[andrewcregan]

I was almost home on Saturday, when I noticed a sudden increase in engine noise (driven diesel for over 9 years so my ears are finely tuned) and a judder when idling. It happened only metres from home, so I put the car in the garage and thought little more of it.
Drove to work today (Monday) and almost immeadiately heard the increased engine noise again. I was so concerned that I phoned my dealer as I drove (handsfree of course ). As I approached higher revs - 2500, the noise appeared to lessen. 20 miles of Motorway later, and it was time to slow down. Back to the lower revs, around 1900, and the rattles began again.
Once in work, took a couple of mechanically minded pals for a brief spin. They both agreed that something was wrong.
Phoned the Mini Emergency help number, and they had a technician to me in 25 minutes - this included getting through security! The technician listened to the engine and agreed something was up. Plugged in the magic diagnostics computer, and 20 minutes later - nothing! More revving of the engine, a couple of brief runs (couple of hundred metres) and more heads under the bonnet was required. Something is wrong, but it is deep in the engine. The best guess is a valve or cylinder problem - yikes
The low loader was called, and my pride and joy was taken away to the Mini dealership of my choice (Woodmans of course ). Seeing my car on the back of that wagon was not good, but a colleague at work took great pleasure in photographing the event - see the picture posted.
The Mini service was great, but the free hire car wasn't so easily sorted. It was supposed to be with me within 2 hours, but I got it after 3 and a half, and having to go to their hire place. Then to add insult to injury, I got a Ford Ka
No news from the dealers yet, but fingers crossed

[Mejy Poo]

Sorry to hear about your car

How long have you had it?


Ford KA - OUCH

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Oh no!

Hope its fixed soon!

[bubblegoose]

I'm sure Phil will look after it & get it back to its normal self!

Just a minor hiccup thats all

Got my Demo Dooper taxed & on the road today, so I've joined the Dooper club

[andrewcregan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mejy Poo (original)

How long have you had it?

It was a very early 57 plate - one of the first with stop/start. Just under 5500 miles on the clock. The engine had run like a dream until this, although I thought I was beginning to notice a decrease in mpg

Supposed to be at Top Gear this weekend

Welcome to the club Dave.

[andrewcregan]

Quote: Originally Posted by bubblegoose (original)

Just a minor hiccup thats all

I hope you are right Dave. Unfortunately the BMW technician was full of stories of doom and gloom!

[Phil Craddock]

hope they fine the fault Andrew - nitemare !!!

[andrewcregan]

Cheers Phil . I really don't see this being a quick fix but fingers crossed

[mister.t]

Shoot sorry to hear about your troubles Our Kia Sorento did the same thing - It just turned out to be the damned engine cover!! On a bright note, the Ka is at least better than a Nissan Micra!!

[Phil Craddock]

can't you get them to 'lend' you a nice MINI for the weekend though?????

[Lolance]

This is RUBBISH!!

Hope you get it fixed mate!

[andrewcregan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Phil Craddock (original)

can't you get them to 'lend' you a nice MINI for the weekend though?????

The Ford Ka is supposed to be replaced by a BMW 3 series tomorrow .
The Mini emergency cover gives you 2 FREE days courtesy hire, then you either have to pay, get the dealership to pay (and claim back off Mini I guess) or get a courtesy car from the dealers.
One way or another I still hope to make Top Gear!

[Lolance]

Courtesy car defo!!

I'm sure the nice folks at Woodmans will help you out...

[bubblegoose]

Quote: Originally Posted by andrewcregan (original)

The Ford Ka is supposed to be replaced by a BMW 3 series tomorrow .
The Mini emergency cover gives you 2 FREE days courtesy hire, then you either have to pay, get the dealership to pay (and claim back off Mini I guess) or get a courtesy car from the dealers.
One way or another I still hope to make Top Gear!

thats incorrect Andrew..

the dealer will automatically extend the hire car agreement for you if further time is required to fix your car. The agreement with the rental company is with MINI UK & not the dealer. Because its not the dealers fault the vehicle is broken, so the dealer shouldn't be out of pocket.. MINI UK pay for the hire car through Enterprise Rental. This is all taken care of by the dealer, so, if more time is needed, then the dealer will contact MINI UK to extend the hire car agreement. MINI then do this through Enterprise.

Hope this clears any issues up

[andrewcregan]

Thanks for that Dave Sounds like I will be driving a BMW until I get my Dooper back

[andrewcregan]

Spoken to my dealer this morning, who has already had my car up on the ramp for a couple of hours. The problem appears to be a faulty injector.
Apparently - Modern diesels are a lot quieter, as they don't let all the fuel in at once - which led to the infamous knocking of a diesel engine. A new generation effectively drip feeds the fuel in, and greatly reduces the knocking sound. The suspicion is that my faulty injector is letting the fuel go in all at once, hence knocking like an old diesel.
A replacement injector has been ordered, and is due to arrive and be fitted tomorrow. If all goes smoothly, I may have my car back tomorrow
Keep them fingers crossed!

[R99]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Its defiantly gone to the right dealership though!

Lets hope that your back on the road in time for the Top Gear event.

[airbusA346]

Quote: Originally Posted by andrewcregan (original)

Seeing my car on the back of that wagon was not good

We have had 4 of our cars on low loaders and when they do it in the middle of the street with all the lights flashing......

[ONED]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

Oh no!

Hope its fixed soon!

???.....Should you now change your name to "supa dooper cooper" ??

...just a thought!

[ONED]

Bad news about the Dooper mate!

TBH have not really warmed to ours at all!
much prefered our old OneD