Had the car in today to investigate a misfire that happens at random when accelerating. They have found a faulty knock sensor and are replacing. Hopefully this fixes the problem. When the misfire occurred smoke came from the exhaust, the last time it happened a rattle came from the exhaust at the front, could there be damage? In total it has happened about 5 times.
They are also looking at the air con. twice it has gone on to re circulate then switched off!!
I had the same problem on my 2011 Cooper S. I had the software update installed (mentioned in post 14) and the problem has not come back since that was done in March. I took it to the dealer for another problem to be fixed, explained the problem about misfiring at the same time, and asked for software update "SI MI2 02 11" to be installed in the car and they did it without any arguments. No need for knock sensors or anything like that.
Thank you for that. I'll let them replace the sensor, but ask for them to look at updating the software with relevant code. I've got a 1.6 One Countryman, and although not powerful the engine is so smooth compared to the Cooper S.
Road and Track has a 2011 Countryman Cooper S in it's long term fleet. This has been a reoccurring theme for them and their staff too along with their 12,000 mile clutch replacement.
Sensor replaced and all seems better, couldn't do any software update because Mini haven't told them to carry it out. Still got the usual ticking / sewing machine noise.
Well they replaced the knock sensor and a week later I had a big misfire again, so its back with Mini. Another tin rattle in front exhaust that worries me. Same fault showing up so they've spoken to Mini tech and they say to replace a temp unit, so that is what is being done! Fingers crossed again!!!
Hi, I was just wondering how you were progressing with your misfire? I too have a Countryman Cooper S All4 and from new (April 2011), I experienced an intermittent misfire on the engine, usually when going up hill (the dealer refers to this as under load). I drove the car for 6 months before taking it to the dealers, (re-occurring non starts in cold weather forced me to address the issue). Thirteen months on and two dealerships later I am no nearer resolving the misfire (I’m truly gutted). Here is the list of repairs and there may be more but I can’t remember:
• Multiple nox sensors
• Multiple thermostats
• Plugs
• Injectors
• Two lots of fuel additive
New coils
Multiple software updates
• Air intake pipe – (the car had suddenly started to make a noise similar to what you describe as tinny front exhaust rattle, they found a hole in this pipe which could cause the misfire – it resolved the noise but not the misfire)
The latest visit (of 5 weeks) has resulted in:
• Cylinder head been sent away to remove carbon deposits
• Engine timing being replaced and still the car was registering the same two fault codes with the dealer
Next steps are:
• Replace injectors again
• Carry out fuel tests
Although the first dealer eventually put the fault down to driver induced error (as if), I have to admit that the second dealership have pulled out all the stops when it comes to customer service i.e collect and drop off courtesy car, same day as fault re-reported. I am assured that mini technical have this raised to the highest level to get this resolve, but I can’t help thinking they haven’t got a clue what is wrong with it!
Bad fuel... I use the best stuff available in Aus, 98ron. When I used 95 as a once off. It backfired grey smoke with an engine misfire. I think it's as simple as poor fuel quality.
Well mine is in again, but the error code showing up this time is super knocking. I have had the knock sensor replaced, and a thermostat. They are not sure why this is showing, they have deleted the error, and road tested and it hasn't happened again. The are now reinstalling the software to start from scratch. They mentioned it could be down to the fuel, although I always use Shell or BP and often V power or ultimate, and they say they see more common problems with supermarket fuel. So i'm afraid I am at the wait and see stage.
Is so frustrating when the car is not quite a year old, and I really look after it. The amount I would loose if I were to change my car is not an option.
From reading on the net, carbon deposits and build up seem to be the main issue from poor engine design. Will keep all posted! Plus fingers crossed!
If they are reinstalling the software, i hope they are putting the update in. You really need to push them to install this as it cured the problem with mine instantly. Theyre only wasting their own time and yours replacing parts that dont need replacing. I use tesco fuel all the time and it doesnt cause any problems.
It's very sad when MINI gets that desperate and starts blaming their own "top tier" fuel companies.
I forget where I found it but there was an awesome post on the 18K oil change interval and sludge build issue.
It makes me furious when the average Joe just follows the manual (top tier gas, oil changes as per MINI's computer) and they still get it up the rear-end from their local dealership and/or country's headquarters.
I hate to keep saying this but this is not the treatment you deserve after paying big bucks for a premium compact car. Even Ford would have treated you better!
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