Hey guys I did a search and couldn’t come up with anything that was like my issue. Back story I had a 2013 new in 2013 for about a year so I know generally how the Cooper S should feel. I just picked up a 2012 Mini Cooper S with 90k. When I start the car in the morning I let it warm up a bit until the exhaust starts burbling. The first two or three times I accelerate it feels like my old 2013 a little bit of torque steer and noticeable turbo surge etc. After that no torque steer the car feels sluggish and no surge. I also noticed the exhaust stops noticeably burbling. Any help would be great! I already replaced the spark plugs. Thanks!

 

Any engine fault codes? Maintenance history, i.e. turbo, timing chain replacement? Do you have an OBD2 that can read live data to see the ECU readings? All this would assist because diagnosing anything from the description could be a mirriad of things.
Whatever you do, do not start changing things out blindly, you'll end up spending a ton of cash on parts you did not require.

 

Right on Scudder44!

In addition, I would look for simple stuff like cracked or poorly fitting vacuum hose, may be just not throwing a code yet. Also, inspect intake housing and seals and air filter. Something is not right.

 

no maintenance history. Next thing I’m gonna do is have my friend use their snap on computer and go for a ride to see if anything changes. The oddest part is that generally cars run poorly when cold and improve when warm when there is an issue. This is the opposite especially when ambient temp is 45*. Only thing I did blindly is the plugs because I do them to every car I get anyway.

ill definitely check hoses and such but def no lights or codes. Thanks guys for the responses!

-Jason

 

Maybe just the O2 sensors... the scan should tell you how well they are operating

 

So just an update for anyone who stumbles on this thread while looking for answers. The mini dealership is saying that it is the timing chain. It’s getting replaced and I will write back to confirm that the issue is fully fixed.

 

Car has returned and it seems as though it is worse than it was. Now it seems to never get full power and it is identified by the exhaust never actually popping in sport mode. So It was not the stretched timing chain that it had but another issue. Going back to the dealer and will update when there is an answer.

 

So finally resolved the issue. Someone who worked on the car accidentally plugged the reverse gear switch into the sensor located on the pre revision upper radiator hose. Apparently they are the same connector and the correct connector for it goes to the revised thermostat now so that sensor is open. Had a leak on that sensor also so I installed the revised upper radiator hose which deleted that sensor so that shouldn’t happen again. Not sure the reason why the car would behave this way but my only guess is it would cut boost because it always thought it was in reverse. Thanks for everyone’s help I’m glad to have it back running great.