Bought my 2012 Pepper White Mini Cooper from Otto's Mini in Exton no more than 3 weeks ago. Love the car but now my check engine light came on at 1,510 and I'm at 1,575 and it is still there. The light is amber colored so I dont think it is anything serious but still...

Otto's has been good so far, returning my calls quickly and scheduling an appointment to have it looked at.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with their 2012 Cooper Hardtop? I've driven the car extremely lightly (never going over 3k rpm) so I'd hope its not a drive train issue.

 

CELs can be common; but what the code says may reflect a not-so-common problem.
The kicker with a CEL issue, ALWAYS scan for the current fault codes and reply with those.
Then we'll be able to tell you what to look for and hone in on.

- Erik

 

I wouldn't say CEL's are "common" but they do happen. Mainly, don't let it worry you. If you aren't a "hands-on owner" who has to know everything about your care, simply take it in to the dealer and they will get you squared away. If you are the type that needs to know everything about your car, have the code scanned and you'll have a better idea of what the issue is before you take it in. Either way, a trip to the dealer is in the cards. After all, that's why you have the warranty. Best of luck.

 

You probably already know this, but CELs are often just a loose gas cap. I would always start there.

 

i think theres a light tho that pops on if the gas cap isnt on properly or maybe if the gas door isnt closed all the way

 

Cool story, warranty go to the dealership and make them figure it out. Not much we can do without the code number and even at that we can only offer misguided advice.

 

Oh I know I was just telling my story. I'll update the thread once I've taken it to Otto's.

 

 

UPDATE

So it turns out from the error that it was a misfire in piston #4 due to a defective spark plug. Mini replaced the spark plug and had me on my way within the same day.

I'm glad with how I was treated but I dont know if I should be worried that my new 2012 Cooper (first car ever bought) had a defective spark plug. The car ran fine with it so its rather shocking that something was even wrong with the vehicle.

 

SECOND UPDATE

So the check engine light has come on again :( This time I'm alittle bit more pissed off because clearly they needed to have a greater look into the vehicle. It has only been like 300 miles since it was last in the shop. As before, I'll update with what it was but gotta say I'm pretty unhappy about it.

I've already told the guy on the phone I will flip out if they dont give me a Mini loander. Last time they had enterprise pick me up in a Hyundai Sonata which is b*llsh*t. I bought a Mini with 6 miles on it and I want to drive a Mini!

 

Clearly there is more of an issue than they originally thought. That happens. Even $100K+ Porsche's have issues from time to time. Even though you're pissed, don't take it out on the service department. They want your car working and you to be happy. You'll find you get much better service if you come in without a chip on your shoulder demanding things.

 

So true, no point in yelling at people because they really aren't going to do anymore than they have to.

 

+1

 

Hope it gets sorted soon!

 

I wasnt really unpleasant, honestly I feel like they like me. The only issue I raised was that I wanted a MINI and not another enterprise vehicle. It didnt take much because they quickly said yeah we can do that.

So latest update is that the same error code came back to them this second time. They are keeping the vehicle for longer and driving it a bit to make sure that the code does not come back. I'll get the vehicle back on Tuesday being that Monday is a holiday.

I let the service manager know that I was completely ok with that and its better that they fix the issue than have me come back another 40 miles talking about possible lemon law haha.

 

So I've had my car back for about a week now and put almost 1k miles on it since the last servicing. Essentially they replaced all of the spark plugs this time and sent it through the testing. Car runs great now and no problems. I have to say I was treated nice and that I still love my Mini

 

I would venture to say MOST new vehicles will have a warranty issue early on, if they have any issues at all. A couple I can recall:

2010 MINI - Bubbling chrome hood scoop, replaced twice under warranty finally with carbon fiber (free of charge). Water pump recall. Timing chain tensioner "service action". Boot handle quite working, replaced under warranty.

2007.5 GMC Sierra diesel - TCM threw a code as they pulled it around to deliver it! 3 days later and a 700 mile round trip before I took delivery with replaced TCM. Also had 2 recalls early on, ECM recal and front differential vent tube. One battery replaced under warranty. These rigs cost twice what nicely optioned MINI costs.

2004 Toyota Camry - Several repairs on poorly shifting transmission, finally replaced entire tranny under warranty. Rear speakers bad also warranty replaced.

2004 PT Cruiser - Bad fuel pump sensor in the first few months of ownership. Took twice to make it right.

1998 Dodge Caravan, -Two batteries replaced, one warranty, one pro-rated.

So you are not alone my friend.....

 

Is this a Cooper S or a base Cooper?

 

The check engine light is the most reliable part of my car lol