Desperatly need some help. Have a 2005 mini cooper, that has no power at all. The most she will go to his about 50 and then she seems to struggle. Have taken to be checked and is showing no faults on the computer. The mechanics are a bit stumped as to what it could be. If anyone can help i would be most grateful, as its got to the point where i may have to just get rid as i need a car for my job.

you don't say if she is misfiring or running rough, etc ?

sounds like it could be fuel related ie fuel starvation due to a blocked filter, etc or even a bad lot of fuel ?

did this problem just suddenly appear ? have you had any work done on the car recently ? any additional symptoms ?

Iain

ps is the engine capable of hitting high revs ok ? is the power loss just when under load conditions ?

No its not misfiring and can get to high revs when stationary, its just the under load that it appears to struggle. Worse when i first drive it, its like its struggling to get going (hard to explain) feels like it is struggling for a burst of energy it almost feels like is it chugging to get going, then after a while it gets it, but stays sluggish and no power.

Noticed it about a two months ago but thought it may just be me and my driving style and the town driving (so took on motorway), but had someone else drive it and they have said its terrible.

Last Service was in August and have had nothing done since. Not sure if it makes any difference but it has a K and N filter on it so has always sounded a bit rough engine wise. One week it can drink petrol and then the next it hardly uses any! Going through a lot of oil too!

I think it may be a bit poorly :frown:

Has the catalytic converter been checked, they sometimes collapse inside and partially block the exhaust causing the symptoms you describe but from the outside all appears to be fine.....

Also read this story, lack of power and cracked cat:
MotoringFile Archive Ask MF: Obsessed With MINIs, But Can’t Buy Yet (http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/05/10/ask-mf-obsessed-with-minis-but-cant-buy-yet/)

If it's using oil, then maybe a compression check is in order. :hmph: I suspect its not going to be a cheap, or easy fix

when you say the mechanics are stumped then I would imagine they have checked the obvious things like spark plugs, fuel filters, etc ?

I would start by taking the spark plugs out and see what they reveal and change if necessary. Also do a compression test while they are out, could be a burnt valve ?

how many miles has the car done ?

Iain

2 other possibilities come 2 mind:

1) over oiling of the K&N filter can lead to oil fouling of the air sensor that is near the air cleaner (called MAF or MAS sensor?)... result is car running poorly

2) carbon buildup on the intake valves ... result is car running poorly

scott

Thanks everyone for your help.

Had the filter taken off to check sensors etc, as a result of this several parts and intake valves were cleaned as they had a build up of carbon and crap on them. My hydrolic engine mount was also replaced as it was leaking oil everywhere and was very low (it was like a oil disaster on one side of the car!). So far so good, it seems to have a bit more oomph to it and it sounds better, took it down the motorway and cleared it out the night i got it back. Next step is to fill it with the expensive petrol and see how it goes on that, then blast it through again.

I'll keep you posted, if doesn;t work, back on here for some more advice!