I will get a very little stutter from the engine the light will come on for a day
or 2 at the most then it is off. Dealer can find it and it will stay out for weeks or even months. Any thoughts ??

 

the dealer can or can't find it? if they can't best bet is to purchase or borrow a generic code reader than can read BMW codes and the second it pops up pull over read it. It can be a misfire code that clears it self up if they are wet and dry out or multiple other things best bet is to get a code. when the light comes on it just sputters a bit? does it have trouble starting when cold? any other issues?

also year? mileage? any recent repairs?

 

it is an 09 86K miles and no repairs knock on wood

 

A stutter is usually a misfire....
After not seeing it a bit, the computer turns off the light,...
The info should remain for a bit, before getting overwritten...
Since it has happened more than once....
I would get a codereader....pull the code...see if it is always the same cylinder...
Maybe move the coilpacks...see if it follows the pack...
If it does not...need too look deeper...

 

Thank You for you help I will pick one up

 

For as little as $30 you can get a basic one that does most stuff...very useful...
Harbour freight has a cheap unit that works fine. Think it is like $38 minus their typical coupon if one is in the area....Amazon is always an option too...
S OR NON S?
IF it is an S, a carbon cleaning might be in your future....direct injected motors have carbon issues on the intake valves, and fuel or cleaners in the fuel s does not touch them...so a different cleaning method is needed...the n14 s motor might be THE worst for this issue...
If a non-s, a shot of injector cleaner or a tank or two of premium gas might help.
In either case, keep your oil full, and clean...the MINI suggested oil changes are a bit longer than optimum IMO.

 

Coil pack can/will fail with age...not a huge deal...for an electric part, they sit in a terrible location...heat, vibration, etc...
If it does follow the coil pack when you move it, makes it a simple $100 fix...

 

Thanks everyone lots and lots of help