Was told that carbon builtup is a common cause of getting the limp mode on my 2012 CMSALL4! I have 73,000 miles and drive it 150 miles per day! Just replaced plugs but that didn't take care of the problem! Any ideas? Thanks!

 

Who told you that?

 

my local speed shop that specializes in Mini Cooper !!!

 

my local speed shop that specializes on Mini Cooper

 

I recently read that the carbon problem was with the older engine, not the one you have. I could be wrong, hopefully someone expert will chime in.

 

They said they've seen it in a few CM! I'm just aggravated with it going in and out of partial power loss....:(

 

that's interesting given that I don't think any other CM owner here has reported a carbon build up problem. As Minnie said, the problem was with the older engine (that was never used in the countryman), but you would think that a speed shop that specializes in mini's would know that. Which speed shop is this?

When your car goes into limp mode, doesn't it store an OBDII trouble code? Assuming yes, what code or codes were stored?

Even if it was a carbon buildup problem, I don't see how the result would be that the engine would go into limp mode. Have any modifications been made to your engine?

 

A few people have had carbon buildup issues with the newer engine (N18). Here's one: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ec-tuning.html
Limp mode caused by carbon buildup would be pretty extreme though. I don't think seen that reported even with the older N14 engine.

 

If the limp mode and check engine light is thrown because of carbon build up, what would the code be? Would it be just engine misfire codes?

 

I believe the only way you'll get close to an accurate diagnosis is to be able to read the CCID code when the MINI is reduced power mode. Everything I've read says the computer does not store the CCID codes like it does the OBD codes. And apparently reading the CCID codes takes the BMW-specific software to do so, meaning either a visit to the dealer or a good shop that specializes in MINI and has invested in the equipment needed to read the CCID.

@preme123 - off the top of my head, I think that is what I've seen people posting when they get carbon build-up related OBD codes - misfires.

 

My ctm s ALL4 now has about 57700miles on the clock and I'm getting a yellow check engine light every morning. But a warm up, hard-rev and a restart of the engine will clear away the limp mode. I've changed all the spark plugs and ignition coils but it didn't solve the problem...

But it's not that much a problem as the limb mode clears itself everyday hahaha

Can this be a carbon build up issue? Premium fuel everyday, regular oil flushes too. The OBD reader throw misfire codes only.

 

Two codes 2c57- low boost pressure, and 2c91 blow off valve jamming at times... And yes my shops owner is a 30 year master bmw mechanic!! And yes it clears limp mode / half yellow engine low power light! And I'm at 73,500 miles

 

when I took my 12 with 26k miles in for service they told me i had carbon build up and needed to do a clean up costing me $300 :(

 

300$ isn't bad I heard more like $1000-$2000....:(

 

The Blow off valve issue is a common one esp. first thing in the morning. Not hard to change or expensive. Carbon wont cause that code.

 

interesting.... That's what my mechanic just told me! Hes gonna do some diagnostic testing on thursday! Don't want to start replacing parts unless for sure know what's causing it!

 

All direct fuel injection will hv carbon build up. You should feel like lack of power or hesitation for initial signs, but then that can be like a blown DV too.

There is really no way to prevent carbon build up unless you do a full carbon clean. I had a full carbon clean up around 32K on my Audi and they are known to hv carbon build up. It wasn’t too bad at the time, but since I was doing work in that area, mind as well get it clean. Is really a hit or a miss, some with like low miles can hv a lot of build up or some don’t see the same amount until they are like 85k. You can minimize and prolong the carbon clean up service by driving yr car hard and in high revs to burn the carbon. In addition, use higher grade fuel and during oil change intervals you can add additives to reduce carbon build up

 

So I took my car to the mini dealer to see what their diagnosis is.....and the service advisor says need a new turbo....$3300 to replace!!!! Now I'm waiting for service manager to call back...,,:(

 

Wow I'm sorry. Good luck!

But FYI, you can get a rebuilt turbo or new turbo for a lot less than $3,300. Take it to the independent MINI shop, not dealer, unless they cover it for you out of goodwill.

Keep us updated.

 

Curious why you just did not go with what your mechanic was telling you. Sounds like you have a lot of trust in him (so long as he is up to date on current BMW technology, I've come across some old timers out there who are not current with their technology education, and I would be afraid to let them touch my car for anything more than the basics). Then again, you really don't know who is working on your car at a dealer. There are some brilliant technicians, and unfortunately some real flunkies too.

 

Yikes! Hard driving or did cool down before you shut down the car. You can get used turbo for a fair price. Search around or ask yr local euro speed shops

 

I do trust my mechanic but wanted to see what the dealer would do for me and get their diagnosis! So it's seems the factory bov tends to go brittle and pieces of plastic could go into the turbo and ruin it! Btw dealer contacted mini USA and they're willing to pay 50% of the replacement bill!

 

no doubt 50% is better than nothing, but if there is a defect in the design, wouldn't the right thing to do to be to extend the warranty on that part for all owners?

 

Yeah I know! I tried but at 75000 miles they won't do any better! But they warranty the new turbo 2 years unlimited miles and as much as I drive it will be less than 2 years! I drive 900 mles per week back and forth to work!

 

UPDATE so I picked up my car this morning from dealer! Replaced turbo and they also installed my new Forge bov! Runs better but bov is surging and sounds like a rattlesnake..... Not cool...:( going back to dealer in the am and hopefully they can figure out what they did wrong.... Might have to call Forge motorsports and have them talk and see what the can figure out....:(