I have a 2011 John Cooper Works. On ocation the engine light would come on and just glow in gold. No blinking. Reading the manual it is often emissions issues or possibly the fuel cap on too tight. After a few miles it would go off. No big deal I would get this with my 2007 mini when I had it also.
But around 7000 miles it came on and it does not go off. The car is running poorly. Sometime I get a huge cloud of smoke when I first start it in the AM and then I get the light that shows the engine working with half power. I shut it iff and it seems to reset and then the car runs better, but still seems lacking HP.
I have ran two tanks of the best gas through it, and took the air cleaner apart thinking maybe I got a mouse nest in there or something. Everything looks as clean as when I got the car new.
It is not ready for its first service yet, but I am ready to bring it in. Thought about changing the fuel filter. The gas these days is just so terrible, maybe it is gummed up?
Clogged injectors? any ideas?

 

Is there some reason you have not already contacted your MINI dealer and scheduled to take it in to be checked out?

 

I have just been busy and my dealer is about one hour drive away. Then I would have to wait there so that I do not have to drive two vehicle there twice. I know the engine lights can be quirky and they come on easily. Just thought someone may have some ideas before I schedual to bring it in. My delay is not about the $$$, just the time. I dont drive the car a lot and I work one mile from home, so I am certainly not abusing it during this time.
I am schedualling an appointment for it soon.
I own an equipment dealership and often customers call with silly problems that are simple to us, but not to them. Lots of problems can be solved quickly over the phone. Just thought I would see what everyone had to say if anything.
I am pretty smart with this stuff in spite of being a woman. I am a diesel equipment mechanic. But thought maybe I was overlooking something silly.

 

jmo, but if whatever is wrong is enough to put it into limp mode and you are getting puffs of smoke on occasion, it is more than a simple issue. A 2011 with 7,000 some miles is certainly still under warranty, so should not be any cost involved (other than your time having to deal with the situation). Not sure about your dealer, but mine is very good about offering to shuttle folks to different places while they wait and/or providing a loaner.

fwiw, if your daily commute is only one mile, it may not seem like it, but that is probably in the severe duty category b/c the motor is rarely getting up to full operating temps.

Let us know what you find out.

 

With the light on and running poorly,you should take it in ASAP.
You could do more damage by driving it.

I have to take ours in for a CEL that came on and went off.It did throw a code.

Our dealer offers loaner cars which is great because the dealer is 50 miles away.

 

You should get a scangauge you can see what code its throwing when its doing it, so you can diagnosis and fix