Hi folks,

At 60K I got the death rattle blues so took it to my local independent import mechanic. His guys are all trained, he's known regionally as the go to guy, I've done business with him for twenty years with my VWs, SAABs, etc.. I trust his expertise and honesty, but he's stumped. The closest dealer is about sixty miles from my house, my local guy is right up the street.

He replaced the timing chain as per spec, including dropping the oil pan and changing out the engine oil to make sure any potential metal pieces were gone. I picked up the car and at about two miles from the shop got the yellow CEL and limp home mode, turned around and took it back. It's been three weeks, he has checked sensors, redid the timing chain setup to be sure, etc, everything seems to be to spec, but it goes in to LHMode. With borrowing and renting cars in the mean time I haven't had time to ask him what codes he's getting. He has a pretty extensive network including contacts at a MINI dealer but he and his techs just can't figure out what's wrong. No one he's spoken with has had this kind of experience.

I've always enjoyed the read here, but never had to post a problem question. My MCS has been good to me so far. Have you guys seen this before? Any suggestions?

 

Without knowing what the code is, I don't think you're going to get much help..

 

most likely with the chain issue, the valves were hit. ask your mechanic to do a pressure test. also, he can take the head cover and feel the rocks if they are in contact with the intake or exhaust cams.
let us know.

 

If it was in for just a timing chain chances are that the issue is timing related.

Either the car is still out of time, crashed valves (exhaust is the usual culprit), PCV vacuum/boost leak. You need to have the codes read by someone with a proper scan tool and report back with what codes you're getting.

 

Got her back today and she runs great again.

The intake side VANOS solenoid was malfunctioning only at cruise speed. There were no codes at idle or otherwise. They found dirt in the oil supply to the solenoid. Replaced the solenoid. I took her out for a good run on some twisties and it was like old times.

The invoice mentioned 2DA0 camshaft angle offset. That doesn't look like a code to me.

 

Nice, glad it wasnt a big deal.