So I made it all 20 miles to work and as I'm pulling in to my parking spot my mini starts to rough idle, the check engine is flashing and the DSC light comes on.

I don't see any fluids anywhere, is that a good sign?

Is there something I can check myself or do I need a shop to scan the code?

 

i would scan the code, you could have a misfire or vacume leak

 

Looks like I'll tow it to bmw, the mini dealer is 2 hours away :(
Mini told me only bmw or mini can read codes fully to pinpoint what is wrong, true?

 

Partly true. Some generic code readers will not fully read some MINI specific codes. They will only output a generic code. Any shop not just the dealer CAN (but might not) have the proper diagnostic reader.

 

your car went into limp mode... i would scan the codes... but you might be able to start it up again and see if it gets out of limp mode.. i would open the hood and check spark plug wire connections.. etc you might be getting a misfire code or something

 

I pulled the wires, nothing appears out of place. I changed plugs a year ago but coils are original I'm sure.
Called my local indi and he is confident they can pinpoint. My check engine light was flashing at first, now when I start the car again it comes on solid, then dsc light comes on.

He thinks it is likely spark related

 

I pulled the wires, nothing appears out of place. I changed plugs a year ago but coils are original I'm sure.
Called my local indi and he is confident they can pinpoint. My check engine light was flashing at first, now when I start the car again it comes on solid, then dsc light comes on.

He thinks it is likely spark related

 

IMO no need to tow the car 2 hours to a dealer....
A good independent shop can get 99% of the codes.... Mini/BMW background will help, but bet they can handle it.
Hope it us a bad coil....
And not a valve issue....both possible depending on miles, prior history, and type of fuel usually used...lower than spec fuel, aka below 90 octane, can result in burnt valves....

 

Turns out it was just a loose spark plug. I changed the plugs myself many months ago, bu didn't have a torque wrench, tried the rule of thumb method. I can't believe it took this long to get loose, probably due to the sudden drop in temps, it dropped 30 degrees over night.

 

im glad it something as easy as that!