I was going down the highway on Saturday in my 02 S when it had a sudden decrease in power and the service engine and DSC lights came on. I pulled into a gas station with it sounding like it was on 3 cylinders. Shut it down and looked under the hood, nothing obvious. I started it up and the DSC was out, the service engine light was on, and it was running fine.

Brought it in for some planned work today and while they had it in they pulled the code which said "misfire on cylinder 4". The mechanic thinks it probably is time for a new coil and wires (200,240 mi) and I tend to agree, but wanted to get any other thoughts, or a pointer to the most reasonable place to get the parts (Mini wants ~$225).

-Jim

 

I'd pull the plugs and check the condition. After that, check the resistance on the plug wires and check the coil terminals. The terminals on the coil tend to rust over time, which will affect the spark. You can either clean them up, buy a new OEM coil or upgrade to an MSD coil.

 

+1. Terminal #3 likes to rust - I'm watching mine like a hawk.

 

You have over 200,000 miles on the original plugs and wires? Holy crapola batman!!!!!

 

Yeah, I'm not going to bother diagnosing the contacts, just order a new coil and wires. I think original at 200k is about enough to hope for. The plugs are new as of 199,800. Moss has an OEM Coil and wires for $122. They seem to be the best deal. I have a hard time justifying an upgrade now unless it bring a real benefit to it.

I have put a lot of money in over the past couple of weeks (~$2000), but barely anything before that. I am amazed that at 200k I have NEVER replaced a bulb, not one. Original exhaust and clutch. 2 brake jobs. I'm thinking I might go to 300k unless I find a nice low mileage S in my area for the right money.

Thanks for the advice.

-Jim

 

Thats awesome! I have an '02, and I love hearing about the mileage that people are getting out of them. I know there is another guy on here with an '02 that has 368,000 miles on his, and its still going strong!
Have you had any issues with your supercharger at all?

 

By the way, how does that connector on the back of the coil come off?

 

Its just a plug in type...should be a clip on top of it.

 

It actually has a red sliding piece you need to pull out first, then you can unclip it like a normal plug.