A few months ago I purchased a 2002 Mini S with the factory installed Dinan package. The car became my most favorite to drive instantly. It has 45k miles on it and it ran perfectly until yesterday. I drove my usual commute (20 miles) to work no issues at all in 20 degree (Virginia weather). Then when I went to leave work (almost 40 degrees) the engine stumbled upon starting, wouldn't idle correctly (surging), would go about 15mph, and the service engine soon and EML lights were illuminated. After disconnecting the battery those two lights went out and the low tire pressure and DSC lights were illuminated but, the car ran normally for about 15 miles. Then it started doing the same thing again, so I disconnected the battery again but, this time the symptoms remained and I had to "limp" the rest of the way home. Nothing appears to be physically wrong with the car and it hasn't been abused by me or the previous owner. Any suggestions for a Mini Newby?

 

OBDII code reader: find one, borrow one, buy one, whatever it takes and plug it in. Don't know about the right coast, but on this side of the Big Muddy there are a number of big box auto parts stores that loan out the reader. Someone's bound to post a hint here soon.

 

The first two things that come to mind are a leak at the supercharger intake duct gasket or another location, or a failed crankshaft vibration damper. The third possibility is my catch-all for multiple dash lights and limp mode; there is a cylindrical connector with ribs located on the driver’s side next to the transmission mount, look to see if the arrows on each half are facing each other, pull and twist to disconnect, clean the contacts and re-connect.

 

Okay, checked the connector, looks clean. Although now I don't have any idiot lights on. Figured I would take it to the dealership and get robbed just to be on the safe side. Thanks for the help, I'll post the answer as soon as I find out.

 

if you no longer are in any type of warranty period, a good independent MINI mechanic would be the best bet. i find they offer way better prices and are usually MINI enthusiasts so they seem to be more attentive and do a much better job. if you search the forums you should be able to find one. i guess it all depends on the area you live in though.

 

Okay, the dealership is telling me it is the throttle body and possibly the engine wiring harness. $600 for the throttle body and an additional grand if it is the harness. Looks like I am going to get the short end of the stick on this one.

 

What is the code?. Try this...turn on the key but do not start the car....wait a few minutes then start the car and see if the car responds to the throttle....this is how the drive by wire throttle is initilized. Also turn the key on and have an assistant slowly step on the gas pedal.....you should hear the throttle motor running as the pedal is pressed down and released again....do it slow down and them back up....the throttle motor should sound smooth and without any grinding...during this process wiggle the wiring harness and see if the sound drop out indicating a wiring problem...hope this helps.

 

do you not have an independent MINI specialist in the area? where are you located in virginia? an independent MINI shop will probably cost you around 1/2 of the dealer maybe less. if you list your location somebody will probably chime in to help you locate a REPUTABLE MINI mechanic. i avoid the dealer at all costs (pun intended). another option if you can't find a MINI specialist, is a reputable BMW mechanic that works on MINI's. let your fingers do the walking... also look in the regional forums for your area here on NAM. maybe there is something to help you out in there.

 

Alright, I probably should have found an independent Mini Mechanic, lesson learned. Again, I am new to the Mini World so bear with me. My MCS has the Dinan Stage 5 kit apparently, I thought it was a Stage 1, and between the Dinan Rep., the Mini Factory Rep., and the Sterling (VA) service rep. they all came to the conclusion that the Dinan throttle body was good and that the engine wiring harness was bad. This would explain why my instrument/dash lights went haywire one morning a while back. So they are replacing the harness and relieving me of 1,000 simolians. I hope this fixes the problem; I like the car a lot. Did I mention it is super fast and fun to drive?