Hiii everyone,

First time posting so please be easy on me . I'm in sort of an odd situation, and am hoping that all you wonderful people's combined mini knowledge could possibly help me out. And if I am posting this in the wrong section i apologize. Please bare in mind that I am completely new to all this modding/performance stuff, though I've spent a TON of time looking around the NAM forums trying to absorb as much mini knowledge as possible.

Ok, so basically the story is.... I traded my old cobalt in on a used 2006 mini cooper s manual w/ 22k miles last june. It was obvious when test driving the mini at the dealership that it wasn't a stock vehicle (very loud and very fast), it was a good deal so I went for it. I managed to run into the previous owner the very next day while checking my tire pressure in front of a Target. He apparently spotted me from across the street and immediately knew it was his old mini, and came over to tell me about it (it sort of stands out, chili red with back viperstripes). He told me about all the different mods he had done (I did alot of nodding, not really knowing what he was telling me), and also recommended this forum as he had found it very useful in the past. His username on here was RIPPER, and I have managed through the use of the members list feature to sort of follow his old threads and learn about my new coop as I become more familiar with the ins & outs of the modding/tuning world.

He had a thread here.... https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...fs-06-mcs.html where he lists out everything that is in the car. To the best of my knowledge all of the parts listed in his post are still currently in the car with the exception of the M7 DFIC, boost gauge/pod, and the M7 strut tower plates (i believe he removed these and private sold b4 trading it in). The only thing I have added to the vehicle is an M7 strut bar. Ripper recommended I purchase both something to replace the strut plates as well as an intercooler (which I have yet to get around to).

My mini (for the most part) has been good to me, it's incredibly fast and fun to drive, it turns heads, sounds great, and all that good stuff but has also left me with a few headaches as well. I'd say maybe three months after buying it, I found my self at Mini of Towson (I live in maryland) for a check engine light and performance issues. BMW determined the problem to be a defective post cat o2 sensor, they replaced it and I was good as new(they also gave me a whole lot of crap for my mods). My warranties were voided for basically everything because of all the mods so I had to pay out of pocket, but shifting was no longer rough and I had my power back that I lost when my SES light came on. After this little event it was smooth sailing up until about a month ago. I was filling up at a gas station near my house and added some techron fuel injector cleaner (directions were correctly followed). When I was done I drove home with no problems. When I started my car up the next day I found that my SES light was on and my mini felt extremely sluggish and unresponsive. I had a shop nearby take a look for me and the codes they pulled for me were P0420 and P0130, they told me that my pre cat o2 sensor was now dead and they would need to order another from BMW in order to fix it, I informed them that I would prefer to supply a bosch o2 sensor that I am currently having autozone ship from their warehouse for me and that I would be in this friday to have it replaced. When I picked my coop up from them earlier today my SES was off and overall the vehicle felt more responsive then before I brought it in, though still lacking alot of performance/exhaust sound. I'm not sure if this is because they reset the codes and car just hasnt picked up on the error again yet, or if my SES is just going through one of its lit/not lit phases it's been going through since this started and the slight performance boost is all in my head.

So yeah, that basically brings me to typing this post right now. Again I'm sorry for this being such an absurdly long and boring story, but I thought it would be important that you guys know exactly where I'm at in case there's anyone with a big enough heart to help me answer my numerous nooby questions and hopefully eventually get my mini cooper back to the level of performance I know it's capable of. If I have left out any information that could help please let me know, being new to all this I miss stuff sometimes sorry lol . OK so with all that being said, here are all my noob questions/ problems. Any tidits of info anyone has about anything I would absolutely love to hear it, I'm going to try to use this to learn as much as I can about my mini....

Problems:
1. Since this last fit of bad o2 sensor business, my mini has been running much rougher than normal, and even rougher then when my post cat whent bad and I had to have BMW replace it. My minis exhaust sounds much weaker than normal, the car lacks its regular pickup and power, and my supercharger whine is almost completely non exsistent and is instead replaced by a sort of whirly whizzing sound that seems to be in tune with where my whine would normally be/ increasing with throttle pressure. Does this sound like something I should be freaking out about or something that would come along with a dead pret cat o2 sensor and will likely go away when I have it replaced with the Bosch on friday.

2. When accerlating initialy in first gear from a stop I sometimes experience hesitation. The car starts to go, studders a bit and than resumes accelerating as normal. This happens only in first gear and I would stay more so when the car is not warmed up. If my BPV was going up, would this be something that might happen because of that?

Questions?
1. In ripper's post in the link above he mentions he had a RMW custom tune done. Is it possible that when I took my car into bmw for the sensor that they reflashed or reset my ecu without telling me and in turn got rid of the tune? The paperwork mentions that they "reset my adaptations" after the o2 install. Is it even possible to mess up the custom tune short of doing another tune ontop of it?

2. If I do mods in the future such as an aftermarket intercooler, do I need to have my mini retuned or does the tune already compensate for those future upgrades.

3. Looking at the mods listed in the link what sort of power would you think i should expect (WHP guestimates)?

4. Is there any reputable performance shops located in or near maryland that any of you know about. I need to start taking my mini to a place who cares about the performance I'm getting. I've had nothing but bad experiences with bmw and my local mechanics.

5. what would you do in my shoes?

thanks in advance for any help, any info or input would be helpful

 

First: Welcome to NAM!
As for item 2 above, the hesitation thing is pretty common from my experience - especially when the engine is basically cold. If you're a little more aggressive with the right foot when pulling away from a stop, there will be no hesitation (at least this is my experience).
The rest: I'll leave to the modders since I've done none in five years on my MCS.
Good luck!

 

Welcome!!! One thing you can try next time you get a code for the O2 sensor is to pull it off and wipe it with a soft rag. Not all the time, but sometimes bad fuel can cause the O2 sensor to foul up with carbon and this can be wiped off. Note, do not use any cleaners, just a dry soft rag. I got rid of my hesitation on take off with a Sprint Booster. It's not for everybody, but works like a charm for me. As far as the tune goes, I'm not sure. You might want to contact RMW and see what Jan says. If the original owner has the proof that a tune was done, maybe Jan can get you the correct parameters. Don't know, but always worth a shot. I've noticed that these cars can be temperamental with mods. Sometimes they run like a race bred car, and then one day they run like crap. Some other things to check on are the plugs and wires, make sure the air filter is clean, check the belt tension, and make sure the bypass valve is good.

 

Welcome to NAM.
Since the tune was likely done with the mods on the the car, namely, the IC, you may need to get it re-tuned, or reflashed by the dealer to make sure it runs right.
The bit of hesitation is common...sometimes called a yo-yo..the loss os sc whine is concerning, but for now, get the new o2 sensor in, and see how it runs.
IC normally don't add lots of power for the $$, so replacing it is iffy...
Not having read the list of things he has on his car...one tip...do not get it reflashed by the dealer if it has larger than stock or jcw fuel injectors. If he mentiond it had 420's, 440's, 550's etc...it may not run well/at all after a dealer flash without a tune.
The o2 sensors are a problem item on mini's...many cars got a warrenty on them extented to 10 yrs, 100,000 miles...so the fact they have failed is not that unheard of.
Be sure to update us after the o2 swap!!

 

PS...remember that good gas is a must for a Mini. This is doubly true for a modded car!! Get the highest you can get... 93 is great!! It is likely what the car was tuned with.
Since they said they "re-set" adaptations the tune should be intact...if they said reflashed to current software, then there might be a problem.

 

it ran fine for a while after purchase . you had the intercooler you have now and it ran just fine . then post o2 trouble . then pre o2 trouble . also cold running is not good . install on o2 (pre cat may be iffy due to being spliced) but likely it's a sensor causing the o2 code . seems the o2's can report symtoms and be accused of themselves being bad . alot of map sensor troubles reported (do a search on them and check for similar symtoms) and tmap sensor trouble too . how's mileage compared to before? do the start and shut down deal with a partner in the cabin and you under the hood ; listen for a hiss when it's shut down . you may hear a short hiss like a tire letting out air . to find the vacuum leak you may need to do this a few times . you can try propane aimed at the intake areas and all vacuum connections . the propane will cause the rpms to go up if a vacuum leak is present . or try carb cleaner and spray it on the gasket surfaces and vacuum joints . drive it hard and try to get a code . +1 on the good gas . if you have access to a pressure gauge it wont hurt to test fuel pressure .

 

Thanks for all the responses guys, and it's nice to meet you all aswell.

So I just got back from dropping my mini off at the shop to get my o2 replaced with the bosch one i picked up, I'm also having them check to make sure there are no vacuum leaks as per herbie's recomendation. I'm hoping this will take care of my present performance issues.

As for some of the questions, I always use 93 octane so I'm relatively confident that fuel is not my problem. It's relieving to know that the hesitation issue is not just me, takes some weight off my mind. I'll have to check into that sprint booster father, I find the hesitation absolutely irritating when I'm trying to get a good launch. From what I can gather my tune is still intact, once I get my o2 fixed I will have to look into contacting RMW to set up a re-tune (do they have a shop somewhere on the east coast or woud I have to find other means of meeting with them?) . I'm still on the fence about the intercooler and how much gain I'm actually going to see because of it, and saving my money does sound nice. I'm also worred that my bpv is going up on me, maybe ill buy a detroit tuned one and have this shop put it in just to put my mind at ease.

But anyway in the meantime I'm waiting for this place to call me back and tell me that the o2 sensor was a success and my car is running better then ever!!!! haha maybe I'm getting my hopes up to high.... . Once I pick it up (should be within an hour), I'll update you guys with how she's running. Again thanks for the help everyone!

 

just picked it up. mini is pulling hard and sounds great, and according to the shop everything went just fine. going out for a drive while its still light out....

 

Son, there's a lot of words in post1
"with the exception of the M7 DFIC, boost gauge/pod, and the M7 strut tower plates (i believe he removed these and private sold b4 trading it in).
"
Don't think any tune exists for just an IC. If there is an RMW tune having the O2 replaced - most likely the upstream, clearing the codes DOES NOT touch the tune.
Bottom line it sounds like all was sorted - something to think about, it might take a while for all the PIDs ( moniters ) to complete - new O2 sensor. Sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes longer........
What part of the country do you live in, going with a bigger IC may not do anything for you. Does the SC have a pulley upgrade, exhaust system.......
Sprint Booster
Welcome & put a smile on your face w/the car

 

Good to hear it is running good....from looking at the list of parts in the thread you pointed to, it sounds like you have an wicked good car!!
If it runs good with the o2 replaced, just like stevescars60 said...I would just drive it and have fun.
A bigger IC is more about making sure you keep the HP you have in cool weather, when it gets hot outside. We all see a bit of performance loss on hotter days....but on a $$ per HP...the SC is not a great investment. Heck, unless you live in a VERY hot location the OEM is pretty darn good. The OEM GP is a bit better...but again....the $$ is better spent elsewhere for most folks...even on better maintenance, like good spark plugs, etc.

Again, goor to hear it is running great again!!

And from the post he points to for referance folks...here is the list of stuff on the car!!


Mods:
RMW head
RMW header
RMW portmatched intake manifold
RMW catback exhaust
440cci injectors
RMW custom tune(on Helix's dyno)
DDM intake
Helix 15% pully
Helix short shifter
M7 DFIC (removed before purchase)
M7 oil cc
M7 stp (stated, removed before purchase)
TSW engine damper
Autometer boost gauge
Alta gauge pod
Enki j10's(17x7 18.8lbs each)
falkin ziex ze 912's (205-45-17)
EBC green stuff pads
Braided break lines Ft/bk
BMW aero front bumper
BMW front tow hook
Flat black viper stripes
Alta shorty antenna
35% tint
oil changed at 5&10 thousand miles w/royal purple

All work was performed by Eric at Helix, and was dyno tuned on his dyno at 211.4whp. that should be approx220-225whp on dynojet dyno.
over 11,000 invested on top
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/minis-and-minis-for-sale-archive/121194-fs-06-mcs.htmlof price of the car.



That is one FAST R53 I bet!!

 

I have seen this mini in person longgggg ago too..
sounded nice and aggressive

 

yea it's stupid fast and a whole lot of fun (most of the time)

Unfortunately there has been an upsetting turn of events tonight. My brother and I decided to go out driving ( I was gunna follow behind his 350z). When I turned my mini on I noticed that my check engine light was back on, and I experienced a slight loss in power. The car was doing great all day after getting it back from the shop for the o2 fix so I decided to just go ahead and go for it and hope the SES would pop back off while driving. About 20 min into our motoring, my cars engine completely shut down and I was forced to coast into a nearby church's parking lot. I attempted to restart the car multiple times, it would stumble at startup and then at the moment it would normally kick on, it would shut off completely. Not wanting to cause any further damage I had my brother drive me back home so I could get a towing companies number. Long story short I waisted 2 hours and 2 tow trucks only to be told that they don't have the hook they need to tow me and that I need to contact mini of towson (1 hr away) and buy the eye hook from them. So for atleast the next 8 hours my car is going to be sitting on the side of some shitty back road almost getting hit by people..... I'm very upset right now

it wouldn't even be that bad had my coop not been running perfect earlier today, something I haven't gotten to enjoy for weeks.

 

sorry to hear about this tragic turn of event. my next guess ontop of everything else would be maybe a warped head from heat, wires, fuel lines, etc. check all major components. hope things go well and that this isnt a super major problem. when our cars run good... they are GOOD. but when they go bad... hell brakes lose. if i had know this before i bought my cooper s, i wouldnt have gotten it. but heck, its all in good fun i guess. motor hard, and fun. the more mods you got, the more likely you are to get problems.

 

Need the codes.....

Sounds like an air leak.....something blew off! Could be something really simple...... Catch can hose....IC coupler.....

 

just got back from the shop, they told me that when Mini of Towson did my post cat o2, they extended the wires for it which was completely unnecessary they apperantly mistook my post cat wires for my pre cat wires and then jammed the excess wiring up inside my heat shield to get it out of the way

the shoddy work caused a fuse to blow (the blue #15 one 3rd one up) thus causing the engine to crap out on me. he fixed the wiring as best he could and has been unable to duplicate it since, car seems to be running ok

going to autozone now to pick up another replacement bosch and have set up an appointment for friday to get it put on. hopefully that'll fix it

 

dont take it to the same shop haha.

 

It was simple, Bosch botched. It makes 1 wonder, how do you screw up a simple plug in????? Nothing sharp allowed, marker pens or crayons

 

so I just finally got my post cat replaced again, and had the wiring checked and double checked. I talked to the tech that worked on my car and he informed me that if my problems persisted and my SES came back on it was most likely my catalytic converter going bad and causing these problems. Well low and behold about a mile down the street the SES pops back on (same code P0130) and before long my cars back into limp mode.

Would you guys have any insight into this? I'm not sure if my cat is aftermarket or not (I assume aftermarket cats are available as everything else seems to be purchasable aftermarket). Do you think my cat going bad would cause these issues? My mini has only 27k miles on it, and if the cat is after market I would imagine the cat itself would have even less miles on it, I would like to think I wouldnt have to replace it so soon..... Also if you do think I should replace the cat, is there any specific one your would recommend to avoid this problem in the future? (my mods are listed in the posts above)

Any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated, this whole things has been a month long headache, and I would just like to get my car back to its old self again

thanks everyone

 

Steve : I apologize !! obey

 

I think you may want to call RMW. Something is going on with the upstream O2..... after a restart does limp go away???? There are a couple of other things to look at.. Just want to make sure it's only 0130.. any pending codes?