2006 MCS - just bought, several problems
 

Hi everyone, hoping to get some guidance here before I sacrifice my firstborn to the Mini dealer in my city...

Anyway, I just bought my '06 MCS. I practically stole the car because it is in pretty rough shape...the catalytic converter (supposedly) needs to be replaced, and the car idles (if you can call it that) very rough...by that I mean, when I start it, it never gets below 1,000 RPM, and when it's in neutral, it fluctuates between 1,200 and 1,800 RPM. Sitting at a stoplight, coasting in neutral, whatever...same symptom. The incompetent dude at the muffler shop I took it to said there was a seal loose somewhere, but also said it needs to go to Mini to have the computer "reprogrammed" so it will idle correctly.

Has anyone ever seen this before?

Thanks!

There is a multitude of things that could be wrong. Some simple, some difficult.


How many miles on the engine?
How do the spark plugs look? Tan or dark or oily.
Are there any warning lights displayed on the dash?
How does the exhaust smell, does it have a sweet smell?