"Super Knocking"

[netercol]

everytime i see this thread i want to ask : what exactly is the difference between "super knocking" and detonation?

 

[George Smooth]

everytime i see this thread i want to ask : what exactly is the difference between "super knocking" and detonation?

The super knock code is found on the Mini's and its a term used on their fault codes. The knock sensor measures engine noise in voltage. Over a certain amount it registers the noise as a "super knock fault". The noise could be cause by bad detonation or something else such as a timing chain or sticking valves from carbon build up. On lower voltages (detonation) the car just pulls back timing and see's after a few full loads if the problem is still there and goes back to normal timing (this is called self adaption). With the super knock fault stored the car goes into a default timing map and stays there for a long period of time.

Here is a nice explanation of knocking also known as detonation: http://theknockbox.com.au/the-knock-box/what-is-knock/

If you check out the website that company sells a device that will detect what tuners call super knock which is detonation at rpm. Most times the knock sensors do not pick this up because they are set less sensitive as revs climb due to the increase of engine noises.

 

[panteraza]

Hi guys,

I am the proud owner of a '09 MCS with a grand total of 84k km on the clock.

For the last year and a half (at least, most probably longer) I have been experiencing cold start issues (Rattle of death and all that). The timing chain fix was done twice on the car (first time at my request, then about a year later when BMW called me about the Technical Notice). According to invoices from BMW I have had this problem resolved twice already.

Additionally, I have also noticed the symptoms some of you had described earlier in the thread. There is a sudden, short loss of power, and a metallic clank sound (lasting maybe 1-2 seconds) when accelerating hard. This is especially noticeable in 3rd and 4th gear, from when accelerating from lower speeds and usually occurs just as the turbo is spooling up (~2800 rpm).

I may be wrong in this assessment, but I would guess that the sound only happens when the turbo is "over-boosting".

All of the above went on for a good year or so, as each time I took the car to BMW to get checked up on, they would come back to me and say that everything is ok.

Recently, I had my "Check Engine" light come on, while cruising on the highway. The engine was still running, but as soon as I stopped on the shoulder, I turned it off.

Got towed back to Northcliff Auto. I made them aware of the issues I had been experiencing. They performed the diagnostics, and said that compression in 2 cylinders had been lost, and that the engine would be replaced (all luckily less than 1000km till expiry of motorplan).

Now I come to you with the question of what you think I should do next. What specific things should I be on the lookout for when the car comes back to me? Should I just get rid of it and cut my losses? I really love the car, but do not want it to become a massive financial black hole.

What else could be damaged in the car, due to the prolonged wear of the timing chain? Should I be worried about the turbo going?

Also, when BMW replaces the engine, is the replacement the same engine or one of the newer (135kW) units?

Apologies for the slightly rambling post, and thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Hi guys,

So I have my baby back, with a new engine in it. Still an N14 though. The guys did say that they used a modified intake manifold which should alleviate many of the intrinsic problems of the design. The engine and all other parts replaced have a 2 year warranty, so that is quite refreshing.

Together with the engine my flywheel, clutch and pads and discs were replaced.

So far the car is running better than it has since I have owned it.

 

[3DPuma]

So my wife's 09 R56 Cooper S went in to BMW about 4 times for the infamous super-knocking issue where the car cuts off power intermittently when building boost. After numerous tries BMW SA authorized a new engine for her car in August 2012.

After a few weeks I test drove the car and found the issue to still be present. Escalated to Sanjay at Sandton Auto who has subsequently booked the car in for Monday 8 October.

Anyone else experienced similar problems on their cars?

Apparently this is a common problem with these motors.

My thinking is its turbo/waste gate related.

PS: Turbo was not changed when motor was replaced in August.

My MINI Cooper S 09 receiving her 4th engine today at 75,000 km's on the clock! The 3rd engine would have been 1 year old in November!!

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So my wife's 09 R56 Cooper S went in to BMW about 4 times for the infamous super-knocking issue where the car cuts off power intermittently when building boost. After numerous tries BMW SA authorized a new engine for her car in August 2012.

After a few weeks I test drove the car and found the issue to still be present. Escalated to Sanjay at Sandton Auto who has subsequently booked the car in for Monday 8 October.

Anyone else experienced similar problems on their cars?

Apparently this is a common problem with these motors.

My thinking is its turbo/waste gate related.

PS: Turbo was not changed when motor was replaced in August.

My MINI Cooper S 09 receiving her 4th engine today at 75,000 km's on the clock! The 3rd engine would have been 1 year old in November!!

Someone told me that the 2nd engine replacement you are just stupid! Wonder what I am then?

 

[Xack]

Iam sincerely hoping that the new 2 litre Minis comes with alot less hassles since its a bmw motor....but ive seen a few F30 320s with problems of their own...oil pump etc. Eish, I was considering a 2015 cooper s

 

[hotchocolate]

Hi guys,

Quick Update.

I eventually sold my Mini Cooper S Clubman at 89000km's as after much reading and research, these engine do not last more than 130000km's. They loose compression as the materials used in the engine are of inferior grade.

Mine was out of plan and I didn't want to be in that situation. Hotchocolate was fun, I really enjoyed her in the 3 years (40 000km's) of ownership, but I seriously needed something more reliable and cheaper on maintenance.