The vehicle in question is a Mini One, 2007, 1.4, Petrol with 110,000 miles. Before the ECL I was experiencing loss of acceleration when stepping on the accelerator to overtake other vehicles and driving up a hill. The ECL flashed 24 hour ago and I went straight down to the local garage to retrieve fault codes before the light disappeared. The code were retrieved using a generic OBD scanner:

2B68: Intake-manifold pressure value too low.
276A: Catalytic converter conversion rate faulty
2AC2: O2 sensor (bank, sensor 1) mixture too lean.

The vehicle was serviced 4 weeks ago and had the usual oil, filter, brake pad/disc, and air filter changed, however it failed the emission test. The fault was tracked down to a faulty Catalytic converter and O2 sensor. The garage technician replaced the Post-Cat sensor since it had expired and ran a cleaner to clean the Catalytic converter of impurities. And the vehicle passed emission test.

I am aware the vehicle requires a new Catalytic converter as cleaning it is a temporary solution. Should I purchase a genuine Catalytic converter or a cheap after-market one? What is the different between the two? or am I paying slightly more due to the branding?

Second question is the 2AC2 linked to the under performing Catalytic converter or should I retest the Pre-Cat converter?

Third and final question the fault code 2B68 suggest the 'Intake-manifold pressure value too low' does that suggest my MAP sensor is running faulty since it is not able to draw the correct air to fuel ratio.

Please help a brother out.
Thanks in advance.

 

Do you want to do a tune and gain performance? You could go high flow or catless. You can probably pick up a used one for cheaper than a new one.

 

I am not boy racer therefore do not require a tuned or high performance convertor. I am looking for a standard long life cat converter which will solve the ECL and get me though emission test yearly. I heard an after-market cat convertor has a life of 25,000 miles and Mini's genuine cat convertor can teach 80,000 miles. I would probably take the hit and purchase a genuine or OEM convertor which can last.

 

You'll do just great with a magnaflow OEM replacement or Catco is a great company. These two will undercut the cost of the stock unit, perform at least as well as stock and bolt right on. 49-date legal in the USA, check local laws. Figure in up to $250 USD for your application.

 

Thanks for a reply, I am situated in the UK. Can you suggest a UK alternative company which supply great OEM?
Do you believe the problem will rectify the acceleration hesitation?

 

Just purchased a OEM cat converter and took it the garage to get a quote. I was told it is a big job because majority of the front section must come off and it would require the coolant system to be emptied and topped up.

Please can someone confirm this is truth?

 

Shouldn't be too much work. I was going to say buy a universal catalytic converter (they can match you with a part number, and have it welded into your existing tubing. Safe, effective, less costly.

Since you already have one, look into the cost of new lambda sensors, for now or for the future. Sorry I couldn't be more help, I'm not the most fit researcher of UK sites.

 

The convertor looks same as this: (http://www.cats2u.co.uk/34268/Cataly...r/MINI/ONE/1.4) however it is OEM, therefore should last a long time with proper care. JcarrollWS6 you have been great help and made me feel welcome on the forum. The garage is asking for $800 to replace it since according to them is a big job which requires majority of the front section remove and later the coolant replaced. I want to confirm if that is the case?

 

JcarrollWS6 you have been great help and made me feel welcome on this forum.

I brought the full manifold Cat-converter assembly, since all stores stock this item of part, rather than just the Cat-converter housing.

The garage quoted $800 to replace the Cat-converter since it is a complex job which requires majority of the front dismantle and the coolant system bled and replaced.

I would like to confirm if that is such the case?

 

Seems a hair on the steep side. I would call a couple local garages and get an idea of the market around you. Again, different valuations and standard of pay. Spend 10 minutes on the phone and see what that nets you.

 

I will do market research before choosing.

One question what is the disadvantage of purchasing a cat converter taken from a dismantle car with only 5000 miles on the clock and have it refitted to mine?

view link below at the one i am interested in: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Mini-...item35d1372cb6

 

Not a bad idea, come with a matching O2 sensor as well. I say grab that one up if the price is right.

 

I got in touch with the auto spare yard this morning to check for compatibility. the Catalytic Converter is taken from a Mini One 2011 which is a 1.6 and mine is a 1.4. Anyhow they have reassured me the part will fit correctly even due the difference.

Can you or anyone else double confirm that?

 

It should absolutely fit. You always want to make sure that a replacement cat comes from an engine of the same or larger displacement (this is how the calculate the duty cycle of the catalyst).

 

I should receive the item today and have it fitted hopefully by tomorrow. Hopefully that resolves the hesitation issue. JcarrollWS6 you have been great help.

 

Great, let us know! Best of luck.

 

Update: The genuine Catalytic converter including two 02 sensors arrived yesterday and was replaced by a local garage along with new NGK spark plugs for $250. Bargain Alert!

I took the car for a drive today and the problem has been resolved. I am able to accelerate at high-speeds without hesitation.

JcarrollWS6 fancy a race? Anyway jokes apart, BIG thanks to JcarrollWS6 If you ever come to England, stop by for a coffee.

 

Great news. I knew that install quote seemed crazy! Enjoy the mini, oz

 

Hi @JcarollWs6
Would you mind helping me with my 2009 1.4 R56 N12 issue too .
My car failed on emissions very bad. Mechanic said it is the lambda sensor and i have got it replaced and got a full service with new oil , filters, brake disc and pads
It still failed the test on emissions . I see it is reading P1105 on obd2 reader, no engine light or anything .
Car is running all good , high on fuel consumption is what i notice .

Same mechanic insisting me to change the catalytic converter now which costs me 600 , just looking for second opinion

Regards