R60 Engine Stuttering Problem
Engine Stuttering Problem
I have a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S 6 speed. Last year in the winter I noticed some engine stuttering when it started to get cold. At idle when the engine is cold, it will drop below 1000rpm and the whole car will shake until it goes back up.
I took the car into the shop to have work done on it, and the shop told me it was most likely a problem with the spark plugs. I had them replaced, and the problem seemed to be fixed for a while. Fast-forward to this winter, the issue is coming back full force. I doubt it fully has to do with the spark plugs, as I have only put about 10,000 miles on the car since I had them replaced.
My initial thought would be the fuel pump, but I hope not considering the price / pain in the butt to replace it. Anyone else have this issue?
I took the car into the shop to have work done on it, and the shop told me it was most likely a problem with the spark plugs. I had them replaced, and the problem seemed to be fixed for a while. Fast-forward to this winter, the issue is coming back full force. I doubt it fully has to do with the spark plugs, as I have only put about 10,000 miles on the car since I had them replaced.
My initial thought would be the fuel pump, but I hope not considering the price / pain in the butt to replace it. Anyone else have this issue?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 758
From: DFW, TX
Even though your problem sounds like a fuel delivery issue, a set of new spark plugs would not cure a faulty fuel pump. You might try running injector cleaner through your next two fill ups. Also, make sure you use premium-grade gas (93 octane minimum).
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 486
Likes: 19
From: DC Metro
Not just premium, but from a name-brand station. I've noticed that repeated use of independent (non-Top Tier) gas, even the highest octane, results in rough running and decreased performance.
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
Yes I knew that the spark plugs were not effecting the fuel pump. I was wondering if this sounded like an issue with the fuel pump since replacing the spark plugs did not create a lasting fix. I only run premium gas through my car as well, but I will for sure look into injector cleaner. Thank you!
Not just premium, but from a name-brand station. I've noticed that repeated use of independent (non-Top Tier) gas, even the highest octane, results in rough running and decreased performance.
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 246
From: Washington state
The Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner is a good one for our cars. I run a bottle through every few fill-ups and the car seems to like it, and I have seen it recommended by many on this forum.
I was having an issue similar to this, where on cold mornings it would have a bit of a misfire and thought it may be the HPFP going out, since I had just replaced the plugs about 2 months prior. But it did turn out to be a bad spark plug. The Beru plugs don’t seem to have a very long life all of the time, whether that’s from a quality control issue or maybe even an issue with my car..... I have no idea, but since getting an ECU tune last summer and switching to the NGK 1422 colder plugs, it has not happened at all this winter like it did the previous one. I usually recommend to anyone to use OEM plugs and coils unless you are modding and need a different heat range spark plug, but you may want to try the NGK equivalent to the OEM plug to see if that helps the issue. It’s a lot cheaper than a new HPFP! Which also starts with similar cold start issues.
Good luck and keep us updated
I was having an issue similar to this, where on cold mornings it would have a bit of a misfire and thought it may be the HPFP going out, since I had just replaced the plugs about 2 months prior. But it did turn out to be a bad spark plug. The Beru plugs don’t seem to have a very long life all of the time, whether that’s from a quality control issue or maybe even an issue with my car..... I have no idea, but since getting an ECU tune last summer and switching to the NGK 1422 colder plugs, it has not happened at all this winter like it did the previous one. I usually recommend to anyone to use OEM plugs and coils unless you are modding and need a different heat range spark plug, but you may want to try the NGK equivalent to the OEM plug to see if that helps the issue. It’s a lot cheaper than a new HPFP! Which also starts with similar cold start issues.
Good luck and keep us updated
The Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner is a good one for our cars. I run a bottle through every few fill-ups and the car seems to like it, and I have seen it recommended by many on this forum.
I was having an issue similar to this, where on cold mornings it would have a bit of a misfire and thought it may be the HPFP going out, since I had just replaced the plugs about 2 months prior. But it did turn out to be a bad spark plug. The Beru plugs don’t seem to have a very long life all of the time, whether that’s from a quality control issue or maybe even an issue with my car..... I have no idea, but since getting an ECU tune last summer and switching to the NGK 1422 colder plugs, it has not happened at all this winter like it did the previous one. I usually recommend to anyone to use OEM plugs and coils unless you are modding and need a different heat range spark plug, but you may want to try the NGK equivalent to the OEM plug to see if that helps the issue. It’s a lot cheaper than a new HPFP! Which also starts with similar cold start issues.
Good luck and keep us updated
I was having an issue similar to this, where on cold mornings it would have a bit of a misfire and thought it may be the HPFP going out, since I had just replaced the plugs about 2 months prior. But it did turn out to be a bad spark plug. The Beru plugs don’t seem to have a very long life all of the time, whether that’s from a quality control issue or maybe even an issue with my car..... I have no idea, but since getting an ECU tune last summer and switching to the NGK 1422 colder plugs, it has not happened at all this winter like it did the previous one. I usually recommend to anyone to use OEM plugs and coils unless you are modding and need a different heat range spark plug, but you may want to try the NGK equivalent to the OEM plug to see if that helps the issue. It’s a lot cheaper than a new HPFP! Which also starts with similar cold start issues.
Good luck and keep us updated
I will be sure to update this thread with what I have done and how it effected the car. I did install non OEM spark plugs because I am modding, so maybe this might be the issue. I'll look into it and hopefully have this issue fixed!
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 186
Likes: 19
From: Tampa, FL area
I chased this issue for a couple of years with my 2016 S. Although a bit different. Pretty abrupt stuttering under heavy acceleration. At the time I lived in CO and the fuel there really isn't very good at all and I think elevation has an impact as well. Additionally my car cooked a # of plugs and coil packs before I got it sorted. The fix seemed to be BMW plugs! I gotta say the dealership took amazing care of me and my car though. Despite the stuttering being a frustrating gremlin they were very proactive in helping me chase the problem and truly were in it with me. I now live at sea level. My car seems to LOVE Shell 93 gas and every 4-5 tanks I use Lucas Oil fuel system cleaner.
I'll be picking up a 2019 F60 in a couple of weeks! Good luck!
I'll be picking up a 2019 F60 in a couple of weeks! Good luck!
I seem to have fixed the problem. Took it into the shop to have a service done since it was due, and also to have a few parts installed. Regardless, the issue seemed to disappear. I ran some fuel system cleaner through the engine, and I'm hoping it doesn't resurface. I will update with any more information that I get on this.
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