So we all know the carbon problem is widespread in our cars. But I've got a few questions regarding the service that y'all have had for cleaning the valves.

Upon talking to the dealer they want to also do a fuel system cleaning and a re-programming of a module that will raise the cylinder temperature in an attempt to prevent some build-up from occurring. However, there have been some cases where this module that gets re-programmed has failed and then is replaced, but the customer has to pay for the module and the labor.

How many of you guys have had the dealer do your cleaning where you got the fuel system cleaning and the re-programming done and how many of you have done it at an independent shop without the additional stuff the dealer does?

 

I don't think I'd let the dealer do the reprogram. I know there are independents who will do the job for a lot less than the dealer unless you have yours in your back pocket! Coming to Austin this weekend.

 

mildly coded

^^^ kiss that goodbye too. And hotter means less power, no thanks.

 

I'm not too worried about having to do the recoding. My concerns lie in that A) I don't know exactly which module is re-programmed and B) if something freaky happens to the module during re-programming, I have to pay for its replacement.

So I was trying to find out just how many people on here have had a dealer do it and if the re-programming has been done without a problem, let alone if they saw any benefits/problems arise from it.

 

I had my valves cleaned 2 months ago and was never offered any sort of "reprogramming." To be honest, it seems completely unnecessary. If I had been offered this, I'd have raised an eyebrow.

 

Had mine done by Helix instead of the MINI dealer. Don't know the effectiveness of the fuel system cleaning. Maybe it helps, but at some point good 'ol gas will be running thru the system and the same contaminants will be running thru the system.

As far as a re-program goes, if it helped to prevent this buildup which is part of direct injections, then why wouldn't it be done on all the N14s? Plus I don't want to have to absorb the risk of this going bad and I have to pay for it.

 

They want to reflash the module and if they break it while doing it then it's on you. That's nuts.

I can't imagine higher cylinder temperatures ever being a good idea. Skip the reflash.

Carbon buildup is here to stay unless you install a water/methanol injection system.

 

I just had a carbon cleaning done by an independent shop. As part of the package, they did an update of any modules that needed it. Turned out I had three modules that were not current (don't remember them at the moment). I haven't noticed any changes good or bad, but I gather the update on the ecu is intended to yield results over the long term in extending the length of time between cleanings.

 

According to the SA I talked to, they view it like when they are taking something apart and hoses crumble from age. Nothing they did but as a result of the disassembly, the hoses now have to be replaced. So they add the cost to the repair order.

 

I here what you're saying but to me this is not a hose crumbling from dry rot.

The dealer reflashes modules all the time. Hell, they'll reflash when you bring it in for an oil change if there is a software update. What module are they talking about anyway? I wonder if there is a tech bulletin on this? I'm just skeptical on this higher cylinder temperature fix, especially if they are saying that it will prevent buildup on the valves.

 

That's part of my problem because they have never told me the specific module they will re-program.

 

My son owns an auto repair and performance shop. They had a fuel system cleaner.

It is a gimmick tool that barely work if at all. They got rid of it.

You're better off using Sea Foam or a quality fuel system cleaner if the fuel you buy isn't of any quality.

Stick with top-tier fuels and you should be OK.

As far as the reprogramming thing goes, if they are unsure or can't logically explain what value it has, I'd be hard-pressed to let them anywhere new the ECU. And they should offer to reverse it if you don't like it.

 

Lets run the already hot turbo motor hotter, well doesn't that sound like a grand idea???

The dealers fuel system cleaning is just a way to clean some more money from your pocket. Add a bottle of Chevron Techron at each oil change. That will keep the injectors clean.

 

Somewhere here on NAM rather recently I let loose my Never Ever Never... let the dealer touch your car out of warranty. Find a good independent Mini mech.

 

I've always wondered about this. I've owned many cars over 50 years and have never had one that had to be "updated". Since getting NM's tune, I've threatened the few times I've gone to the dealer that they not frack my tune and they have (Mini of Charleston) understood without complain or whine.

 

That is all well and good, but a pair of vacuum lines from the intake side to the turbo and the BOV costs like $90+ from the dealer. Go to an auto parts store and its like $0.16/ft. It's just a freakin hose.

 

At this point, I've reached the conclusion that all the computer systems in cars are just like our laptops, PCs, tablets, phones, etc. Updates to the software are a common item. Sometimes they are trying to fix big issues (e.g. slow down the rate of carbon build-up) and other times it is just bug fixes or some small feature enhancement (e.g. one I got a couple years ago changed it so my low tire pressure warning now indicates which tire).

If I had a custom tune, I'd be real hesitant about getting updates as I'm sure the dealers (or anyone else like the indy mech in my latest case) have no idea exactly what code is being changed and I doubt MINI corporate is going to share that info with any one.

As it is, my auto open sunroof continues to work. However, I lost the ability to auto-up the windows using the key fob remote an update or two ago.

 

Can't you just recode the auto up feature?