I just bought a 2022 Mini Countryman Oxford ed. and the check engine light came on after a few hundred miles. Then it would go off and on whenever it felt like it. I ignored it for a while but after a few thousand miles, the engine light is now constantly on. I went to AutoZone to get the computer code and it came back as P0172 System Too Rich (Bank 1). I recently took it into the mini dealership to get it looked at and they found the intercooler has damage with significant bent fins. Here's a picture. I have two questions:

Is this fixable or do I need to replace the whole intercooler?
Would this be causing the system to run too rich or should I look for another problem?

 

Welcome and sorry to hear ! I can't answer this from any experience - but would think some decent diagnostics from a shop could sort this out ( spark plugs, injectors, mass air flow sensor ... ). A leaky intercooler can play with your A/F ratio too - but would think lean ?

You have a great car - good luck !

 

If the intake air temperature is within spec while the inter cooler looks bad and provided it is not leaking think you could leave it be.

However with a too rich code that suggests it is leaking air. The air is measured and the proper fuel injector width pulse is calculated but with some air leaking out this means too much fuel is being added.

Could be a smoke test of the engine's intake system including the intercooler could confirm the thing is leaking.

 

I did a little google search - not that this answer is correct, just published ! "A leak after the turbo will make you lean under vacuum and rich under boost"

 

Yes. But the loss of air under boost is more severe and the engine controller recognizes the loss rather promptly. While excess air is pulled in at idle with the intake under low pressure the effect is not as severe. However, given enough time at idle the engine controller would probably recognize a lean condition.

I would amend my advice and offer the inter cooler condition warrants a check for any leaks.

 

Any thing under boost is worse than vacuum. I was more interested in what driving was happening to invoke the code and if driving in both non boost and boost, would you get multiple codes or only one

Either way - it could be intercooler, plugs, mass air, etc.

 

Thanks for the replies. I actually got a hold of the service records from the dealership I bought the mini from and they had to fix the exact Too Rich code before they gave it to me. It looks like they 'missed' this damage as they only re-secured the filter air pipe. I'm going to try and get them to pay for the damage. Wish me luck.

 

So, code P0172 seems to be a big one to track down the cause...

Here is a "Service Plan" for that code from https://bmwfault.codes/:
Check if faults are entered to the following components/functions, then rectify these first:
- Oxygen sensor before catalytic converter
- Hot-film air mass meter
- Intake pipe pressure sensor
- Intake air temperature sensor
- Electromotive throttle actuator
- Fuel tank vent valve
- Camshaft sensor
- High-pressure fuel system
- Low pressure fuel system
- Valvetronic intake adjuster
- Voltage supply sensor system/actuator 5 V
- Ethanol sensor (only in E100 vehicles)
Check air intake system for tightness, checking the following components as well at the same time:
- Crankcase ventilation
- Oil filler cap
- Oil dipstick
- Tank ventilation system
- Brake servo
- Cylinder head cover
Check exhaust system for leak tightness.
Rule out poor fuel grade.
Carry out the test sequence for misfire detection on the injectors.
Renew injectors and then reset adaptations.

 

njaremka Thank you for this list, I am trying to track down an errant code or two, but it seems like I'm playing Whack-a-mole. I get one error code cleared, then another pops up. Is this normal.

I currently have a P0172 code on my 2006 MCS R52 116k. It's been moderately modded with new pulley (16%), intercooler, CAI and 380cc injectors as well as some replacement parts (Fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, water pump, thermostat. Cam Shaft sensor, Crank Shaft sensor)

1. Had a long running P0304 error, finally changed the head gasket - code cleared
2. Then P0700 code - changed my Aisin transmission valve body - code cleared
3. Next P1477 code - changed my Leak Detection Pump (LDP) and Active Charcol Filter, as well as the scavenger and vacuum fuel lines I had damaged while changing the head gasket - code cleared
4. Now P0172, I put in the new +1 colder spark plugs, same problem. I have tried a new MAP sensor on intake manifold today, but the car kept stalling out, even after I reset the engine adaptations, so I put the original back in. Not cleared yet.

Except for the codes, it really seems to run fine right now. It sounds good, shifts very well. I can really feel the extra boost from the pulley. I just need to be able to get the car inspected so I can park it and not get a ticket..

There is slight fuel smell when I start the car, but I can't find any leaks, I'll retrace the steps I took on replacing the fuel breather lines and LDP again, maybe I'll find something. In addition to the 0172 code its been occasionally throwing the following codes: P0128 Coolant too cold, the dreaded P0304 misfire and P0340 Camshaft sensor error. I can drive for a few miles before the codes show up. I'll try another MAP sensor, but I'm really at wits end.

Feel like there is a vacuum leak or fuel leak, but I can't find it. From the list the Fuel tank vent valve seems like a possible candidate. Any ideas welcome.