herman has just started a little weird "querk". it seems as if the rpm at idle are about 200-300 higher than usual. any suggestions as to why this may be?

 

It could be any one of a laundry list of sensors all over the engine sending any number of signals. Basically means, without a full blown computer diagnostic system, you will never find the cause. But, the idle speed is adaptive, controlled by the ECU, and cannot be manually adjusted. So, the ECU thinks it needs to be set higher for some reason, no cause for any real concern.

 

ok sounds good...i just right it off to being british

 

Silly question, is it hot out? If it is your AC is switching on to cool the interior of your car. When this happens your car may increase the idle RPM to compensate for the power draw of the AC compressor.

 

When the engine is cold, mine idles around 1200rpm. Once warm it goes to around 700 or 800. It's always done that.

 

nope no a/c and it was doing the high idle thing after it was warm...two days later it stopped doing it. i think the magic repair gnomes fixed it for me

 

What kind of Mini is Herman?

Our '05 MCa has done this a couple times but a bit more advanced than your problem - it would idle about 1k rpm higher than normal - and would rev higher throughout the powerband as well. Both times we had to have the ECU reflashed by the dealership (warranteed) to get it back to normal - so you might keep an eye on it.