I have an 06 mini s, 66,000. Yesterday I was driving andthe engine began to loose power and sputter. I pulled over and shut off engine. I could smell a belt, checked belt ok, engine started, service engine light on, made it home. This morning no lights, drove 2 miles did it again, no smell. Turned off all electronics, started and ran fine. Had battery and charging system checked, ok. Drove some more, turned on a.c. and it happened again, turn off a.c. drove fine.
I'm thinking a.c. compressor or clutch????

 

My mini does the same thing. Engine light is on, car will just die and need a jump, hook the code reader to it says timing is off. Put new timing chain in and get the same code. Went drive it the other day and it didn't have no power when I stepped on the gas, come to fnd out it was because the air conditioner was on. It would not jump start a couple moths ago becase the steering lock was on, they told me it was because i jumped it to much. This car is driving me crazy. Can not figure out what is wrong w/ it. If u find out what is wrong w/ yours let me know.