Hi:

First let me explain the "symptoms" I've been experiencing. My Mini Cooper S R56 2008 with 66,000KM (i) lost a lot of power (you can hear the turbo, but it never actually "lifts off"), (ii) it is consuming as much as 50% more fuel than when new (used to get around 500 KM per tank, now I get almost 300 KM) and (iii) consumes a lot of oil (I've had to change oil as much as two times every 4 or 5 months). It is not fun to ride the Mini anymore, I just remember how disspointed I am.

I have been searching for an answer to the problems my Mini has been having for about a year now. I've taken it to the dealership about 7 times and to other workshops to have a second and third opinion. No luck.

Let me tell you all the correction steps I've taken:

1.- I changed the clutch at 50,000 km. They thought the clutch was "slipping" and not gripping the power of the turbo correctly. Result: NO LUCK
2.- I changed the "chain", as it was making a cold start noise and the catalytic converter. Result: NO LUCK
3.- I changed the turbo. Note. the dealership told me I had not been using the correct oil and thats why my turbo broke, but I always use the one they put in the dealership. Result:NO LUCK
4.- I have tried to clean carbon residues with BG44K twice with no obvious difference.

All of this has happened in over a year and my car is a bit more responsive, but it is not by far as agile and as fast as it used to be.

The dealership tells me to take the car to them again, but I am tired that each time I take it to them I get 1,000 USD bills.

Does anybody have any idea what might be wrong? Any similar case? I would really appreciate your feedback. I am now a sad Mini owner.

Thanks for your responses.

Andrew

 

So they can duplicate the problem but can't fix it? I'd start looking for another car right about now... Sorry they can't fix it. Maybe someone else has some ideas...

 

Are they any stored fault codes in the ECU's memory?
With each service, did any of the dealers / shops pull such and reference them?
Have you completed a compression test on all four cylinders?
Have you check (or had a certified shop) for carbon build-up on the intake valves due to the direct injection fuel delivery?

Typically power loss at your stage is attributed to excessive intake valve carbon build-up.
It'll produce low power, because the valves cannot completely close during the compression and power stroke of the engine.

Any other hard-data in terms of diagnostics that you can provide?

- Erik

 

I really hate to say this, but i was actually at a car club meet last weekend and there were mechanics there that have a reputation as Mini Dr's, i know lol, but they had a lot of good information. One guy, had a 2007 MCS that was comsuming oil, lots of oil, he even tried putting higher weights. But after everything, i know this story is dragging on, but i guess when i Mini starts comsuming oil the engine dieing is not to long after. I dont know the causes, but i would suggest getting a 3rd party warranty or looking for a new one.
This information has not been confirmed, just stating what i heard, if it helps at all.

 

Where did you use the BGK? In your fuel?

You need to do a manual scrubbing of your intake valves... or pay the dealer to do a walnut shell blasting.

If people donate for me to go back on the dyno i just did 3 weeks ago, I would bet that I'd put down at least 15 more hp than i did after doing this carbon cleaning:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-build-up.html

I've lost SO much power without even realizing it, until I opened up my intake manifold and looked at the intake valves and found that. Cleaned it up and the car chirps 1-2, 2-3 now, and torque steer is crazy again. what a difference.

 

Nothing appears to be wrong on the ECU memory. My next step I think will be to check the compression in the cylinders and carbon buildup in the intake valves. I do not have any more hard evidence, but will let you know if I have better results.

Many thanks.

 

I did put the BG44 in the fuel tank (with a full tank as indicated by the distributor). Is that the correct way to use that product?
I would love to have a look at the intake manifold MYSELF, but I do not know enough mechanics and do not have the proper tools. Or is it an easy task (I actually have no idea). If not, I will take it to a shop where they can do this while I'm present.

Thanks for your advice!

 

Thanks everybody for your responses.