So, I had a weird issue arise yesterday while running errands in town and I'm curious if anyone else has experienced it.

Weather was warm & sunny with no rain on the pavement.

I got in the CM and flipped on MAX A/C and proceeded to pull out of a parking lot onto a side street. I made a right hand turn and when I got up to about 20 mph the traction control light illuminated and the brakes started grabbing until I slowed down to about 10 mph. I tried to speed back up and it fought me again, preventing me from going any faster.

I pulled into another lot and turned the car off. After a few moments I turned the car back on and it has been trouble free since, but my confidence is a bit shaken as I would hate for this to have happened out of town or at some other inconvenient moment.

I'm going to contact the local MINI service dept today, but I'd like to know if anyone else has had this problem before I do.

 

YES!
We had this same issue - and took a couple visits to the dealership to figure out.
This happened several times to my wife and she was in fact unable to drive the vehicle over 10mph after it happened leaving her essentially stranded. Happened every time after she made a left turn at a light. It would go into severe "limp" mode and retard the throttle entirely etc.
Then figured that a lateral G sensor had gone bad - ordered and installed and so far no issues. I'd suggest you telling them about my experience. They were not able to confirm the sensors had gone bad but assumed it was that based on the codes that were thrown and the symptoms. They had to call in support form Germany to figure out so hopefully this helps save you time. The car was in the shop about 2 weeks.

After the first time it happened we towed it in and they did an ECU reset - got the car back the next day and it ran fine for a day or two then happened again. Very dangerous situation as she was turning left in front of approaching cars when it shut down on her.

 

I remember you mentioning the power issue in another thread.. good to hear they eventually located the problem! I'll definitely bring that lateral G sensor to their attention. I certainly cannot have them keep the car for weeks. We've got MTTS coming up next weekend and I'd really like to have the car for it! Nice timing, huh.

 

I'd get it fixed before doing more driving. If it happened once it will probably happen again. It's very dangerous actually. They had to order the sensor which took a while. We had a fun loaner though - much more fun than the CM - a JCW Cooper S 2 door with the JCW exhaust and tune etc.

 

This is a bit scary, is this something all CM owners should be concerned about?

 

I certainly hope it's not a wide spread issue... if so this is the sort of thing that would cause a recall.
Let's see what Steve's end result is...

 

Unfortunately, the dealership is slammed and could only get me in next Wednesday which is way too short of time before MTTS. Since it was a one-time thing that has happened so far, I think we'll wait till we get back from the event and then schedule a service. I'll certainly keep you folks updated as I find out more.

 

Check the brake fluid level first!!

 

I hope you don't have any issues while on your trip. Have fun!

 

Thanks! We're really looking forward to the festivities!