I am a military member (USMC ooh-rah), and right now I don't have access to my MINI, it's in Northern California with my Uncle as I work up for deployment...

My MINI is a base trim 100,000k (no supercharger, '02) has been doing some very odd things with him, such as the idle in Neutral goes all over the place, going from 1100 rpm all the way back down to 800 rpm and back up. The problem is magnified when the air conditioning is on, losing power going up hills.

He's pretty good with cars (as he claims) and really wants to help with this, he's already replacing the rotors and brakes. Going to a dealership isn't really an option, since we don't make a lot.

I guess I'm just asking for the collective knowledge of motoring enthusiasts on this one, I'll give you any info you think is helpful

 

Well you should start with the normal maint. like plugs and wires. Also do a seafoam treatment. You might just have dirty injectors. Once all that is done replace your fuel filter.

Hope its just that easy

 

Alot of of mini's have a rought idle, kind of like a stumble. It happens to me, last for about 3 seconds then is good again. Since then, i have replaced plugs, coil, bigger injectors, still the same thing.

Im sure its the same thing most people have, do a search on the forum and youll find some threads about it.

And keep in mind marine, there are a lot of Americans who envy what you do and are very grateful

 

Could it be the battery or alternator? Especially since you say putting a load on it (the A/C) makes it worse.

My jeep was doing the same thing and replacing the battery corrected it.

I'd take it to advance auto and they'll check that for free. If that doesnt work, try the other things

 

How would one go by cleaning the fuel injectors?

 

I agree with checking the basics like plugs and wires, but I'd also spend some time looking at hoses, they get old and brittle after that many miles, check all of them that connect to the intake and the air cleaner.

Another possibility is a dirty map sensor...

 

My car does this as well it is an '02 it is worse when it is really cold =( so i guess i should check this stuff as well =) THANKS

 

Also Mini's lose a LOT of power with the AC on. I would guess I lose 40% power with it on.

 

+1. I have the r53 MCS and hate driving with the AC on, I can't imagine what it'd be like in the non-supercharged one.