1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Limp Mode

I haven't seen an ABS fault do that. Why do you suspect the ABS? Any other symptoms?

 

Think you need too looks elsewhere for the fault causing the limp mode....
Limp mode usually comes from an engine management issue....the engine computer says it doesn't understand... And limpmode keeps the engine running enough to get to a safe spot to shutdown....
Bad abs sensors, or a computer can set a check engine light,or a code...but pretty sure no triggering of limp mode.

 

The EML is probably not the wheel speed sensor / ABS. Trifecta is probably wheel speed sensor, as you suggest, rarely do the ABS modules cause any problems.

For the limp mode, most likely culprit is crank pulley failing, it's a two part pulley with rubber connecting the halves. When they get old the rubber tears and the pulley can turn somewhat independently, which causes supercharger and alternator to not turn at the expected speed, and the ECU complains with EML and limp.

BUT there are quite a few other things that can cause limp mode. Someone who knows MINIs really needs to inspect carefully to further diagnose.

 

Someone with a proper BMW-aware scan tool should be able to pinpoint it, quickly.

 

limp mode can be caused by anything. On my Tundra I it was a silly pair pump needed for cold starts only. I can see how a manufacturer could argue that a bad ABS unit is reason to slow you down until fixed. Actually, makes more sense than the silly air pump in my truck that does nothing more than add fresh air to the same stinky exhaust the truck has without it, just creating (cheating) to get you better parts per million in a test. Bad ABS system could actually cause injury and law suit/

Go get a generic code scanner from O'Reilleys or similar car parts store to get the codes. Have you tried resetting with battery disconnect reconnect?

 

And what I'm saying is, every time I've seen limp mode, there have been OTHER errors reported by the DME or other modules, that explained it. These don't usually appear as OBD-II codes. So the BMW-specific scan tools can interrogate ALL the modules on the car and report exactly what they're seeing. Maybe the Autel can go that deep, I don't know.

 

Sometimes I go into limp mode....

 

They have pills for that now. :ihih::lol:

 

Wut.... They have pills now that fix bad ankles?

 

Wouldn't that be cankles?

 

Yup they will make them stiff for 4 hours. :lol:

 

Just remember too seek "professional help" ......always makes me wonder what type of a pro!!:lol:


And to the OP...You have TWO or more issues....
One is the abs/wheel speed sensors issues....
Another is a an engine issue....you just happen to have them at the same time....but fact is a car with a failed wheel speed sensors, pump, etc is drivable...you can yank the fuse for the system....heck...folks have done it for track cars....the "trifecta" is annoying....but more is going on.