Happened for the first time last week. It was a little cool out - high 40's maybe. I remember getting the cold weather warning lamp just before I hit the freeway. Didn't think anything of it. Making my way through traffic, heading to work, was accelerating to cruising speed when all of a sudden the car's "guts" completely dropped out. RPMs jumped but a huge loss in power. Half power lamp came on and boost was gone. This car is NOT fun to drive in that condition.

I pulled off to a filling station, cut the engine and opened the bonnet expecting to see a mess. Nothing. Not overly hot. No weird smell. Nothing leaking. All hoses, clamps, seals looked fine. Called Irvine Mini and my service guy Aldo said bring it in. Turns out I needed a service anyway so they took care of that while I was there. +1! Oddly, when I turned the car back on to drive it to the dealership, the engine power lamp was no longer lit and I seemed to have full power again. I'm not liking this kind of issue at all.

Picked up the car from service and was told that an oil pump valve had a leak and was replaced. Apparently a common issue? I did find an entry for it at http://www.faqs.org/car/mini-cooper-countryman/ .

Anyway, the car was fine the next day and over the weekend. This morning on the way to work, same deal. Accelerating in heavy traffic, engine cuts to half. WTF really? So, another call into Mini service. Waiting to hear what they have to say this time.

Anyone else had this issue with their R60?

 

Over boost.
My ECU map was aggressive with boost, and with the uncommonly cold mornings here the last week or so, i think I was just pushing it too hard.

 

Sounds similar to this...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-happened.html

I hope the link turns out okay when I submit this but the thread seems to talk about the samething you experienced.

 

Oh man, that's scary! No "clunk" or engine knock for me. Just slipped into limp mode until I turned it off. No shuddering or anything crazy. Hopefully they'll agree with me that it's over boosting in cold weather. Thanks for the reply and that scary *** link, lol.

 

Over boosting shouldn't cut the car off, maybe a buck when it happens but you are in the right conditions for over boosting...sorry man

let us know what happens...

 

Yeah that's the thing... no crazy knocks or engine stall. It just cuts to half power and gives me the half engine warning lamp until I turn the car off. It's in the dealer's hands now. On a side note, they gave me this 328i to drive as a loaner. Sure wish they could have given me another mini as a loaner. I am NOT a fan of the cockpit on those new BMWs. :(