I have been away for awhile... my Mini has been in for repairs for a check engine light. It has been in for 23 days.

The CEL is throwing P0014 and P0015 codes. When reset the car drives well for a while and then the light comes on again.

I purchased the car from a small shop. Part of the deal was that they would repair whatever was causing the CEL to be on.

They started by replacing both VANOS solenoids and both camshaft position sensors. When this didn't solve the problem they sent the car to a local shop that specializes in European cars to replace the timing chain. They have a great reputation and work on a lot of the Ferraris, Porsches and BMWs in the area and I am confident that the work they did was done correctly.

That shop replaced the timing chain and all of the components (I purchased the parts - the chain, tensioners, guide rails, all of the bolts, the chain sprocket etc.) They also noticed the water pump was leaking and replaced it. The problem persisted and the car continued to run poorly - especially when warm.

This still did not solve the problem, so the seller asked them to actually diagnose the problem.

They found the VANOS timing gear (?) was broken an replaced that as well.

At this point I am glad I am not paying the bill!

The problem still persisted! Out of ideas they replaced the coils and spark plugs, checked to be sure they did not install the timing components incorrectly, replaced the VANOS solenoids with new ones, "just in case."

Needless to say, the light is still lit. The technicians said that perhaps BMW needs to re-flash the ECU (unfortunately they do not have the connector they need for the Mini - the BMW connector does not fit the Mini.) I'm not sure I'm buying that a re-flash would solve the problem.

The car actually runs great at this point, but the light troubles me and I am concerned that the cause could be a faulty ECU or electrical short.

So, after reading all of that, anyone have any ideas? As much as I have enjoyed the Mini, I am close to insisting they buy back the car.

Thanks!

 

I forgot to mention, they saw no signs of sludge in the engine - at least the top end.

 

More info... I assume that your car is a 2007 - 2010 MCS with an N14 engine, correct?

 

Good grief... I guess that would help

It is a 2007 non-Turbo mini with the N12 engine, manual transmission and 106k miles.

 

Well, problem solved.

After replacing both VANOS solenoids, both Camshaft position sensors, all of the timing chain components, the VANOS exhaust camshaft adjustment gear, one coil and 4 spark plugs, the water pump and the oil, twice, the car ran perfectly but the CEL would not stay off

A trip to the local (one and half hours away) and two hours of labor (at $219 per) a simple ECU re-flash solved the problem.