Is a back-fire normal in the MINI Cooper S?

Why does our 2008 MINI Cooper S back-fire and is it normal to do so?

Shane Hickey (Dalkey Co Dublin)

Jul 2012 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Shane,

If this is the exhaust noise we think it is then this is quite normal in the sportier MINIs - it was engineered in! The spark timing is retarded intentionally to allow a small amount of unburned fuel into the exhaust, where it then combusts giving a distinctive sound on the overrun. Many think it sounds sporty.

If it happens at other times then you may have a problem. Best to get it listened to by an expert.

Hope that helps

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D