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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
Hello mini nerds, I have a stock tune Mini Clubman N18 Manual. Upgraded intercooler, piping, and cold air intake, as well as a single mass flywheel.
The car throws no codes, idles smooth and generally makes up to 15-18lbs, though lately it's been rare to get it to 18. The car 2 years ago felt much faster than it does now and I'm lost.
I have a brand new boost sensor, map sensor, diverter. PCV systems appears to be functioning properly though I don't know for certain. Oh the intake valves are also pretty clean.
I believe that leaves me with the boost solenoid and waste gate to check but frankly I can't keep throwing parts at it, I want to diagnose this issue without doing so.
I feel a very subtle oscillation in power when going up hills. Boost feels laggy and doesn't feel like it's holding through gears, power seems to fluctuate day to day. My miles per gallon appears to be suffering slighty, though the car passed emissions fine.
i have Bimmergeeks Protools adapter, and I am getting a boost reading of -1.85 to -2.21 at idle and that seems off the mark to me though everybody I ask doesn't know if it's normal or not.
Please somebody please help me. Does this sound like a wastegate issue or boost solenoid? What are your stock idle boost readings?
The symptoms you describe are consistent with sticky VANOS solenoids.
Some have good luck removing and cleaning them with solvent. I skip that and replace with OEM parts (I've had bad luck with non-OEM brands)
Hint- you might get more responses posting in the R56 forum.
N18 creates almost no vacuum at idle. Your indicated -2 seems about right. My boost gauge sits just under the 0 tick mark.
How many miles on the engine?
I always manage to post in the wrong section.
118,000. Just under 0 is pretty different from -2.2, as my car feels like it has to overcome this to get into full boost. It's like I'm down 2psi at all times, which I believe is where the lag comes from?
I guess I'd be open to cleaning the vanos but my issue appears boost and vacuum related. Zero engine codes, ever.
Last edited by clubmanchris; Nov 30, 2023 at 04:28 PM.
I would lean towards the VANOS solenoids or the intake cam phasor, or the timing might be off, too. If you have a high vacuum in the intake, then the intake cam isn't phasing properly.
