05 MCS all stock w/ 85k. Still runs fine. Always had a hard start issue and a bit of rough idle at times, so nothing has changed that I can feel. Getting these 2 warnings now. At first it was both Service Engine Soon and DSC lights were intermittent, now SES is constantly on and DSC comes and goes. P0302 is cyl 2 misfire so I checked plugs, they seem ok. Checked compression dry and all cyls are 150 except
#2 is 120. I havent gotten around to troubleshooting the DSC yet, but could it be related since DSC varies engine output? What are the possibilities on cyl 2 misfire looking like?

Bad valve spring? Rings? Has the low compression already ruled out ignition or injector?

 

Exact same issue on two separate mini coopers. The misfire is due to the low compression sensed on number 2. The DSC light is coming on because the computer is shutting down the DSC system because of the misfire. Do you notice the misfire SES light only comes on at an extended idle but not while driving? Shortly after the SES light you get a DSC light? I've also seen the DSC light come on before the SES too. The DSC comes and goes because it resets every time you turn off the car until the next misfire happens. The low compression is probably a burned valve in number 2.

 

Thanks for the input. Im leaning towards a valve issue, but still going to do a wet compression test. Pending that test doesn't reveal bad rings, what would be thee best way to troubleshoot valve Issue? Should I start with seafaom or something to try and clear any possible carbon buildup first? Look for a non-seated valve next?

 

Another question. Since it runs fine and compression in cyl 2 is just 30 psi below the rest, is it ok to still drive it till I can work on it?

 

do a leak down test to pinpoint the source of the air leak in that cylinder.

 

Will do anyone think I can drive it in the meantime?

 

It's probably okay since it is making compression at higher rpms. Which is maybe why the ses light only comes on during idle and not while driving.

 

Hey all, bringing up my old issue again. Haven't had time to work on the problem yet, but I've been driving the Mini every day and things seem fine. No more DSC or SES. They just never came back on one day. I'm quite sure cyl #2 still has the lower compression. What gives?

 

It may be as simple as bad gas causing the misfire. Tried that once, went away when I switched to vPower. Hard start is another issue that might stem from fuel supply(filter/pressure regulator/pump/lines/injectors), coil, plugs, wires,etc. Best to do it by elimination from easiest/cheapest up. Without any codes popping from hard start, many have had success w/ just a change of fuel filter. Isn't that difficult to do. Lotsa how-tos in the forums.

 

Thanks for the input. I have replaced the fuel filter already even though mini claims its a lifetime filter. I should check the fuel press next

 

Are you still having this issue? This seems to be my exact same problem. So far I know it's not the coilpack. Haven't swapped plugs or tested wires yet. I think it's an electronics issue to be quite honest since all my compression readings are between 140 and 150 (I don't think #2 is the lowest either).

 

I haven't had any SES or codes present themselves after they came and went that one time. It may have just been the gas or possibly electrical, but the electrical system has been fine. The mini has been running ok though. She's coming up on 100k, so it's high time to do some major maintenance like diff fluid, s/c fluid and tuneup. Ill be checking the compression again. Sine the engine has been fine, I haven't been too worried.

 

Do you think it could have been the fuel filter?

I'm having nearly the same symptoms as you except all my cylinders are between 140 and 150 and I have 102k on the clock.

I haven't ruled anything out except the coil pack yet; but I think it's an electrical gremlin. Sometimes it lopes on startup other times it starts fine. If it was a mechanical problem it *should* be evident every time no matter what..and it isn't. So it's either fuel, spark, or engine management (cam position sensor?) or some wiring component thereof.

How aggravating! This car has been great until I did the s/c oil. It was either something I did or something that was just begging to fail. I had some hard starts before I did the work but no misfires or SES's.

 

Mine will at times lope at startup too but only for a few seconds. I'm really thinking a valve in my #2 is burned and/or has a weak spring. But like I say no lights or codes anymore so I'm not stressing. I doubt a fuel filter would fix the issue, as it didnt for me, although if your over 100k it should be done. Even though Mini claims lifetime, a filter is meant to be replaced because of the crap it filters.

Whatever you try, I'd be interested in your results. In case my issue comes back or cures the hard starting.

 

I'm getting the intermittent 0302 code. when I turn the car on and it idles rough, if i don't rev it to about 3k rpm before putting it in gear, and floor it, the car will shift badly (P0705 code) pop off the dcs light and the check engine light and have a misfire until i turn the car off and back on. if i rev it to 3k first it will clear up the the rough running and have no problems. i recently changed the spark plugs in cylinder 1 and 2 around and this made a little bit of a difference in how often this occurs and how badly the car runs when it does happen. I haven't done a compression test yet but will soon. After this problem started I noticed a squeal from the transmission...I assume this isn't related and I just have multiple problems. wondering how the rest of your cars are doing with this problem, anyone fix theirs yet?