Hello,

I'm looking for some help with my R56 Mini Cooper (Non-Turbo) - Over the years, this little beast has had it's fair share of problems and has become quite costly to look after. My car is presenting primarily with code P0014, although on occasion will spit out a P0015 code, a significant lack of power, rough idle and misfire's on Cylinders 1 & 4. Rather bizarrely, the misfire's tend to come when going down hill? I'm unsure whether this is just coincidence or could be helpful information on solving the problem.

I've removed both VANOS solenoids, cleaned them (They were quite dirty and potentially a little clogged), swapped their positions and put them back into the engine. Something I did notice when cleaning them is that the bottom side looked brown/burn's? - Not sure whether this is just a sign of "use" or whether this is a "This needs replacing" sign. There is a small oil leak which I think may be coming from the "front" solenoid, although i'm not 100% sure on this.

I've removed the coil packs and re-arranged the order to see whether this would change the cylinders that were misfiring, but as of yet, I've not seen any misfire codes. I've checked the spark plugs and although they look used, I think they are ok (There are no broken pieces, although they do look used).

I've changed the oil filter and topped the oil up with Lucas Oil Stabilizer - The dipstick in the Mini is a bit of a pain to read but to my eyes, it looks 3/4 full.

Symptoms I am experiencing - Rough Idle, Lack of Power, Delayed acceleration, Engine Management Light & a near permeant P0014 Code. Also, on my last two MOT's, it's failed on emissions which (According to the garage) have been very high - This was "fixed" by replacing the Catalytic Converter - Unsure whether this is related to it's current issues.

My gut feeling is that both VANOS Solenoids need replacing, but I have no technical background to back up that assumption. I am very much an amateur and most of what I've done has been learned through reading forums and watching Youtube videos - If anyone has experienced similar issues or has any idea's on what the issue could be, I would be very grateful for your help.

 

With a P0014 and intermittent P0015 code, I would replace the vanos solenoids. Since cleaning them did nothing, replacement would be my next option.

 

Replaced both VANOS Solenoids this afternoon - Took it for a quick spin and P0014 came back on - No misfires (So far) but the car still feels like it's lacking in power. What would be your next step?

 

Yeah, next step involves checking actual cam timing on the timing chain. Its possible your timing chain has stretched, and the solenoid can no longer keep the cam in check.