My 2004 5 spd Cooper with 73K is starting to bogg down with what feels like either a missfire or a fuel delivery issue. When I take off or am below 3000RPM under load the car boggs down & seems to miss. This also happens if I puntch it at low RPM. If I puntch it it kind of stutters a bit and then clears and runs smooth. Idle at standstill is smooth and no lights have come on to indicate a problem.

Does anyone have any thoughts on it? The plugs are supposed to have another 30K on them and I don't want to replace them if it isn't needed. I really don't want to talk to the Mini dealer about it because they won't tell me anything except "We will have to fix it!" & I would rather not have them work on it. Unfortunately the dealer in my area has a monopoly (only deler for 100 miles) and they work it to death by not being willing to give suggestions (wouldn't even tell me how to reset the oil life indicator!).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks...Bill

Dirty fuel filter perhaps?

If you indicate where you're located, maybe someone could recommend an independent mechanic.

Out of interest, what fuel are you using? I find similar on low octane fuels. Ive only had my 2003 cooper for a few weeks now, and run some fuel system cleaner and regulalry use BP Ultimate or Shell V-Power and its definately maasively better already