engine hesitates

[combatc]

Hi, I am new to the new mini cooper. I had an original mini when stationed in Great Britan and loved it. It was an entirely different animal. I just got a 2006 cooper s with 13 thousand miles. It looks new but I need to ask a question. When at idle and mash gas it hesitates. Kind of like a sputter, and also when reved up it will pop on the way down. Is this normal for a supercharged engine? I would appreciate any comments as I am new to the MINI motoring world.
Thanks for your kind help.
David:confused:

[ScottinBend]

What kind of gas are you running?

The popping sound as you decelerate is normal. MINI added that in the 05 models.

The hesitation could be any number of things. Do you know if there are any aftermarket mods done to it?

[combatc]

Well I just got the car this past Sat. so I haven't put gas in it, but I would assume that what was put in is just plain reg. unl. I do know that there are no aftermarket mods on the car.
Will running reg. unl gas cause this hesitation? If so I will go and fill up in the am with premium, I am down to about half a tank.
Like I said I am new to the new MINI and the pop I hear was not near as bothersome as the hesitation.
Thanks for your help.
and please let me know if it could be the gas.

David

[ScottinBend]

The gas could certainly be the problem, I would try a tank of top-tier (Chevron, Texaco, Shell) premium as soon as you can.

The MINI does not like the cold combined with reg cheap gas. And then drive it like you stole it for a couple of days (or longer if you want.......LOL)

[combatc]

i appreciate the advice i will give it a good try. So it is true what i hear abouut these little rockets. they love to be driven hard, i know it sure is fun to drive them that way, i just didn't know how much they could take. I will give the gas a try and give it a good blowing out, clean it through good. I did make an appointment with the local MINI dealer to get a service done in the morning so at least that will get everything that I can think of done for it before i really take it out and run it through its paces.
Thanks again, and if you have any other good advice for a newbie I sure woould appreciate it. I have been reading the forum and trying to learn all i can.
David

[ScottinBend]

Glad to help.

Another good source of tech info is www.northamericanmotoring.com.

[combatc]

thank you I will check it out. I took it to the local mini dealer and he told me that the supercharged engine has a lag from around 700 to 1000 rpm. does that sound right to you?
thanks again and i will check out that site now.
David

[ScottinBend]

Most engines will not perform well at idle. But you should notice a definite improvement in engine response with the premium.

[combatc]

Very good, thanks again for all your kind help. I have just about gone through the first tank of half reg and half premium and will fill up again tomorrow. Everything else is going very well.
Thanks,
David