FWIW, I’m using the new (SN plus) version
of Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40 (550051113). Good for small gdi turbo engines (LSPI
prevention), HTHS of 3.6 so a3/b3 rated, and a
high viscosity index* in the right viscosity range.
Not many oils hit all those points.
*and mb-229.5 approval means NOACK is less
than 10% despite its high VI of 206.
Welcome to MA!
Your Mini has an N14 engine. Sorry to say they have a bad reputation, but they are not that bad if you keep infant of them. I have a 2012 JCW coupe. The first and most important thing is how many miles are on it and do you know if it has had a walnut blasting? If you have over 50K and don't know or it has not had this done go get it done. If you don't you are asking for big trouble.
It is a direct injection engine so no fuel is sprayed over the intake valves. Due to the way the PVC system is the intake valves build up oil vapor and will stick when it gets bad enough, then you bind valves. What you are describing is a sign it may be time. It could be other things but if you don't know the history I would start there.
I recently got a clubman S with 70k it ran fine but I had it lasted just to make sure it was clean. After I got it back the shop said it needed it.
117K km, someone before me put a catch can between the PCV intake pipe, just can't be sure about how long it has been installed, I live just north of toronto, I will be doing some of my own work. As for the walnut blasting I'll leave that for someone else
I don't know anywhere in Toronto. The closest place I know to you would be Detroit Tuned. but that would be about a 3 hour drive. Chad really is very good. Their shop specialize in Minis.
The simplest idea first, check your plugs. If it's got a tune it's possible it has the wrong plugs to keep up with the raised demands of the tune, a cooler plug may be necessary for longevity. That code looks to be a throttle air leak, check your charge pipes all the way back to the throttle body for any loose connections or cracks. Does it have an actual blow off (to atmosphere) valve and not a recirc? That could be the cause of your missing air. If it's got a rough idle it could be a few things. If your full exhaust is missing any cat's that could cause an air/fuel problem. I don't think the intercooler could cause any issues from pressure drop unless it's like an ebay intercooler and is just too big. As for the valve cover gasket, just look around the valve cover for any leaks as they're very easy to spot. It's a simple job to DIY.
Swap in some fresh fluids ASAP. MINI's need fresh fluids, they're a bit finicky ESPECIALLY those equipped with the N14 engine. When you're under the car look for any oil leaks, specifically around the oil cooler and filter housing. It's good to stay ahead of the 8 ball in an early R56.
Good advice thanks, can you recommend a plug I should use, the shop/dealer I bought it off didn't know much about it and knew even less about mini's. All I know is he said it was a go fast blow off valve.
Another thing I didn't mention was there's a stamp/badge on the valve cover with JCW tune and a sticker in the door jam saying this vehicle is equipped with the JCW tune and need to change the plugs every second oil change. But along with that is a manic performance tune obd2 adapter in the glove box. Are these the same ?
Ya no luck, the shop I bought it off bought from a VW dealer that got it from a trade in, it would be nice if I could find a good mini specialist close to me so I could bring it there and have him look it over
Yes there's a switch with numbers 0-9, I looked it up online and it says 0 and 5-9 aren't used, 1 is stock, 2 is 25% increase, 3 is 50% increase and 4 is 100%. Do you know of a way of finding out what is actually in the car. If it has the JCW tune and if the manic tune is in there?
Are they decent guys at Detroit tuned? Seems like every "BMW/mini specialist" I've called today doesn't know jack about the performance side of the car. And most guys don't like giving out free advice until you pay for something. I have no problem paying for things but if you don't know what you're talking about and can't help me then don't take my money
At $200 per SPS switch, odds are pretty good you have all maps installed. Easiest way to find out (without having a Manic tuner look at it) is to plug it in and try it. Start with the "stock" and work up to "C". Performance should get better as you progress. If Manic maps are still installed, ensure your dealer techs know about it and don't allow them to re-flash the ECU, that''ll cause the Manic maps to be erased --- at this time they're irreplaceable.
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