I always wanted a Mini and finally have one. Its a 2007 S model. Has been awesome up until today. Went to start it and the check engine light was on. Checked to see what code it is and found PO 326, which I found to be knock sensor. I have traced the wires to the plug and ever thing is good Haven't checked voltages or anything yet. I don't have a manual yet. I can't see where it attaches to engine and have not been able to find out much about it. To be truthful that is why I am here. Hope to fix this problem myself. Anyway I still love my Mini. Thanks
Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net...... Knock sensor should be on the back side of the block...and MINI calls it a PING Sensor..
thanks appreciate the info. After countless searchings I have found not much info on this problem. A lot of people have said where the sensor is, but no one has said how they fixed it. Anyway love my mini and I will fix the problem and when I do I will tell people how to do the fix. Thanks
You know I am an old guy who loves CARS, GUNS, AND COOL stuff for my Grand kids. I love fixing stuff myself. I will not give up when trying to fix a problem.I love the AMERICAN way of life and I love challenge's. I wished when people found an answer they would find a way to convey their findings to others. I have been on many forums and all you can ask for is honesty and sincerity. GOD bless you all.
Checked all the wiring , unplugged the knock sensor, cancelled the code and it has not come on again. Could be gas? anyway I would think if it was a bad sensor it (the light) would come on immediately.
Is your 2007 S a hardtop or a convertible? It will make a difference as the 2007 convertibles were the older engine design (R53) and the 2007 hardtops were the newer engine design (turbo R56). I'm sure that someone will pipe up to help given the right information. If you are in the DFW area, be sure to check out Metroplex MINI, your local MINI club and one of the largest in the US... lots of stuff happening and a great bunch of people.
Mine is a hardtop with the supercharger. Sure runs good, have 76,000 on it. I have a little noise from the through out bearing and a little road noise from rean uneven tires but other than that is a solid ride.
Hmmm... 2007 hardtop should be a turbo, not a supercharger. They were completely different engines, which is why I asked (the convertible always lags a year or two behind the model upgrades in typical BMW fashion). How about this... do your side scuttles look like this (R53 - supercharged): or like this (R56 - turbo)? or you can answer this question... When you lift the bonnet (hood), where do your headlights point? If they point into the sky, that's a supercharged R53. If they point straight ahead, that's a turbo R56.
Also... try searching for P0326 (Pee-ZERO-Three-Two-Six... not Pee-OH-Three-Two-Six) to find some answers. Here's a post on this forum that mentions, for the R53, that you have to remove the supercharger to replace the sensor... not a fun job, but it can be done at home. http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s/10147-knock-sensor-replacement-06-mcs.html#axzz2dIaS3mT7 I did a write-up on servicing the supercharger oil which will help you get the supercharger off of the car (and is a job you should probably do while you are in there, IMHO), but it doesn't talk about the knock sensor: http://www.motoringalliance.com/library/1st-generation-mini-cooper-how-to-3/supercharger-oil-service--oil-pan-gasket-100/#axzz2dIaS3mT7
Also... a quick search on another site turned up that a low fuel pressure condition can cause this and that several folks have solved it by tightening up their gas caps that hadn't been clicked down tight on the last fill-up. The part itself is cheap: http://www.waymotorworks.com/knock-sensor-r50-r52-r53.html MINI calls it a "Ping sensor": http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE33&mospid=48021&btnr=11_3082&hg=11&fg=10&hl=6 Oh yeah... I'm assuming that it's an R53 - supercharged car... that's what I know. If you have an R56 - turbo, I'll have to leave it up to much more qualified folks on this forum.
LOL... I'm having too much fun researching this. I miss my MINI! Some notes on the replacement on an R53. I'd give Way a call at Way Motorworks... he is a very helpful guy and an honest vendor (and a sponsor of MA, I think. ) Knock sensor - North American Motoring