As with most MINI drivers, I've now discovered my favorite car -- so why the headache?? 12/1 my check engine light went on; the dealer told me it had to do with the premium gasoline I was putting in. Apparently not any premium gas will do. So they switched off the light and I pumped in Cheveron. 20 days later my light goes on AGAIN!

With plenty of Cheveron sloshing around, and no other performance problems, what's REALLY up?

 

Join the crowd of us that have experienced the same thing and hear the same thing from the dealerships, "it's the gas". If that is the case, 80% of the gas in the US must be bad.

It all is due to faulty design of the high pressure fuel pump, and it plays "okay one day, not okay the next". I've had technical people at two different MINI dealerships finally tell the truth.

Until BMW admits that there is a design problem and installs new fuel pumps in our units, we all will get to experience this over and over again!

I love my car, but am disappointed in BMW.

 

Same with me...Engine light went on day before scheduled 30k service.. upon inspection "the intergrated fault memory found codes "2DCC and "2D52" Super knocking in Cyl 1 removed intake manifold to inspect valves all are clean.. knocking most likely bad gas.. "

Ok.. I always put Shell VPower in my car.. always... this is the first time this has ever happened... "winter gas" lots of additives they said.. ok.. run the tank down and then see.. I ran it to 8 gallons.. Filled up.. engine light is still on.. now run at least 100 miles for the engine to right itself... may have to wait until this tank is empty ... We shall see......

 

Well... today as I drove my car.. and hit the 94.5 mile on this tank of gas.. the engine light disappeared... hmmm.... we shall see if it makes an appearance again.. I sure hope not *keeping fingers crossed*

 

To the OP....I know it may be a bit of a hassle, but when the check engine light comes on again (or if it is still) take it to a shop like AutoZone and ask them to scan your car with an OBDII scanner. Its free, and only takes a minute or two. I do this (for different reasons) but I am able to get the exact fault code, and it will tell you the error the ECU spits out.

It seems the MINI dealer isnt telling you everything :(

 

dont buy the lame bad-gas excuse. Research BMW top-tier gas below, buy that brand with a CC, and save the reciepts. Then, there's NO way a service advisor can point the finger at you and say "you ignoramous, it's bad gas, it's your fault, warranty work denied."

http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

 

I spoke too soon... engine light went back on again... Dealer will get a call tomorrow morning...

 

Great, I went to the Top Tier page and we do not have a single one in the area. I've been using Sunoco since I've owned the car with no problems.

 

Thanks to all who took time to reply. Cuz i'm NOT an ignoramous. But i am learning that BMW dealers are not my best friends, and we should all remind them of that. As it is, I am now driving around with a NEW high-pressure fuel pump, tho i don't yet know if it's a new design or simply another, newer faulty one. time will tell, and until then . . . I'll bite and continue pumping CheveronTechron with my CC.

 

next time, i will spend time at AutoZone first, especially since BMW refuses to tell me this passed fault code.

 

Saw this in another thread: Next time you get the light get your OBC in the upper tach display into the Check Info mode where it shows you the error icon or Check OK. Press and hold the turn signal BC button for a really long time and it will show you the codes! No AutoZone trip necessary!

 

MINI went back to the dealer today.. Codes 2F07 and 2F22 faulty thermostat was stuck open.. Replaced today and bled coolant system.. so far so good..

 

I sent an email to ExxonMobil, asking "what's up" with Top Tier gasolines, since they aren't listed as "Top Tier". There've been others on this site who've complained that the Top Tier thing is just a marketing gimmick. Reading between the lines, I think that's what ExxonMobil is saying, too:


Dear Customer,

ExxonMobil fuels contain additive levels equal to or higher than required
by the Top Tier program. While ExxonMobil would expect to receive Top
Tier certification if it applied for the certification, as a practice, we
do not comment on future business decisions.

We are concerned about the unilateral approach of the program sponsors,
and do not believe that the program is in the best interest of the
motoring public. ExxonMobil is concerned that the Top Tier program may
actually increase customer confusion regarding product quality.

Thank you for contacting ExxonMobil.
Customer Care
Exxon Mobil Corporation


P.S. I'm going to continue to use ExxonMobil premium gasoline and dare a MINI dealer to blame engine problems on ExxonMobil products.

 

Does anyone use Techron with any frequency? I know Mini/BMW and many other European makes sell it though there parts department. I've been using it for a longtime in all my vehicles.