Background-
2003 Mini Cooper S w/65K
Second owner, bought from original owner (80 year old) @ 22K 3 years ago
All regular maintenance complete, car is babied
Mildy modified: performance mods = 15% pulley package (professionally installed w/JCW plugs & proper belt), CAI, MSD coil pack & wires
Occasional spirited driving, but it is my 60 mile highway commuter M-F

CEL light came on last week-
(shortly after I had coolant flush done at Valvoline Instant)

Brought car into local European Specialist b/c check engine light came on
Car is running perfectly fine in my opinion w/exception of yellow glow of CEL light on dash

I was told the following from the shop:

Check Engine Light Codes: Technician scanned the car for codes
and found code 0302 misfire #2 detected and 2404-leakage diag
pump-measuring range or power problem. First code is for #2
misfiring. Ran misfire test with Autologic and it detects a miss.
Checked comp. and 134 at 150. 2 is at 120 which is 10 PSI below
minimum spec. Possible burned valve. Can run leak down test to
verify.

Second code is related to EVAP. Ran test and it passed. Possible
leakage pump in early stages of failure. Recommend seeing what
happens.

Perform Cylinder Leak Down Test

Technician did the cylinder leakage test and #2 has 60% leakage.
Can hear air coming out of dipstick tube indicating bad rings.
Recommend replacing the motor…
$8,245.09


Any help would be much appreciated, & thank you in advance for any suggestions!

 

There has to be places to get a quality rebuilt motor installed for a lots less IMO.

 

Braminator- I agree, but I'm wondering if maybe my problems are much less severe than these guys thought it was. I feel like if I needed a new motor, that my mini would show more signs than just a CEL. Anyone else out there ever find themselves in a similar situation?

 

Get a second opinion.

Generally, when you get a misfire code.. It's due to a bad coil/plug/injector.

A weak cylinder won't code if its just a few psi below spec... Plus...

Do you burn oil? Do you see smoke out of the exhaust under power pulls? Is there crazy blow-by when you pull the oil cap off? Those are signs of weak rings...

 

I agree with this, but also 2002-2006 MINIs are known to have issues with exhaust valve guides causing a misfire code. Has your MINI gone into limp mode? If not, I doubt it is as severe as they are making it sound. I would highly suggest getting that second opinion.

 

Do you burn oil? Do you see smoke out of the exhaust under power pulls? Is there crazy blow-by when you pull the oil cap off? Those are signs of weak rings..
-Does not burn oil
-no smoke on pulls
-no blow by w/oil cap off

-never gone into limp mode

When getting second opinion, should I mention anything specific to the new garage?

Thanks again to all for your input!

 

Nope just take it there and tell them you have a misfire code and see what they say. Where exactly are you located? Maybe someone can recommend a reputable shop near you. Who was the 1 st shop?

 

The first shop was ArborMotion in Ann Arbor, MI. I normally go to Detroit Tuned to have my car worked on, but I didn't want to drive it that far if there was actually something wrong with it (DT guys are the best, but are only open during the week & are typically pretty booked up in my experience).

 

Give them a call and explain your situation. I am sure they will accommodate you.

 

You might want to give http://www.convenienceauto.com/ a try. They are smarter than most and will give you a straight answer.

Before too long I hope..., there should be a Mini dealer in Ann Arbor. They've put in sod and are looking like they are close to opening after a long gestation period...

 

Did you find out what was wrong? My wife just had an issue with her mini cooper s. the number 2 cylinder was 60% loss on a leak down test. Tore the motor down found a burnt valve and bad rings. Currently rebuilding the engine.From what i have seen it the forums burnt valves are becoming a common issue.