My wife's 2012 MCS (28,000 miles) had an abrupt engine noise occur. Engine Warning Light (EWL) came on orange color and engine went into Safe Mode. In addition, the engine is running very rough and sounding abnormal.
Has anyone experienced this symptom before? Any ideas as to the problem?
Engine oil is good. No weird smells. No fluids leaking.
Will ultimately have towed to dealer on Sunday.
My wife is so sad that her favorite car is sick.
Any thoughts on the problem are appreciated.

 

Welcome.


Most likely (this is just a guess)... is Water Pump, and the second best guess is Timing Chain Follower... the plastic bit.


But let the Tech find what is going on with it.


Motor On!

 

Good news is you have an N18 engine. Typically no major engine issues and we never see any carbon build up at the shop like the N14's since it has a newer valve cover design. Don't even need catch cans for those.

Guessing its could just be bad coil. MINI changed manufacturers for the coils in that engine due to some early malfunctions. There's a service bulletin on it.

 

Hello,

Abrupt engine noise and rough running sounds like an issue I had with mine. I had a turbo hose blow off just before it entered the intake. 10 second fix and I was back in business.

John

 

Service advisor tells me that they examined the entire engine. They tell me it's probably bad coils and old spark plugs causing the problem. Seems like a guess. Why can't Mini be contingent in their diagnosis. So, I say yes to the $850 cost to do this?
I like John Walkers response that it could be a Turbo hose that blew off.
On a plane now, will call the dealer tomorrow and tell them to look for a dangling turbo hose..

 

Bad coils and "old" spark plugs at 28K miles? This dealer is full of it. Tread cautiously with these people...