Ok, I've poured over threads for days and give up.
2005 R53 6spd
I was doing about 40mph in traffic with the a/c on and it goes into limp mode and throws the light. After a quick sit on the shoulder I restart and continue along with about as much power as a Geo Metro cursing the fact that im out of warranty. I'm forced to drive the car, seeing as it runs and doesnt give me lights, for a couple days (at 40MPG!) without many problems as long as I granny foot it. When i finally get the car apart i went straight for the BPV to find the spring broken. $100 later i also fix a leak at the thermostat housing and the cars together and i take it for a trip around the block. Limp mode again! I take the belt off and spin the crank pulley around shaft like its a decoration. While I'm in there i threw in a 17% s/c pulley, a belt, and the 0% crank Pulley. Oh what a wonderful sound but where's the power? I'm getting about 33mpg but the car's a slug from 1000rpm up it moves but it's not satifying. Over 4000 it chokes up a little. The engine sounds great, no noises, nothing but the power just isnt there! What am I missing?

 

Check to see if your spark plugs are ok. The 17% forces a lot of air in there, so you might need a colder range plug.

Also, are your injectors clean? It could be a fuel delivery issue.

 

I have a somewhat similar problem. Only difference is I had a spark plug blow out on me. No limp mode but horrendous lack of power! I had an insert put in and put 4 new Brisk plugs and new wires while at it. Ever since then the car is a dog from idle all the way up to 4000 rpms, then it clears up and pulls like it did before i lost the spark plug. I too thought it was a BPV and blew $120 on a Detroit Tuned valve only to find out the same thing is still happening. Any throttle input past 50% at any rpm range from idle to 4000 and the car falls flat on its face. I think it has something to do with my insert and I'm in the process of swapping out the head with a used one. I just can't tell if its a spark problem or fuel problem. I didn't think its a spark problem because the wires are on tight at the coil and down on top of the plugs, the plugs are all torqued to factory specs and new wires. This is definitely something related to the spark plug blowing out cuz it wasn't doing this prior to the plug incident. I'm just baffled though

Steve

EDIT: Just FYI the check engine light comes on if I rev it to redline in any of the higher gears. So I brought it to my dealer and they scanned for the codes and it was a DME code108 "Absolute pressure in intake manifold - barometric pressure - input high" They tested the intake pressure sensor (MAP sensor) and the diagnostic computer could not find any faults with it (whatever that means) I'm wondering if there is a way you can test the sensor like say a resistance value? Anyone with a Bentley manual have any information on diagnosing a MAP sensor? I still think it has something to do with the spark plug insert but perhaps the MAP sensor failed when it lost all compression in the 1 cylinder???

 

what brand, style and heat range plug are you using?

 

Brisk BRSK-DR12S

 

Dude - I am having EXACTLY the same symptoms for the past several months. Started off as a yoyo and flat below 4000 - replace BPV with the DT and that fixed the yoyo, but still crap below 4000 - picks up at about 4000-4200 just like it's supposed to. I've blocked the BPV shut - no difference. I've messed around with the JCW intake - no difference. It pulls better at part throttle than at WOT. I have NOT blown out a plug and do not have an insert... so I don't think that's it. I'm getting AutoEnginuity tomorrow and plan to do some data logging to try to figure out what's going on.

FWIW, I did MAP sensor testing as part of my water/meth install here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-response.html

This was after the car started having this symptom, and it tested OK. So I doubt that's it...

I think it's possible that mine needs a retune... but really weird how the car ran GREAT with all my current mods for a while, then just started doing this out of the blue.

Here's the thread on mine:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-a-twist.html

 

I certainly hope that I am not about to have this serious of a problem but I can feel my 03S pull back a just a little around 70mph (3000k rpm). It feels like there is a wind hitting the car from the front and it does this only @70mph AND @ 3k rpm. I haven't done any mods to it either. I don't know how else to explain it but it is a very subtle jerky feel and the tach does not fluctuate when this happens. I feel like I am going crazy.... Is this something that anyone has experienced?

 

I forgot to add that I am in Phoenix and its hot (115 degrees hot) so I know that my engine is even hotter. Could the temp and my symptoms be associated somehow? I ran across an intercooler that sprays water in order to help cool the engine but can not find it again. Think its a worthwhile mod or is it snake oil?

Thanks.

 

i'm having similar issues and think it may be fuel delivery. when making rt. turns (sharp) with low fuel ocassionally the power will cut out; and when cold my throttle response is total crap . so my thoughts are the fuel pressure. gotta pick up a gauge and test it .

 

also i'm an *** when it comes to running low on fuel . my wife wont let a car go below 1/4 tank but me ...naw i gotts clog all the lines and injectors and crap just to prove i.m an *** i guess .

 

How many miles do you have on your Mini? I have around 86k....maybe its the fuel filter. That is the only thing I can think of. I have switched out the usual gas station that I use (after running well below the 1/4 mark) to two others and still the same thing. I don't want to add any mods to my car before I figure this out. If I do, the jerki-ness might get masked and never fixed OR it might re-emerge as something really big and breaking down in the desert is not a good idea.

 

Blimey, do you have a "water-to air" performance intercooler? I live in AZ. and the temp can get grueling at times. It is common to see a temp of 110 degrees in the afternoon. So, I thought that this "water-to-air" intercooler might help a little. If you do not have one, have you heard any pro's and cons about them?
Thanks.