Hello everyone! I’m fairly new to the mini community, so if any of you can share with me similar experiences and solutions I’d appreciate it.
My 2006 R53 MCS has experienced a number of problems lately here in Houston, TX. While normally the weather is anywhere between 45-95 degrees lately it’s been reaching as low as 10-15 degrees with windshield. I understand the mechanics of vehicles, and that with colder weather you’re looking at a greater charge needing to be pulled off of your battery to get it up and running. Well a few days ago my car, although nearly frozen, cranked up and warmed up. Shortly after about 15 minutes it cut off still in the parking lot. Abruptly. Sensors went off (ABS, Traction, Engine), the rpm dash gauge finally cut off, heater faintly reduced, and then all of a sudden it choked out. Towards the end it sounded as if my vehicle was cammed out. Took off the battery and took it to work (Autozone), reader ready 11.5V and 2% charge. Threw it on the charger, read 12.58V 100% charge good battery still. I figured perhaps my alternator or connections were the issue, but everything was fine. Diodes and Voltage Regulator within alternator passed and did it’s job. As the day went on and the weather warmed up I didn’t run into that issue again. However, today when I went outside to warm my car and went back inside to grab something while I made my way back out I noticed it was off again. Turned it back on, no engine light, no sensors up, cranked right out without any delay that would show low battery. Aside from that last night while I was driving I noticed once I pressed down on the acceleration peddle at a certain point my car would feel resistance. Almost as if you’re pushing a cart, yet someone has a rope tied on the end yanking on it from time to time (hopefully this analogy helps). When I put my foot down all the way the mini accelerated just fine, and when I let off it’s fine too. It’s when I put my foot on it ever so slightly. Any ideas for these problems? No engine codes are read other than a P0130 O2 sensor that doesn’t even come on anymore. Thank you again, and sorry for this long story!

 

Hi Mike,

Welcome - I'm also in Houston and would love to help, but you've got me a bit stumped on this one...I'm sure someone will chime in with some ideas. If you ever need an extra part or something I have a pretty good stash going. I also have some of the specialty tools.

What part of town are you in?

Nice to meet you - I hope you can get your issue resolved.

Jason

 

Scarlet had her first bout of 17 degree weather New Years day. She was parked outside all night. I got in and started her, released the e-brake, tried to drive off, seemed like the brake was not releasing. After a 1/4 mile the brake finally released, stepped on the gas, she went into limp mode, the whole dash light up, right on New Years day, leaving the hotel. Pulled over, turned the car off, and she restarted no problem. Limp mode was gone, drove 40 miles home. I forget what the codes were when I got home, but it had something to do with the throttle body. A few days after that, another cold night, I had to pour hot water on the rear brakes to release the e-brake, that could be the dragging problem you are having.

 

 

I'm just north of the Heights in a neighborhood called Oak Forest. About 7 miles north of downtown.

Good luck with your issue...

 

Might be nothing, but try a can of dry gas. It will mix with any water that may be in tank so that the engine will burn it instead of puking out.