R56 Cooper S - Valves need replacing
Hi there. This post is mainly aimed at GoFaStEr as the problem I am having is suspiciously similar!
I have been an avid follower of the MINI2.com forum, although I have never brought myself to registering and posting, until recently that is... About a month ago, my car started to develop a very lumpy idle sounding like it was missing a beat every couple of seconds. This slowly got worse until the point that when the engine was cold it kept 'hiccuping' under anything other than light throttle. It was fine again once it warmed up, but it got me worrying that something wasn't quite right. About two weeks ago, the problem developed yet further when I was driving home from work on the A34 and the engine management light came on followed by a noticable drop in engine power. As the A34 has no hard shoulder, I continued for another minute until I found a lay-by, by which point the warning light now flashed green (engine management light with the diagonal line through it). I stopped, checked the manual to see what it meant, turned off the engine for a couple of minutes, before continuing my journey home (about 5mins away) at a seriously reduced pace. I booked my car into MINI who diagnosed the problem as the valves not being seated properly. They said that all valves would need to be replaced (£1800ish), £800 for parts and £1000 for labour.
Before I go any further I would to say that I bought my R56 Cooper S brand new in March 2007 (Jan 07 built). It now has 60k. I have bought the TLC and TLCXL packs with all servicing from new being done by MINI. Like many, I suffered (and still suffer from) the diesel like rattle at start up, resulting in the tensioner being changed at around 40k. The problem went away until about 45k but did eventually return, becoming even worse than before. More recently, the car started to develope a misfire, particulary around 3k rpm in 6th under load (ie uphill), or when the car was 3/4 people up. Every time I brought it in for a service I would explain this and they could never find a problem. This was frustrating, because the problem was quite intermittant and in turn was really difficult to demonstrate on command, hence, I don't think they ever took the problem that seriously. I will confess that I do drive the car quite spiritedly, but I make a point of driving gently until it has properly warmed up and again for a few minutes before turning the engine off. I also check the oil regulary, usually putting in about 1 litre/2k miles. Overall, however, I feel I don't drive any harder than a car of this nature should be capable of handling with ease.
Right, back to the problem. I complained to MINI who almost without hesitation, conceaded to paying for the parts for free. Whilst this may seem generous, especially on a 4yr old car, I explained that a problem as serious as this on a car with only 60k miles is surely a design related/manufacturer's problem and not something that I had influence over (i.e. a clutch wearing out prematurely); especially given that I only ever serviced the car with MINI and I had noted the misfiring problem on several occassions. I went on to say that I didn't feel as though I was more than 50% reponsible for the problem even though they were asking me to pay more than 50% of the cost and I would like their contribution to be improved. As of Friday 13th, MINI had acknowledged that I was not happy with their offer and that they would get back to me by next Wednesday 18th. So that is where I am at the moment, almost sleepless nights thinking about the whole thing!
I will say however, I absolutely love my MINI, far and away the best car I have ever owned, and engine aside, dare I say it, the most reliable car I have ever owned! MINI Hanborough (Oxford) service team have been really helpful and have provided me with a coutesy car for free for the whole time my car has been in the workshop.... but the whole engine reliablilty issue has really put me off, and I have pretty much accepted that once I get my car back, I am going to get rid of it. I enjoy driving too much to constantly worry about whether or not something like this will happen again.
I just though you might be interested in hearing how things have panned out for me, especially since it sounds like you are having a very similar problem. I will continue posting any developments as and when they happen, but I would also be interested in hearing how things are working out on your end!
Cheers,
Shane