Hey guys,

So early Sunday morning I get the half engine reduced power light on the tachometer of my 08 MCS auto. It has not come on the speedo, though. Hopefully this means it's something small. I notice no noticeable "limp" mode, though I did ride cautiously there after. It went away about 2 hours later, but came back on the very next start up and stayed on. Tried to get a code with my Vgate Bluetooth OBDii scanner and torque app, but it brings up no codes at all (even stored). I will check the gas cap in the morning and the oil, though I checked it about a week ago and it was right in the middle of the dipstick. I do on occasion get some weird idling like it bounces slighty on the tach and then goes away, but nothing to suggest the car will sputter out and die (it never has).

tl;dr - Yellow half check engine light on tach, not on speedo. 113k No codes with vgate bluetooth scanner, could be crapper scanner. no noticeable change in function/performance of car.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: here is a video of the timing chain sound

 

timing chain?

 

It could be. I'm getting it checked out tomorrow at an indy mechanic! I'll try to post a video of it and see if you guys can hear the timing chain. If it is, the guides are not broken yet.

Thanks!

 

Here is the video. I'm pretty sure it's the timing chain.

 

That sounds like a timing chain.

 

Called dealer to see if it has had the tensioner and or timing chain replaced in the past. Informed tensioner was replaced in 2010, which means I wont qualify for the campaign! They said my yellow check engine light would not be caused by the chain, and to check the oil level. If not it could be a turbo related problem per Mini experts in Glendora, CA.

 

There are codes that most of the more generic readers can't see. Chances are your car has at least one of those stored. You need to go to a good independent mechanic or the dealer; they should have the readers that can read the MINI-specific (or BMW-specific) codes.

 

Yeah thats what I figured! I have an appointment tomorrow at a highly rated mini independent shop! I have not driven it since Sunday!

I checked the oil and it was at the minimum line so I added a quart of 0w-40 mobil 1 and the sound is much less now, but still going to take it in.

 

My yellow engine light just came on today. I just turned it around and parked it. Curious to see what is wrong with it.

 

If there was visible oil on the minimum line you wouldn't get a check engine light (CEL), there have been Mini owners with less than 2 quarts of oil in their engines with no oil light nor CELs. You must check your oil religiously like every time you fill up your tank until you have an idea how much your engine burns. I check mine every other fill-up, N14's burn through oil sometimes at an alarming rate!

It could be as simple as a lose gas cap.

 

My light is something withtheboost pressure. Had it checked out and diverted valve and spring are fine, tech checked vaccumn lines for leaks and nothing. Cleared the light and came back yesterday and then went away. Car drives fine! I was actually short about a quart and half! I checked my oil about two weeks ago and it was above minimum but I suspect it was already at minimum and I got a bad reading. Won't happen again! Got 3 jugs of german made castrol 0w-40 edge.

I also got my oil leak checked out and it's my filter housing damnit! Quoted $649 to do it! Gonna wait til I need to do something else that requires service mode.

 

I pray I never have any problems with my filter housing, that's one way to mix coolant with oil if I'm not mistaken! Do you still have the factory dip stick?

 

Yes it is from what I have heard. I'd rather have a mini expert take care of that gasket leak. I think when I get it done I will have the turbo oil lines changed to the Detroit tuning ones, but that wont be for at least a couple months. I still have the factory dipstick, but I think I finally got the proper technique (or some of) to check.

My half engine light has stayed off, boost and power are perfect!

Thanks everyone for the input!