Hey guys, yesterday my mini cooper justa threw a P0012 cel. This is now the third time it has happened and i'm trying to figure out where to go from here. My oil is topped off and fresh, and i swapped the intake and exhaust solenoids to see if the intake one had gone bad but no dice, it still throws the code. Occasionally while driving it will lurch once and then be fine for the rest of the trip, really only happens in low gear. The first two times I purchased a new solenoid which seemed to solve the problem for at least a little bit, but as you can tell it's only a temporary fix. The second time it happened I took it out to a buddy who does alot of work on coopers, and he said the timing belt was good. What's my next step, I live two hours away from the closest dealership and equally as far from the closest reputed independent mini garage.

 

What did you end up finding?

 

Honestly it's been so long I can't quite remember. I know I switched the exhaust and intake solenoids to make sure that it was on the exhaust bank and not a mechanical fault of the solenoid itself. Cleaned it off with brake cleaner and topped up on oil. Replaced the camshaft sensors on the top of the valve cover as well and have not had an issue with it since. Can't recall which of these things solved the problem but I know I didn't need to buy a new solenoid. YMMV