Mini Clubman engine issues

My 2019 Mini Clubman is giving me fits. It's got a reduction in power, and the check engine light is now constantly on. To top it off, I'm seeing smoke when I accelerate, the engine runs rough, my fuel consumption has gone up, and it's jerking a bit when accelerating. Also, I hear a loud hissing noise when I press on the gas pedal. Could a defective EGR valve be the cause? I've read that diesel engines are more prone to this.

4 comment(s)

Reduced power and a check engine light on your Clubman? Sounds familiar. I had similar symptoms a while back. Smoke on acceleration and rough running points to a potential vacuum leak somewhere in the vehicle emissions system. Have you checked the EGR valve? If it's stuck open, it can cause all sorts of problems, especially with recirculation.

Vacuum leak, huh? Where exactly should I be looking for that? And how can I tell if the EGR valve is actually the culprit?

Yeah, the hissing sound is a good indicator of a vacuum leak. While it could be a hose, the EGR valve itself might be jammed open or defective. A faulty EGR valve messes with the air/fuel mixture, causing the symptoms you described. I ended up taking mine to a mechanic, and they confirmed it was the EGR valve. Saved me a lot of headache in the end, so I would suggest you do the same.

Appreciate the insight. Dropped it off at the shop this morning, and they confirmed it's the EGR valve. Quoted me 355€ for the replacement, so I gave them the go-ahead. Hopefully, that'll sort it out.

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