I need some help with this one. When I picked up my new '05 MCS I noticed some pinging in normal driving. Figured the dealer had been cheap and filled the car up with 89 Octance fuel or just the crummy 91 ocatane we get in California. Used the first tank (carefully) filled her up with 91 Octane fuel and continued to do the same thing through the break-in period. Did not have any other problems during break-in. After break-in noticed the pinging again when WOT heading up even small inclines. Wondered if I just happened to be buying not so great fuel and decided to switch gas stations. Still had the problem on occassion. However, when buying gas away from the two stations I normally use (independent Shell and Chevron stations), things seemed to get better. Frankly I have wondered if these two stations are using the same supplier.

I have now gone the route of several upgrades (Altec 15% pulley, Altec CAI, Milltek Cat Back Exhaust) and have noticed the pinging again on occassion. Usually hot day, a hill of some sort and me punching the throttle. Not very happy about this. wondering about how the dealer will react at this point when I show up with a pulley complaining about pinging? Also thinking about getting a Unichip from Webb motorsports with maps for 89 and 91 octane.

Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

If your car is really ping ing then you have a problem with your ping (knock) detector, or software.


According to the engineering paper about the engine, the car can "safely" run "any grade of gasoline available world wide" with out pinging, but performance will be reduced if running other than 98 (93 or 94 U.S.).

John

 

There might be a problem with the knock sensor, but regardless of whether there is a problem with the knock sensor, you will have to reconcille yourself to running a higher octane with the modifications that have been made to the car. I have a 2003 Corvette to which I made some significant enhancements (CAI, larger throttle body, heads and cam, headers and cat-back). When I got the car back from the tuner, it would ping at the slightest bit of aggressiveness on the go pedal, the knock sensors would cut in and retard the timing and the car felt like it was stuck in a pool of molasses on a cold winter day. I then called the tuner and they suggested increasing the octane of the gas. For me, that entails mixing 100 octane unleaded racing gas with the 91 octane pisswater to get to 93+. With 93+ octane, the Corvette is quite happy and will outrun a Z06. If you are getting relief from pinging by using Chevron gas, then I would suggest continuing to use the Chevron gas. At some point, be prepared to mix if the pinging returns/does not go away.

 

Have you changed plugs when you went with the pulley? You'll need the colder Densos.

 

I did change to the colder Densos plugs when I made the other changes. Also had the pinging before I made the changes. Makes me wonder if I have a bad knock sensor......

 

I have a slight ticking on acceleration with engine load like going up a hill or accelerating at WOT in 5th or 6th. My situation maybe different from yours but others have reported that the harmonic damper was at fault for the ticking. I think this part is on the supersharger pulley system, but not completely sure.

See this thread on mini2 http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40874

 

The ticking noise I hear in my MCS comes at 2nd and 3rd gear between 3K and 4K RPM. I have followed previous threads about the subject matter and believe it to be the harmonic dampener. When I inspect the action of the belt when the car is running, I can see the belt dance slightly from side to side. I don't think this should be normal. I will contact my SA soon about the matter but I feel I may get the run around because of my 15% pulley.

We shall see.........

 

Well it looks like the dealer will come through on this. Called the servioce manager, told him about the problem and confessed to the upgrades I have. He said the problem may be caused by any of three sensors and that they would take a look at it as a warranty issue. So much for dealers not honoring warranties on non-JCW upgraded cars. Will know more after 7/7 which is when the car goes in.

Adam

 

Based on your description, it sounds like you have a great dealer - if it turns out to be true, stick to them like superglue. A positive dealer relationship is the single most important factor to a positive ownership experience.