Mini Cooper Forums - Mini Cooper Enthusiast Forums - Advice on cause for "Check Engine" light

Hello from a new member --- joined a few minutes ago. Yes, I am aware that asking you to pin down a DEFINITE reason for the check engine light coming on is not possible, but maybe you can mention the top three likely reasons, so when I go to a Min mechanic, there is not a fishing expedition into my wallet.

OK -- here are specifics on my car: 2010, bought by me 2013. Only about 2000 miles put on by me since 2013, so it now amounts to 34,400. Oil changed 1200 miles ago at Jiffy Lube. No fuel-injection service or new parts (plugs etcetera) by me since July 2014 purchase. Prior service history (before me) not known. Check engine light on once in 2016, but went out an hour later. The car is driven very gently in non-rush-hour traffic, no stop-and-go events. Just 10 minutes at a time to places about 5 miles away.

Under reasonable acceleration to maintain speed up mild grades, there is almost always shuddering several times (five seconds or so), whether or now the outside temperature is high, or A/C is on. Coolant level topped up but that has not gotten the light off. Oil seems to be within the two red bumps on dipstick.

DIAGNOSTIC CODE has NOT been gotten yet, because the closest mechanic to me (a mile or so) works at a filling station, and I do not totally trust him. Price of the code retrieval is $65, which, for retired senior citizen me, is a lot of money. So I would rather visit a Mini dealership.

Can you pull out your crystal balls and fire up the Ouija boards? Please list guesses regarding 3 top causes/problems for the light staying on, AND a reasonable cost which a reputable Mini place in Eastern US (Virginia) to fix it FOR EACH possible cause you mention.

I will NOT be able to respond to questions (if you need further info) until tomorrow (Monday) at about 2 PM US Eastern, or -5.00 GMT. Thanks in advance for whatever you post here. Stephen555