I need to check air leaks on my '03 MCS
Sorry to be so ignorant but I need some pictures or a diagram of exactly where to look.

 

Umm..wrong forum?

may help:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...44&hg=11&fg=50

 

Thanks but that is for the newer MCS
I actually do have a 1st gen '03 Cooper S.
Can you please show me what I'm looking for?

I've been having a mild yo-yo for a while now.
Then since a couple of weeks ago when I accelerate hard and hit the higher rpms the car will abruptly drop to low rpm and will not allow me to increase speed over approximately 5mph or so.
I can switch the car off and back on and drive at somewhat normal speeds as long as I don't push it hard into the higher rpms.
Check engine light is on and acceleration is not what it should be.
I am getting an error code P1688

I've read that I should check for air leaks but I'm not sure of all of the places to check.

 

Your post originally was talking about heat pipes and stuff, I just assumed you were talking about turbos.

Air leaks or could be a bad bypass valve. #22: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...35&hg=17&fg=05

All other "air" intake is down stream. Pay close attention to the intake duct #15, the gasket into the S/C may be leaking.

 

Gasket #2 : http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...92&hg=11&fg=50

 

So the main place to look for air leaks is on this part?

 

Mine was leaking on the left. Little tab broke during Detroit Tuned BPV install, similar symptoms to yours. I installed a new gasket and made sure the intake tube was well seated, all was better. Broken tab and all!

 

Bryan:

What were the sysmtoms?