I live in AL and throughout this summer while running AC, the idle on my 03 MC, when stopping at a red light or stop sign, would drop well below 1K, (maybe 500 or 600 rpm) the engine would give a slight shudder like it was about to die, and then rise back to normal idle of around 900 or 1K. On a few occasions, the engine has actually died.

But now while the weather is changing, I'm only using the AC part of the day, and have decided this only happens when the AC is on. I had the 10K maintenance several weeks ago, and the problem existed before and after the ECU upgrade. I've tried changing gasoline brands, octane rating, etc. Nothing as yet has helped.

Anyone have a similar experience or suggestions on how to eliminate this problem. Living in AL, I use AC for 7 or 8 months out to the year.

 

Jerrry,

This is a fairly common problem, and my car does it, as well, though thankfully not as severe as some. I was told it is a software issue and will be addressed at some time in the future. Until then, there isn't much you can do about it.

See ya,
JS

 

Hey Jerry,
I have the same problem with my 02'.

Jim

 

Jerry,
I have the same problem with my Feb03 built MC. Took it to the dealer & they could find nothing wrong & of course it was cool that day. It only seems to happen on very hot & humid days & only with the AC running. I figure I'll wait until next summer & hopefully they will have figured it out by then.

Lois

 

Jerry,
I'm also in the Mid-South & experience this same erratic idle with A/C on. My 5-speed MC is an 11/02 build with 7400 miles. For the first 3 months of ownership (Jan-March)the idle speed averaged about 850-900RPM & was quite smooth . Then the idle speed started to decrease as outside temps increased & the idle became more erratic. My idle speed now averages approx 750RPM at idle with A/C on or off. With A/C on, the idle will suddenly drop to approx 500RPM, the motor shudders badly like it's going to die & then the RPM adjusts back to about 750. So far, It has died twice with A/C on. In both cases the outside temp was mid-80's, engine temp was normal & I had just depressed the clutch pedal while coming to a stop at a light. I always use 93 octane. I've talked to other MC owners about this & it appears to be a fairly common issue.
For me it's not a major problem since I don't use the A/C much, but it is somewhat irritating to experience this with a new car. I'm not keen on being a beta tester for MINIUSA software upgrades on this particular issue & until there is a tried & true fix I'll use the sunroof a lot. I'm just glad I don't live in Arizona or New Mexico...

 

I used to have severe rough idle in my '02 Cooper CVT when the A/C was on. The steering wheel would shake horribly in stop lights to the point that I had to put the shifter in Neutral to minimize the vibration.

However, after software update 32.1 was installed in my car back in February, the rough idle completely went away and the car idle's was finally the way it should be...smooth as silk. After 32.1 I got update 33.2 and the car is even smoother. I Have had 33.2 since May and not a single problem.

Before 32.1, the car's idle would fluctuate between 700 and 1000RPM. Now with 33.2 the idle with the A/C on stays above 1100 RPM AT ALL TIMES.

We have had 90F+ weather and 88%+ humidity and ZERO PROBLEMS!

 

Same problem on my 11/02 build 2003. Been to the dealer's a couple of times. I've also had the "downshift" stumble.

Spoke to ASK MINI v. recently (this week).

Asked if they had a handle on the problem(s). Was told: Not just software, more involved than that.

I mentioned throttle body. Was told: can't specify, but it involves more than software.

Asked when solution would be coming: Was told: Very soon. Will be notifying dealers soon. Solution will involve more than software.

Asked if it would be a recall issue. Was told: Can't comment, but it involves more than software.

Tried to get definition of very soon. Was told: I shouldn't look for it in the next two weeks, but shortly thereafter--most likely.

But shortly thereafter? Was told: he couldn't comment, but it wouldn't be too long now, he couldn't be specific about the date..

Cryptic, but I think the gist is that a fix is coming. Sooner, rather than later.


_________________
His name is Ollie.

 

I have a CVT, had this problem, got the software updated and it hasnt happened since... However weather got much cooler up here. Will see what happens when I move down to Florida. Still have a bucking and lurching problem think it might be a bad tranny.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Not glad that all of you have the same problem, but at least I know MINI/BMW is aware of the problem, and might..........even try to fix it. Guess I should count my blessings because I've never had the stumble problem which seems so prevalent in the MCs and MCSs. Again, thanks for everyone's response.

_________________
2003 MC BRG/White Roof, Sport and Premium PKGs.

 

>>Thanks for all the responses. Not glad that all of you have the same problem, but at least I know MINI/BMW is aware of the problem, and might..........even try to fix it. Guess I should count my blessings because I've never had the stumble problem which seems so prevalent in the MCs and MCSs. Again, thanks for everyone's response.
>>
>>_________________
>>2003 MC BRG/White Roof, Sport and Premium PKGs.

Is your car a CVT or 5-speed?

MINI has fixed this problem in the CVTs. My car is proof of it.

 

>>>>2003 MC BRG/White Roof, Sport and Premium PKGs.
>>
>>Is your car a CVT or 5-speed?
>>
>>MINI has fixed this problem in the CVTs. My car is proof of it.

It's the 5 Speed. If they've found the CVT problem, that gives all of us hope a fix is hopefully on the way for the manual tranny.

Just to add this, now that the days are not so hot (low 80s instead of mid 90s), I can run the air and the idle problem is not as bad. It still happens, but not as often.

I still love the car. This is a minor annoyance compared to the joy I get from driving it.

 

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