I have that little yellow engine thingee displaying on my 08 Mini S. Connected a scanner and got codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303. I'm fairly certain that it's not misfiring on all cylinders. In fact, it seems to run fine.

My Mini has 33,000 miles. It was parked for about 3-4 weeks. That's when the light came on. Any ideas?

 

Well, when the Check Engine Light (CEL) occurs and you're pulling hard fault codes, the ECU is definitely detecting those misfires whether you notice them or not.

* MINI DTC P0300 - Random / Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
* MINI DTC P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
* MINI DTC P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
* MINI DTC P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Start with pulling the spark plugs and confirming the correct gap.
Also confirm that the electrode and insulator are in good condition.
If plugs are good, then you'll need to look at the ignition coils.

- Erik

 

I installed all new plugs and the light is still on. If the problem was the spark plugs, would the light go off right away, by itself? Or, would it take awhile (again by itself)? Or, do I have to clear the codes with a code reader? I don't want to delve into coils until I'm certain it wasn't the plugs.

 

An added question... (I don't know if this a self erasing code - though I suspect not)

Can this code be erased if the fault is still present but only occurs when the engine is cold?

When I faced those codes on my '12MCS it was due fouled plugs brought on by a loose/detached turbo inlet, and i have also had a P0301 code all alone due a bad #1 injector. In both cases I tried to reset the code before going to BMW and was unable - it could be due to me using a Garmin GPS to reset codes - it's not a diagnostic tool, it is a convenience that may not be able to reset anything!
E

 

I found the answer to my own question in the Bently manual. If the problem was the spark plugs (which I replaced), then the codes will clear automatically after 40 consecutive cycles that don't have a fault. One cycle consists of starting the Mini when it is COLD and reaching a temperature of at least 160 degree. Since it is winter where I live, and I don't drive the Mini in the winter, I probably won't know if this worked for several months.

 

Hmmm... A month +/- a bit with the light on, then it self clears... Not very useful for the DIY tech on his DD. I'd go mad. There must be a non dealership way to clear codes fast!
E

 

I was able to clear a P0456 (small evap leak) on my 2003 Justa with my Android (Torque app) and my Bluetooth OBD2 adapter. On my wife's 2004 Justa, I couldn't clear it. Drove it to Advance Auto, they read the code, but said they weren't allowed to clear it. Drove it to Autozone, and they cleared it for me. Free.

Neither SES light has returned, after 5 or so months.

Keith, who played musical gas caps, and eventually replaced the one for the 2004, since it looked pretty old...