I just dropped my MINI off at my local dealership, Bob Smith MINI here in Southern California, due to a check engine light relating to the transmission.

Before any one had inspected my car, the service advisor recommended that in addition to what i came in for, that I get a fuel induction service for $260. She gave me a small onesheet describing what it is/why it is necessary. She noticed on her computer records that the last time it was performed on that car had been at 55k miles, before I bought the car, and I am at about 67k miles now. She insisted it be done every 15k miles.

I know what the service is (now), but is 15k miles really enough time to really gather that much build up and effect driveability? Also, is this a good price for this service?

 

The service people at some, if not all, mini dealerships work on commission. Their whole purpose for working there is to get you to schedule more work on your car. I know this because I asked my service girl if she was on commission. She said YES.
My advice is: Since your MINI is out of warranty, have all of your work done at an independent BMW service center. Be very specific about what you need done. Ideally, try to find a place that will let you order and purchase your own parts (Autopartswarehouse, thepartsgeek etc.. This way you will not receive a mark up on your parts as well as labor.
Happy Motoring!!!

 

Very interesting.

I actually purchased the car at 63k miles and tacked on a 36,000 mile, 3rd party warranty. That's why I decided on the taking it to the dealer instead of a different BMW-specialize garage. I just assumed that the warranty I bought, while it was the best one offered, wouldn't cover the fuel induction service. I will ask them to check to see if the warranty will cover this service.