I didn't know where to post this, so I chose this thread because of the problems/issues in the title.

THE HISTORY
I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S here in Italy. It's American spec (I work for the military here) as I purchased it through the Military car sales. While it was still stock, I had the common O2 Sensor problem/replacement. This is when the modding began. It's not overboard, just some bolt ons;

Alta Cold Air Intake
Alta 19% reduction pully
JCW Injectors
Champion Iridium Plugs
Helix 13 Ignition Cables
MTH ECU update for all the above changes.

THE PROBLEM
The recurring problem I have had is that when I approach 100-110 (traffic moves at around 80 here) to overtake someone (pushing the car a little), every now and then the car will lose all power. To best describe it, it seems like the vehicle loses all boost, and the check engine light comes on. If I continue to drive, the car seems like there is no strong accelleration. If I turn the car off and then back on (either while coasting or stopped), all power is restored. Check Engine light is still on, but all power is restored. It will continue to do this until problem is resolved.

After it happened the first time, I took it to the dealer and had them check it out. The culprit they said was a bad spark plug. They replaced all the plugs (back to stock Mini plugs) and things worked fine. I ordered new Iridium plugs (all 4) and put them back in. The problem reoccurred this morning. I was 'playing' with another Mini on one of the open roads here and we were pushing 110 when the check engine light came on again, and lost all power. I switched the car off and back on and everything (except the check engine light) was back in working order, if I stayed under 80.

Please don't think I always drive like this, normally I stick Cruize on at 75 or 80 and just follow with Traffic, but this it twice now, in similar situations, where the same problem seems to have occurred. Our car has a top speed of 135, but I doubt driving it at 100-110 every 'now and then' should cause any damage like this.

Does anyone have any similar problems or experiences? Can a spark plug burn that easily? Is it the spark plug, or is the problem stemming from somewhere else?

Any and all recommendations are welcomed!!! Thanks in advance.

 

What was the fault code?

 

K-Huevo,

I didn't get it the previous time at the dealer, but I will make sure to ask for it this time when I pass by there.

I will also try to pick up a diag tool and software myself. Any recommendations?

 

sounds to like bypass valve. do a search for that and you will see similar issues. but the best way to help will be to have some info on the codes.

 

Sounds like limp mode, and your BPV is dumping your boost on you. Alot of Tarck guys were complaining about limp mode coming on for seemingly no reason. There are a couple reasons it could be doing that. Misfires and knocks can do it, what kind of fuel do you use? How many mile are on you coil pack. You could have a boost leak. You MTH software could as well be the culprit. Unfortunately you need to go thru and try things systematically, and replace certain components as you go to eliminate them from the list. But, that can get expensive.