I have an 07 Cooper (base) with 125,000k on it. Just had spark plugs done and oil change.
Before spark plugs and oil change, I noticed that my mini didn't have the power in first gear anymore, especially after I stop at a red light or a stop sign. If the mini is not at a full stop, then the horsepower is just fine, with the AC off.
My mini idles just under 1000 rpms. The other gears are better, but not as good as they have been.
When the AC is on, forget it. My horsepower is very little and the engine revs to 5000 before I get any decent power in first.

Still having issues after oil change, air filter change, and spark plugs.
Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

The mini has stalled out twice at a reg light. Starts right back up, but still have little horsepower.

 

I had a similar problem in my 2001 Mustang GT. It would die at the light from time to time (got worse over a week or so), and power seemed very low at low revs. Turned out the valve to the air mass meter/sensor was sticking at low speeds (and likely sapped some of the power at higher speed). The air mass meter collects data to help the ECU determine the right amount of fuel to inject. It is common for carbon to build up and cause abnormal readings which may be causing the problems similar to what you are having. I haven't looked for the sensor on the mini, but on the Mustang it was easy to remove from the car (a couple screws and an electrical connection). You can take it off and use fuel injector cleaner on it to see if that helps the problem. I hope this helps.

 

You don't think it's the clutch slipping ititially after starting in first gear, then engaging?

 

Thanks for the replies. It is an automatic. Only when the AC is on is when this really noticeably happening.
Will reseach about the sensor.
It seems that this car has so many sensors!

 

You will lose power with the AC on, this is normal. The AC is a huge strain on the engine and even my S loses power with the AC on, every car does this.

Your car is fine, don't tear into it unless there is a problem.

 

I can't tell when my AC is on or off, I lose zero power.

 

If that truly is the case, I question if your AC is actually working.

Running the AC compressor takes power, period. There's no way around it. In most cars I have driven, pressing the AC button makes a noticeable difference to the way the car drives--even going straight at 65 MPH with cruise on, you can feel the momentary drag when the AC gets turned on.

 

Was going to say the same. I have never seen a car not take a power hit with the AC on.