My GF just got a used 04 Cooper, the check engine light came on and we came up with a cylinder 3 misfire. It’s got 70k miles on it so the first thing I did was change the plugs and wires. It seems to be doing better but we are still getting it. I'm thinking coil possible but I figured I would see what you all say. It there anything I should check before the coil, any common cooper problems?

P.S. Sorry I thought I was in the first gen area, move please.

 

try the 1st generation forums

 

Moved.

 

Good call on the wires. Could be the coil pack, but they normall last longer than 70K miles. So before you start spending any more $ and swapping out parts, you may want to get the code read. If the Ck engine light came on, could be the code left may put you in the right direction. Most Autozones can check that for free.

And when you have the funds, a Scanguage II may come in handy for future issues Waymotorworks has them if you can't find any in your area. And when left in the car plugged into the OBDII port, it doubles as 4 guages in one. The one on my dash is set for: Water temp, Post intercooler temps, voltage and MPH since my tires/rims are not stock. But you can have any info posted on the screen you want. A really nice dependable product.

 

Well I did a compression test and found out cylinder 3 is putting out 60-70psi, the rest are around 150psi. So back to the dealership it goes. We've got a 30-day full mechanical warrenty. It kind of sucks but lets see what happens.

 

I'm predicting either a Head Gasket or some burnt valves, possibly from a bad intake gasket. Just a shot in the dark, but I had just about the same thing with my wife's car. Good thing you had that warranty, Mini doesn't exactly do a good job of standing behind their product after they're outside of the factory warranty.

 

Yeah thats what I'm thinking too. But all I can do is give the dealership my ideas and see what they say. The GF is going crazy she finally decided on this car after 3.5 months of looking.

 

They are good cars....but if they have been treated poorly,or run with the wrong octane fuel, their mechinicals can be a bit unforgiving.
IMO it is likely the previous owner new of the problem...they simply put some "motor honey" or some " compression sealer" in it, got it running ok...and traded it in. But that is why most cars, even the cheapest come with a 30 day warrenty. Keep records, a list of times you sopke to the dealer, etc...with luck, the dealer will fix it right the first time, and get you back on the road. Sorry about the bad luck, but buying any used car can be filled with dangers and obsticles...the later build 1st gen cars are pretty good, as long as driven responsibiliy, and matained...those that are beat on, run very hard, etc do incurr extra costs, but that is expected.

 

Wrong

We performed all scheduled maintenance ahead of schedule. Always ran the correct oil with Mann filters, which are what Mini takes and puts their brand on. Always filled the tank with Shell 93 octane.....always. There's a reason that the cars really aren't that expensive when they're new. They're disposable. They weren't made to last. I'd see if they'll take it back. God knows what else is wrong with it.

 

Sorry to hear that your Mini motoring experance has been less than perfect...mini's may not be perfect, but they, in my experance, are pretty well desgined, especially considering the fact that are bmw's first FWD platform, and that it was mostly desgined by Rover....but then again, that combo's make gen1 cars so very special in my, any many other peoples opinion!
Back to the OP statement...he bought it used less than 30 days ago....we have no idea what kind of history HIS/HER had, what kind of work was done on it, or how it was treated!! It is simply unknown....it my of had major mods, that were undone just prior to the tradein/sale....low octane fuel does cause problems, and can tear up pistons, rings, and heads.....I laugh a all the debates on the best oil...then see the same users name pop-up advocating out of spec gas. Just something to consider. But now that the gen1's are getting older..it is mostly becoming more of an enthustist car...who understand the needs of our engines...both in care and feeding.

 

Ps....out of warrenty is SOL...it is one thing to get something goodwilled when it misses the warrenty by a few week/months....but YEARS and tens of thousands of miles?! Goodwilling is done cause the problem could have existed, but was not apparent before the warrenty ended....once you are years from that coverage, how could anybody speak bad of the oem...cars age, break, and fail...welcome to beaing a driver!!

 

Another common practice for upkeep is Seafoam. Sometimes it can help clear up a lot of crud. These engines are notorious for carbon buildup.

Due to your tests its obviously not going to remedy it but if the plugs gave it a smoother idle, then this may also slightly help matters.