I took my Mini in to the dealer today because it had the amber SES light has been on for the past couple of weeks. When I called to see if it would be ready today, the SA said that the code that came up had to be reported to Mini USA, and that they have to check the entire ignition system, step by step, and e-mail the results to Mini USA at each step. They then have to await the next direction from Mini USA. He thinks that he will have the car for the next "few days".

Has anyone else had this happen to them? My car has been,and is running great and getting great mileage. I hope there are no major issues, but I am looking for anyone with similar experiences.

By the way, I have a 2006 MCSa with about 28K miles on it.

 

Baloney, Go to the Autozone store and have it scanned for free. If its running OK, its probably an emissions code. I have a Bentley manual that can help with deciefering codes as several others here.

 

It is under warranty, & I have a free BMW loaner, so I am not hurting while they check it out. I am just wondering if this has happened to anyone else.

 

Sorry didn't notice the age of your car.You got it made, beat the crap out of the Beemer ,have fun and no worries , when you can ,before the warranty's up . I bet its an emission problem .

 

It would be interesting to know what code has MINI USA so hot and bothered!

 

He could still go to Autozone and have it read.

 

yup. Autozone can clear it for you. I bought one of these:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/EQS-3110.html

It is great, because in the colder months, I use it every so often to clear my SES light. When it's cold, if I don't let the car warm up enough before driving, the SES will pop up because "Catalyst is performing below threshold". So having the reader is much easier than always having to go somewhere to get it cleared. Plus, it's just a good thing to have so you can always know what exactly is wrong when the SES light pops up. Next best thing to a GT1.

 

I will try and find out the code from the dealer. It certainly seems curious that Mini USA needs to be informed and give direction to the mechanic on what to test and the direction to go.

 

If you believe the car is running right, cycling the ignition on and off 5 times should clear the light. If the light reappears, then there would seem to be a problem that needs to be addressed.

 

Well, the latest update is that the SES light was for the catalytic converter, which is being replaced as I write. Should be picking the car up in about 3 hours with a new cat. converter, windshield, brakes and all the normal servicing. All for the cost of $zero. I love still being under warranty.

I will try to find out what the code was that set the SES light on when I pick up the car.

 

Here's the final update on this issue. I picked my Mini up from the dealer today, and here is the explanation of the SES light problem. According to the service order I got when I pick the Mini up today, the code was 2096, which appears to be a catalytic converter error which indicates a lean mixture condition.

They checked the following in this order:
Oxygen sensor
Long-term multiplicative valves
Intake and fuel delivery system
Vacuum leak in in intake manifold, supercharger boots and bypass valve
Check fuel pressure
Remove and check Calalytic converter for leak.

They finally found a leak at the weld on the housing, so they replaced the converter.

This is why they had the car for 3 days running down the problem. Also, during this time I got the normal oil & filter servicing (about 1000 miles earley), new front brake pads, a new windshield (they agreed, without arguement that it was a stress break), had the thermostat replaced (I was losing about a quart of fluid every 2 weeks or so) and had the brake fluid flushed.

The total price, including the loaner BMW for the whole time was $0.00.

Again, I love being under warranty! Also, I have nothing but great things to say about Crevier Mini in Santa Ana. My service advisor, Aldo Garcia, is great.

 

Well, that's a bit like replacing your brain because you forgot where you put your keys. Those cat codes are very common, and easily cleared with a code reader/scanner.
I have one, and it's great. I also have a Bentley so I know what went wrong before I clear it.

 

What does the Bentley Manual say about the code that is referenced here? (2096)

The meat of this post is that he had a problem under warranty and the dealer went through the procedure and replaced what was broken. On top of that they did a bunch of PM's.

Yeah someone could have easily cleared the code and been on their way, but that would'nt be fixing the problem.

Oh and Autozone does'nt clear codes in all states. Around here they won't clear it and some won't even check it. really depends on the area.