coil packs (Bosch)



So, with cold or in closed-loop, it gently hunts for RPM between about 650-720; not violently, just slightly up and down, up and down. Coming to a stop at a light, it’ll drop out of gear, RMPs will plummet to about 625 or so, then pop back up to 700. Before I changed the VANOS, it would almost stall, getting to around 300 RPM. Using my OBDII reader on my phone, short term fuel trim, at idle, bounces between 0 and 0.8…oscilating. I can’t find any info online of what is a healthy number. Also, no check engine light is on.



Idle in park seem steady, but really smooth. With the hood open, the engine is visibly vibrating.



I’m at a loss now. It ‘seems’ like a vacuum leak at idle, linked to PCV, as the car performs really well under throttle (BTW the VANOS were shot, as I saw a HUGE performance improvement after their replacement). I have a new PCV hose ready to install, thinking the original may be compromised, but I quickly found out the intake manifold needs removal to that job, and its way too cold out now for that! But if I go that route, I could change out all the gaskets in that system, as well as injectors….



So, what do you all think of this saga? I wanted to get more feedback before digging into the manifold…



thanks for any help you can provide!



Matt

 

Welcome to the forum

 

As a Non-Expert on Mini's, I would think vacuum leak also. Not much help, I know! Wishing you good luck finding it...