Twice now we have gotten a CEL with less than 6k miles on the car. First trip to the dealer we were told is was a "lean" issue and there was a flash for the ECU to fix the issue. 400 miles later, my wife starts the car and the engine races and is shaking bad with a CEL. This time it was towed to the dealer. The state no issues with the engine racing or shaking when they started it but now the CEL indicates a "rich" condition.

I do not comprehend how in 400 miles we go from a lean condition to a rich condition and the answer is "there is a ECU update " needed. Mind you the car is under warranty, but twice in 400 miles with fuel trims being on the complete opposite ends is a bit confusing.

My wifes commute is roughly 9 miles each way to work. We were told that her trips are too short and that will cause fuel trim concerns. To take it out on the highway and drive it more.

Wait, what?

Has anyone else experienced this or heard of this nonsense?

Getting close to pushing for more drastic measures with this car.

 

That is the craziest thing (excuse for a dealer not knowing) Ive ever heard.

Are you using the same gas? Maybe it could be something in the gas? Im my old STi, there was one particular BP I'd go to and I kid you not, every time I'd get gas there Id get a CEL for a clogged injector.

Time for a ByteTronik ECU stage 1 flash!

 

No he doesn't need an ECU flash, that would create all sorts of issues with warranty at this point. What he needs is a sit down with the service manager, sales manager and dealership GM to address the issues. Taking the car out on the road for a long drive is a good thing, but doubtful that it is related to the current issue. Most of my driving is less than 9 mile runs and I have no CEL or fuel issues.

 

Yeh tuning is not an option at this point. I have reached out to Corporate. I am awaiting a call back from them.

The SM and GM are of no help.

Glad I am not the only one who thinks their reasoning was a bunch of BS.

 

(It was sarcasm......)

 

My Mini SA gave me the same advice for my previous Mini (R60). Also lectured me on only using Shell brand premium.

I asked him, what makes Minis so delicate that they won't run on other top tier brands? And what car would he recommend that has a more robust engine design :D

I was just messing with him. I'm on my 4th mini now and love them. But I couldn't believe my ears. That's the same dealership that tried to tell me my engine oil leak was normal and not covered by my new car warranty.

Oh the games some dealers play!

 

We were asked the same, what gas do we use. Since day one all we have used is Shell 93. I also run Shell 93 in my WRX. Never an issue with it. I find it outrageous that these cars are so temperamental with gas and the distance in which you drive it.

Has really change my mind on the brand. We had a 15' Cooper S prior which was driven the exact same as this one and never had a problem with check engine lights for the 3 years we had it. Should have kept it.

 

Bring it to another dealer? Otto is moving back to their original location in West Chester. That would be closer.

 

Are they? I had not heard that. That is much closer!! Thank you for the heads up.

 

I received an email from them the other day:

Dear Valued Otto’s MINI Customers,

We are proud to announce that the time has drawn near to move our MINI operation back to where it all began some 16 years ago - 1275 Wilmington Pike (Rt. 202N) in West Chester. Our transition will begin in earnest on Wednesday, March 13th and will likely last into the weekend. During this transition, we will be ceasing operations here in Exton. Our target date to begin operations in West Chester is Monday, March 18th.

 

If the light comes back on, I will take it to Ottos. Thanks again!