P0302 + OEM Spark Plugs
 

Hi folks...looking for assistance and my searches didn't turn out what I was looking for. 2013 Mini Cooper S with 104,000 trouble free miles on the clock. P0302 popped around 102000 miles and figured it was due for another set of plugs. When down to the local AutoZone and bought four fresh NGK Laser Iridium Plugs (only ones Auto Zone had in stock) installed them and cleared the code. Couple days later, P0302 pops again. Went back to AZ and bought a new coil pack and installed on Cylinder two and cleared the code. Couple days later, the P0302 code pops again. Took the R56 to the dealer and they came back as non-OEM plugs and coils. I'm not an auto tech, but I do dabble and do a lot of my own maintenance. I've never experienced faults from using non-OEM parts (except with HP printers :) ). Has anyone else experienced issues with non-OEM plugs/coils?

Non-OEM sensors are notoriously troublesome, particularly MAF sensors.

I've never had a single issue with NGK plugs, even if they're not the same as OEM.

Non-OEM coils usually perform fine (on stock engines) but may not last as long as OEM. What happens when you move the new coil to another cylinder? Does the misfire follow the coil or stay with cyl 2?

Thanks for the quick reply and guidance! I thought about moving the new coil to a different cylinder, but figured it was a not an electrical issue since both components were replaced.

Local dealer had a special: 4 OEM plugs installed for $90. New coil:$120 installed. I'll let you know if that resolves the issue.

So- I had the Mini dealer perform the work (4 spark plugs & one coil pack on cyl 2) and got a couple hundred miles before the same P0302 error show up...again. Dealer now says to replace the remaining three coil packs.

I get the coil packs are prob due to be changed out, but I would expect a different P030X code to show to represent a different cyl. I don't feel or notice any misfires, hesitations, etc.
Does that make sense to any one else?
Also- Any one have a good source for Mini OEM coil packs? $400+ for three coils packs at the dealer is a little expensive in my eyes,

Try looking up the part numbers required for your engine on the NGK and coil mfg'r sites. Ensure AZ is selling you the correct parts, not just "equivalent" parts that may or may not be equivalent enough.

Me thinks it is time for a compression test, at least on #2. Three different coils have produced the same result (P0302).
It seems that wiring or ECU issues that could cause an ignition problem are rare (at least I can't recall them being reported on NAM).
Three coils and still a misfire code? Compression check is needed to rule out issues with cylinder health.
Are you the original owner? Has the car ever had the inlet valves cleaned?
Did the dealer perform any diagnostics? Or just replace the suspect coils.
Strongly suggest you reject further replacement coils from the dealer.
How often do you add oil?
Do you change oil on the Mini recommended schedule or more frequently?