Several times this winter the check engine light has come on - 11 Cooper. It always happened when the temperature hovered around 0 or below - typically happened after driving only a mile or so. The mechanic where I take my car to said that he could not retrieve any codes once the car has been restarted twice. I don't know if this is an excuse not to check for a code or if this is really true. At the time the car ran OK - the light would go off once the car warmed up. Is this a sign of impending doom - large repair bill - or a product of the damn cold weather?

Also at the last oil change I asked him to check the air filter. He told me that the air filter does not typically need to be changed and is essentially life time. Sounds strange to me - do I need to look for a new mechanic? I usually do my own oil changes but it has been to cold to work in an unheated garage. If the air filter does in fact need to be changed is this a big deal?

 

Yes, you do.

Very easy.

 

Unless it was a aftermarket drop in K&N / aFe and it needs washed or cleaned every so often. That's what the mechanic might have meant. Take a picture of it and post it.

Is your 2011 MINI a Cooper ( Non S ) or Cooper S ( Turbo ) ?


If its a regular stock MINI filter, then I would be concerned.

The CEL coming on might be a stumble from verycold temps and throttle body ice issues. Usually from short trips.

Thanks