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Just had a problem with my new Cooper S after 1 week of ownership. Was driving steadily up the M1 earlier when some @rse in an A3 decided to tailgate me, despite that fact that I was overtaking other cars. After holding my speed for a while and giving him a stern look I regret that I put my foot down- not all the way down but let's say just say I increased my speed significantly and left him far behind- so good so far. As soon as I was clear I slowed right down to resume by gentle drive North, but then a warning noise sounded, a yellow engine fault icon came on and the car lost most of it's power- still able to drive but clearly in limp mode. Switching the engine off then back on again cured it for about 10 minutes but then light would come back on and the power would drop again. Now the car has done 600 miles, and yes I know I'm suppose to take it steady for the first 1000 (although the dealer said just don't go above 5000rpm within the first 500 miles) and today is the first time I've been near 5000rpm. Clearly it's going back to the dealer tomorrow, but I wondered if anyone had any idea what it might be. I so wish I hadn't succumbed to the taunts of that Audi driver
That should not have happened even with you still in the break in range. There are two schools of thought on the break in period. One states that you should drive it like you stole it and the other wants you to baby it. On older engines where specs weren't as tight, this made a difference, but on todays engines, we have yet to see a difference. So, you running hard for a short sprint should not have caused any problems. However, you do have a problem there that needs to be looked at.
That sonofa***** A3! Clearly it is true that Audi drivers are now the knobs of the driving world! With regards to losing power, that's a safety feature with all cars now: basically, if anything happens to the engine, the computer kicks the car into safety mode so that when driving, it doesn't damage the engine further. Are there any noises that accompany the warning light? Perhaps that could give you a clue as to what has gone wrong...
No, fortunately no horrible noises just the sudden loss of power and warning light. It's now back at the dealers. They were great and confirmed DaFlake's point that it shouldn't happen despite the low miles. I feel a little less responsible now but dissapointed nonetheless.
My last car was an Audi so I'm delighted to have swapped if they are the driving knobs! I seem to remember an episode of Top Gear where Clarkson suggested something similar. Might be a subject for another thread but does the Cooper S tend to attract this kind of attention? So far I've noticed a few admiring glances at my new car but this was my first taste of unwanted aggression.
Its an Audi! A lot of reps drive them and are aggressive. I'd see his aggression as envy, and therefore a compliment on choosing the right car Afterall he's stuck in a boring audi!
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guys, i'll give you my 5 cents now... first day driving my spankin new mini of the dealer forecourt, made it 5 miles down the road (wasnt ragged at all) and experienced exactly what you've described above, turns out when the mini was delivered it had low fuel in it, so low that the limp home mode was triggered, this cleared when they gave it a full tank and restarted it (apparently) but was happening to me even on a full tank.. they ended up replacing the fuel pump + pipe (twice as they cross threaded the pipe the first time) and its been golden since... the dealers will sort your problem, but i'm very curious to know whether theres a faulty batch of fuel pumps out there? pushin your car = pushing the fuel pump.... watch this space i guess!
I guess I'll know whether I've chosen the right car after I've had it long enough without any further issues! Fingers crossed. I did like my Audi but it is boring compared to a (fully functioning) MCS.
know what you mean!! I'm sure its just a hiccup.... I had the bosses convertible for a couple days whilst they sorted mine out, make sure you get the same treatment!
Hey folks.. I'm from Toronto and recently purchased a Cooper S (3 weeks ago). Last Monday, pulled out of the pkg garage and the car sputtered and felt like it was choking...turned it off and back on and did the same thing, then the engine light came on. Long story short, they replaced the high pressure fuel pump. I was a little ****ed since it had less than 1100 km's on it and was getting new wheels put on the next day. The guys at BMW Toronto (Sheldon) were great and had a new pump ordered, replaced and car was picked up before 7pm.
Sounds like this may be the same issue.
Yey got my Mini back! It seems the high pressure fuel pump had failed on mine too so perhaps there's an general issue with them? Anyway the car back to it's former glory so hopefully no further problems.
I don't believe that nothing is perfect. Perfection is subjective, and I believe that although there are bits and pieces on my mini that could be better, I think its still perfect.
Mine was perfect too until it broke It is now perfect again however
Seriously though, perfection is something you can aspire to, but is rarely attainable. Besides, often it is the imperfections that give something (or someone!) 'character', and Minis have bags of that.
That doesn't mean I want my fuel pump failing every other week though!
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Have I hurt my new MINI? 
Afterall he's stuck in a boring audi! 
It is now perfect again however 
