I have already done many things including changing spark plugs, different coil packs. New injectors, fuel rail, I even replaced the head a while ago - do not have any more ideas. Any suggestions?

 

You need to do a compression check. It will help you to figure it out. With that said I have seen several burned valves due to using regular fuel, instead of high octane fuel. The valve guides can wear out also, then the valve does not seat properly.

 

I just replaced the head and always use 93 octane - it was interesting that before the head was replaced it was also cylinder 2 - but the old head had a bad valve like you said - can it burn up in 3 months - maybe 20k miles? Also it is going through oil quickly a quart every 500 miles - not sure it is related - just purchased another compression gage will check as soon as it get here, but I had an old one that i used before but cannot really crank on it and it did have some compression. Lots of mile about 166k right now.

 

 

If you have replaced the head, and the issue has been the same cylinder, first thing I would check would be a vacuum leak.

Possibly find a local private auto repair facility and have them do a smoke test on the intake system. If there's a small leak anywhere, it will show up

Bryan

 

Yes it was using oil before the head replacement, and no it does not smoke when it starts up. Thanks for all you help guys I am at my wits end.

 

I will check that - I thought about it, but not sure how to check - I will go to my local shop - they don't know much about MINI's though.

 

IF you have an air compressor & since you already have a compression tester, remove the gauge & try threading just the rubber tube into the spark plug hole.
Then apply the compressor air gun nozzle to the tube - you just might be able to listen for a leak through the intake, the exhaust, the valve cover or a vacuum hose.
It should work with a foot or battery air pump too.
It's a bit crude, but it might work.

 

I will give it a try. Thanks.

 

The oil consumption is worrying, unless it has oil leaks. The rings may have gone to hell, with prolonged running a burned valve in that cylinder. Do a compression test and then do it with a tablespoon of oil. If it goes way up, the rings are the likely culprit.