Supercharger Bypass Valve Failed

[Neil the Hat]

Just got my 05' Cooper S back from the dealer having just had the supercharger bypass valve replaced under warranty. One month old and 1100 miles on the clock.

I have read in a couple of other threads that it has happened to others but is not a very common problem.

My question is, how serious a fault was this?

Seems to drive as before and there are no other untoward noises coming from the engine bay.

My only worry is that I am due to drive it to Italy on Wednesday for Mini United and obviously I am a little concerned.

Comments and feedback would be most appreciated.

[MINI-Morgan]

I wouldn't worry too much. Its uncommon and so is not likely to happen again. So far as I know its the same bypass valve that has always been used on all the models. And well i'm staying positive nothing will happen on our way down there!

[RenaultF1]

Mine too failed about a month ago on my '05 MCS and actually I was told by the service department that it is quite a common fault on the '05s (at least here in the states). I made it to 16,000 miles before it failed on my car.

I wouldn't worry about it though because it isn't a serious problem and the kicker is that it isn't really even a technically necessary part. Some people have even closed the valve off w/a zip tie to keep it closed.

To ease your mind, you could have someone show you where the valve is if you don't know, so that you could close it should it happen again. The other thing to remember is that you can still drive the car at full speed if it does go...you just have to short shift.

Don't worry & have fun in Italy.

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by RenaultF1

Mine too failed about a month ago on my '05 MCS and actually I was told by the service department that it is quite a common fault on the '05s (at least here in the states). I made it to 16,000 miles before it failed on my car.

I wouldn't worry about it though because it isn't a serious problem and the kicker is that it isn't really even a technically necessary part. Some people have even closed the valve off w/a zip tie to keep it closed.

To ease your mind, you could have someone show you where the valve is if you don't know, so that you could close it should it happen again. The other thing to remember is that you can still drive the car at full speed if it does go...you just have to short shift.

Don't worry & have fun in Italy.

Problem was that the car went into Limp mode though. I guess if you close the valve the car will run ok??

[RenaultF1]

Quote: Originally Posted by BOYR4CER

Problem was that the car went into Limp mode though. I guess if you close the valve the car will run ok??

Exactly. And actually, once you turn the car off and back on, it should be out of limp mode, even though the service engine soon light is still on...takes 3 restarts I believe, to reset the light. So, even though the light is still on, it isn't in limpmode...and you can drive at full speed short shifting to keep it from going back in limp.