Have you checked out the Sierra Nevada Mini Cooper car club? I'm a member but don't recognize your car from the garage pic. 'Course my memory is shot so I don't recognize lotsa things. Here's a link to the web site, with membership info, contacts, etc. --- http://www.snmc.us/Index.html Let me know via PM if I can help diagnose your current problem. And, have you worked with the local indie shop in Sparks --- Reno Rennsport? Their Mini mechanic, John, is pretty good.