So I just replaced my third ignition coil. Three times when trying to aggressively accelerate into traffic, the CEL and low engine power lights have come on and the car runs horribly. Definitely not running on all four cylinders. Twice it has been towed to the dealer, I get a rental, at their expense, and both times they replace a coil and all is well. After the second time, when the service manager would not agree to replace the remaining two coils, I purchased a spare. Last evening it happened for the third time. Limped my way home, swapped coils with my spare till it ran smooth again. I can tell which coils are old and which are new so now only one old coil left. Ordered another spare this morning. Tomorrow I'll call and let the dealer and let them know how much money I saved them

Anyone else have any trouble with the ignition coils?

 

Please tell us what model MINI you have.

 

2011 CMS ALL4. 40k miles. My local Mini Service Adviser hasn't seen any similar issues.

 

Edit: never mind, I mis-read your post.

 

Just this afternoon I got my 2012 CMS All4 w/ 22k miles back from the dealer. Got the dreaded engine malfunction/CEL and they had it towed there. The verdict was a failed ignition coil. This is the first time it's happened so far...

My only consolation was I also complained about my coolant level creeping down since it was already there being looked at, and they found my water pump was leaking so got that replaced at the same time as a bonus.

 

2011 All4 with > 70k miles. Had to get coils replaced at just over 50k miles. Was probably time for plugs and wires anyway.