I started up my R56 this morning and as soon as I did, I got a high variability in revs. I also had an engine light in the center screen of the Tach. This engine symbol was half filled half empty represented by a 45 degree angle (right side filled solid, left side empty. Apologies for the dismal explanation.


The variability in revs was like I would hit the gas and let off quickly, hit the gas, let off and so on.


It looked like a lot of white smoke but it was 14 degrees out and exhaust and white smoke look identical to me. I think it was just exhaust.


I shut the car off and turned it back on, idles perfectly. Drove it to work, no problems.


The check engine light in the center speedometer never lit up.


What could this be telling me?

 

Take it to a qualified tech and have the car scanned for codes, they will be stored.

Without that information any diagnostic is going to be impossible.

 

If you have a diagnostic tool I would plug into your OBDII and read what code was thrown. Sounds like you had the reduced power indicator. Check out this thread here for some info on the light you were seeing.

 

Thank you that helped me a lot. It looks like limp mode is exactly what happened. Maybe it was a malfunction because of the real low temperatures, not sure. Either way this helps.

My ScangaugeII didn't show any codes so I don't know if that's good or bad.

 

You're very welcome. It could maybe be that your scan tool cannot pick up the code that is being thrown or a CEL was not triggered, but not too sure. I'm seeing a lot of different outcomes with somewhat similar symptoms unfortunately. Things such as plugs, HPFP, DME, boost pressure sensor, intake manifold, coolant leak, etc. You could just keep driving it until you have the same issue or you could bring it to an indy shop and see what they might be able to find. I posted some threads below for you to take a look at.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/second-ge...ine-power.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-message.html

 

If you got a half power light there will 100% be codes stored, but Scangauge doesn't read manufacturer specific codes you will need to find someone with a quality scan tool or dealer level computer.

 

Do you notice that the problem is worse during damp or rainy weather?

 

Bet it's the High Pressure Fuel Pump. My 2011 R56 with 52K started doing this; it threw a code for a misfire, then would clear itself up after about fifteen seconds. Replaced the HPFP today and it's all better now. A mechanic will charge you a grand to fix it. I bought the part and installed in fifteen minutes.

 

To the above to responses. No I didn't notice anything worse or unusual during wet or damp conditions.

Thank you for making mention of the fuel pump. It might make sense to get that taken care of. I am going to be doing some work on my vehicle soon, maybe I should just knock that out too. I understand that its a common issue with these cars.

The only time this happened was when it was around 12-14 degrees overnight. Definitely the coldest start up this year by far.

 

Water frozen in the gas could be a culprit. With those kinds of temps it might be worth it to use some additive for ethanol moisture related issues.

 

That's an interesting thought. I will try that. Since the time of this originally being posted, I have not run into any issues. It also has not been that cold either.