My '03 R53 seems quite anemic when moving from a standstill (lights, stop sign etc)....I have to rev the engine quite high, and the engine still almost seems to die like I haven't used enough gas....

I drove my wife's '03 R53 and there is a world of difference...hers pulls away effortlessly....at much lower RPM

I don't hear vacuum leaks and from what I can see all the SC piping and IC boots are on correctly (stock). The car does have a Sebring cat back exhaust and I'm wondering if there's too little backpressure....although the exhaust was there when I bought it and I remember the car being quicker.
Fuel consumption is also higher than my wife's car....but that could be my right foot.

Any thoughts?

 

When I hear things like this, I say go through and do a decent tune up. Plugs, if there's a lot of miles do the O2 sensors, check the air filter, make sure the belt is in good shape. If there's no CEL, it may be just that. On the other hand, if there is a code, it can most definitely be related to that.

 

+1

I just changed the plugs on my car with 35k, and really needed it!

 

Good advice!
FYI...No codes(CEL)...new filters.

Thanks...any other thoughts?

S.

 

how many miles do the 02 sensors last usually? I'm at 38k right now on my 2002 and was thinking about it but not if iit's not worth it. I was considering it because it seems to be running rich(lots of soot on the tips and fuel smell in the exhaust on cold starts) my only mods being the one ball and a K&N filter

 

Mine was getting that way towards the end of winter.
I solved it with clean filters,a full tank of gas and a dose of injector cleaner.

Seriously, the injector cleaner did a great job throughout the range, not just at low RPM. Anyway ... you know how to tune cars, if it's not computer related it should be basic.

Paul (SOMC BANZAI)

 

Over time the ECU tends to learn lazy driving and improve gas mileage and lessen power/performance.

To do it either unplug battery or do a reset through the on board computer.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/1940398-post5.html

 

do you run with the AC on all the time?

 

Same question here. I notice when I have the AC on that I've got to rev it a bit more before letting the clutch out. I'm thinking that's possibly why they went to the lower gears in the later models.

 

I don't think it's a gearing issue...
My Wife's low KM "03 really scoots off the line...
I'll replace the plugs (any suggestions), change the fuel filter under the rear seat and look for some 380 injectors as I might as well do an UPgrade....

 

I have the same issue. I thought I just am not driving it correctly, but it really is sluggish compared to what I think it should be.

I just changed the oil, filter and dirty air filter (stock) with no appreciable difference.

I've disconnected the battery a couple times, (separate issue trying to fix my glitchy NAV).

I've got 48K on everything else original. From what I've gleened from this thread is I may be due for new plugs/ wires and fuel filter. 02 sensor?

 

Hardtail, I love your 944! My folk's had a white 85.5 with maroon mags and interior. That is when my love for cars began and it was the car I learned to drive stick on before I got my lisence. How fun is that car!?

 

I was offered an interesting opinion last night....

As the ECU becomes "lazy" (and adapts to sensors aging etc) it backs off the timing to avoid detonation...If filled with really high octaine fuel...like I can find at the track...it may advance the timing giving more punch.

So...whaddyathink?

 

Sounds a bit far fetched to me and I'm already paying $4.25 / gal for my supreme. I can only imagine what "really high octane" fuel costs.

I may just be picky and expect immediate response from the gas pedal, but it seems like it just lags a bit in first gear about 2500rpm. Conversely, if I rev it and then let out the clutch more aggressively the DSC kicks in and doesn't allow my tires to spin. Maybe I need to go back to driving school, but it seems to me there needs to be a happy medium.

 

My '03 with 53k is doing the same thing. I'll try a "tune-up" and see if it helps. My ECU
was re-set (Helix instructions) and I have no codes. So I'll try filters, plugs, injector cleaner
and O2 sensors. I'm scared to price O2 sensors, but if new ones help...

 

similar situation with my 05 MCS with 35K.
seems doggy from 1000- about 1800 rpm, then it kicks.
if i rev b4 letting the clutch out.....better??
if ecu reset and filter change doesn't help i'm trying plugs and wires (?)
any other suggestions?
thanks
boxcars