What's wrong with my mini? (Video)

blun · 24 Jun 2017 at 20:52

2010 R56 Mini Cooper (not an "S") has developed this idle issue when cold

Turn sound up as it makes some unusual noises

It does this for about 30 seconds from a cold start (warm start is fine)

Any thoughts on what it could be?

johnny6 · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:51

Engine carbon deposit build up? I know the works R56 suffered from it not sure if the cooper is the same.

Diddums x · 24 Jun 2017 at 22:02

It's knackered mate, time for a new one

Slam62 · 24 Jun 2017 at 22:04

Respray should sort it

blun · 24 Jun 2017 at 22:24

johnny6 said:
Engine carbon deposit build up? I know the works R56 suffered from it not sure if the cooper is the same.

I think the carbon build up issue mainly affects the turbo charged engine in the Cooper S / Works. Although it looks like in rarer cases it has also affected the non-turbo coopers.

breadturbo · 25 Jun 2017 at 23:21

Id read up on vanos control solenoids, they are common on these and cause that issue.

stickyjamfinger · 26 Jun 2017 at 00:03

Check the oil level (Im serious!) seen this recently.

mushtafa · 26 Jun 2017 at 07:39

Could be something as simple as a coolant temp sensor, or dirty throttle body.

Have it plugged in and diagnosed.

Ryan-3 · 26 Jun 2017 at 09:45

That's odd. Doesn't look like the fuel pump issue and I can't remember if VANOS is a cold start issue on these, or a warm start. Could you check if there are any fault codes - or strange readings - using an OBD reader?

For note: N14 engines are bad for coking, N18 are better but still not exempt from the issue. The turbocharged S also seems to be worse than the NA in the Cooper. You should be able to check which engine you have on the sticker inside the drivers door if you're unsure, but I think being a 10 it has the N14.

slick rick · 26 Jun 2017 at 09:52

My guess would be a camshaft sensor or a vanos solenoid, but you need the codes read TBH.

Armageus · 26 Jun 2017 at 10:09

Timing chain stretch/tensioner failure is also fairly common on these, so possible the timing could have "jumped" slightly - Vanos sounds more likely though.

blun · 26 Jun 2017 at 11:50

Thanks for the suggestions. Although it's a 2010 it has the N16 engine. This morning it actually stalled 3 times before it eventually started.

Booked in with Mini to take a look later this week as I don't have a code reader. It's under the Mini warranty so hopefully whatever it is they will get it sorted.

slick rick · 26 Jun 2017 at 12:46

If I was a betting man my money would be on intake camshaft sensor.

Gaygle · 26 Jun 2017 at 14:04

slick rick said:
If I was a betting man my money would be on intake camshaft sensor.

This is what I was going to guess.

Were you getting any "Engine Fault" lights come on?

blun · 27 Jun 2017 at 14:15

Gaygle said:
This is what I was going to guess.

Were you getting any "Engine Fault" lights come on?

No engine fault lights and doing a check-control on the computer comes back with "check ok".

It got a lot worse yesterday and stalled twice before it eventually stayed running (and was then absolutely fine after a few mins driving, including turning the engine off and on after a short journey).

Hopefully it is just a sensor - will update after mini have had a look at it (if it'll start in order to take it there!)

snips86x · 27 Jun 2017 at 14:18

sounds like someone is filing their nails....

blun · 3 Jul 2017 at 15:44

Car came back from Mini on Friday - they replaced the thermostat housing which appears to have fixed the problem.