Hey guys. I just got the r53 2005 6sp 63k mi. Its been hot recently and when I use the a/c I would hear a fan/coolant fluid moving noise. I rarely use my a/c but only when its above 90 and on the freeway. Recently the weather has been hot in socal, so i have been using it a lot the past 2 days.

Yesterday on the way home my car on the freeway with a/c on going at around 75, my car went limp/safe mode and the cel light came on. I pulled over, turned off a/c and stereo. Restarted car, cel still on, drove car again, but went limp again right at boost. I managed to get off the freeway without boost. On the surface streets I drove the car and it was back to normal, but cel still on. Drove it 2 miles lightly, but saw white smoke come out of the hood scoop, not a lot. Got home opened the hood, no smoke but a burning smell not rubberish, not sulfur.

Symptoms
-car still strong, will engage boost
-limp mode with cel happened a long time ago but got oil changed and mechanic said everything was good. Last time it was a hot day as well. Same symptoms
-no irregular smoke/smell from exhaust
-engine temp reads and feels normal
-no leaks/fluids on the floor
-clutch is normal
-no rattles or metal noise. Had slight diesel sound starting a couple months ago. That comes and goes randomly
-the smell was not too strong, not rubbery but not sulfury. It was maybe a fluid smell?
white cloud of smoke coming out of hood scoop

Any ideas of what the problem would be? Does any of this sound familiar?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I would check the coolant level and make sure it doesn't look like chocolate milk I would also check the oil and make sure its not mixing with the cooling as well. Just double check and make sure there's no codes that I've been stored .

 

Coolant levels are normal. It does look a bit dark.

Where can I get free code readings? Auto zone made me look like a fool when I asked.

 

Go over to Advanced Auto they can read it for you for free but keep in mind the codes are generic but at least it will point you in the right direction.

 

What do you mean it looks dark? What is the consistency?

 

To me it sounds like you may be in the early stages of a crank pulley failure.

 

The crank pulley failure would give me a battery light correct? That was my diagnose last time it happened.

What are people paying for that replacement? What aftermarket pulleys do you recommend? Anyone have any good shops in socal?

Thanks again guys!

 

Sorry it was hot the last time I checked so I didn't want to stick anything in there to check. I'll check it when I get back home.

 

There are two on by ATI and one by PRW.
The PRW is cheaper but just as good as the ATI IMO.

 

Local shop wants 615 installed for the prw pulley. Worth it, or diy?

 

Well not IMO. You can get the part for under $250.00 and lower if you shop around. Fi you are mechanically inclined you can do this in about 1 hour. Do you have a Bentley manual?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Mini-Cooper-S-2001-2006-Gen-1-Tritec-1-6L-138mm-SFI-Fluid-Damper-Black-/111070733389?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19dc54e44d&vxp=mtr

 

What do you think between the PRW and ATI crank pulley? Is it worth being double the price in durability and performance? I'm assuming one is fluid and the other is not?

I have no manual. I'm confident in doing mechanical work on my car, but I just Dont have the tools. It might not be worth it be cause of that.

Braminator you are awesome! Thank you for your help!

 

IMO it is mostly in the name and popularity. They both do the same thing, so IMO I would go with the PRW. Here is a great how to
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Perfect!

Silly question. Belt removal tool, is that super necessary? Should I upgrade my supercharger pulley while I'm at it? Or is that a lot more work?

 

I would highly suggest you get the tool. It makes life easier. New pulley, that's is up to you. It makes IMO a huge difference in your MINI's performance and driveabilty. It is some extra work, but well worth it. You again will need a special tool and a smaller belt like the Gates K060535

This for the pulley remover http://www.cravenspeed.com/quick-puller/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Cooper-Serpentine-Belt-Tool-Supercharged-/251275644900?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3a81320fe4&vxp=mtr