Here is a thread specifically regarding the issue and the N18 engines.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-buildup.html

 

The fuel you use has nothing to do with carbon build up on our direct injected engines and there is no additive that will remove it. The only way to get rid of the carbon build up is to mechanically clean the backs of the intake valves and intake ports. Yes it is a design flaw, most direct injection engines suffer from it.

Some dealers blame the fuel, but they are lying and they know it.

Some people treat their intakes regularly with Seafoam and swear by it, do a search here and you'll find out all you need to know about it. An Oil Catch Can will slow down the build up of carbon in the intake ports also.

You can get the build up walnut blasted off at an independent MINI shop for about half of what your dealer quoted you.

Dave

 

Just brought me 2010 Cooper S home from the dealer after the check engine light came on last week. Only a little more than 17,000 miles and engine started missing when the check engine light came on. Dealer kept car for two days and explained that the engine valves were sticking due to carbon build-up. Two seperate service techs explained the issues with direct injection and recommend bringing the vehicle in annually to have the valves cleaned. As a car guy, I thought he was kidding so grilled him and they admitted to the problem and this is the only remedy they have for this issue. Was going to buy this care out of the lease because I love this car but seriously doubt it now. Only way I will drive a Mini is under warranty and they pick up the tab.

 

I have a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S. It started using oil a few months ago. Then I had a huge blast of carbon come out the back like an atomic bomb. I lost power but managed to get home. Called my mechanic. Didn't have any trouble. A few days later lost power again but made it home. My mechanic thought it was the fuel pump. Now after checking it is a carbon build up. He says I should trade the car. I love my car. I have about 65,000 miles on it. I looked at cars today; none compare but then I can't just add money to a car that can never be fixed. Those of you with these issues - are you keeping or selling?

 

I had an '07 MCS and it started having troubles right around your mileage. I held on and put money into fixing it and nursed it to 102K miles but then the issues were bad enough that I had to trade it in for a lot less than book value because of the engine issues that still needed to be fixed. I ending up kicking myself that I should have traded it in earlier before I wasted money on repairs and while it still retained nearly three times the value. I ended up in another Mini, because I too couldn't walk away from the fun and convinced myself the newer N18 engine -- and my experience with knowing what to look for -- will make this go-round better.

 

having problems with my car 2008 mini cooper clubman s with 65,000 miles my local mechanic tells me to sell this car
i would like to keep it but don't know if anyone locally does a "walnut shell service" here i live 56 miles from a mini dealer and 76 miles from another one
my car is not under warranty bought it used

 

If thats all that's mechanically wrong with it, I would say bite the bullet. That's what we did. Its the bosses car. We couldve traded it in, but she loves her MINI too much. Now we just do preventative maint and be ready for if/when this happens again.

 

2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S
65,000 miles

 

2010 Cooper S Hardtop
56,805 Miles
Took the car in for a Check Engine Light and they said it threw a DME and MISFIRE 1,3 codes.
They performed carbon cleaning on all intake valves and when I asked what method they would use the service advisor said walnut blasting.
Intake boot was cracked so they had to replace but was not covered by extended warranty . At least the warranty covered the labor.

Intake boot: $163.83
Extended Warranty deductible: $50.00
Total with tax: $228.57

 

Less than two weeks after having my MINI serviced at the dealer service center, and a new thermostat installed (my cost), the service light came on (again). The diagnosis was that a carbon cleaning, fuel injector flush, and programming were needed to the tune of $870 (my cost). I declined the work at the time while I did more research. Two days ago (two months after the carbon cleaning suggestion was made) I had to have my car towed to the dealer because it would not start. The diagnosis again is that the carbon cleaning needs to be done. None of my research found that the problem would keep it from starting, but that it would start to perform sluggish (misfiring) when running. They have also suggested that I need a new timing chain ($1500, my cost). I replaced the timing chain at 21,000 miles and now am being advised to replace again at 90,000 miles. The carbon cleaning was suggested when my 2008 had 86,000. I love my MINI, and never thought I'd own any other car, but these frequent maintenance issues are making me reconsider my next purchase!

 

my mini sits in the garage
my local mechanic says i have or am close to having (?) valve issues. says it will be $3200 if he does it
can't believe what patrick would charge
i bought this car a year ago from a non mini dealer used
i have put 10,000 miles on it and have had my local mechanic fix oil leaks (3-4)
it started using oil and driving a little shaky but then drives fine
my mechanic worked on it and it drives just great but he says to sell this car
he wouldn't gain anything if i bought a new car
i think i will take his advice and go car shopping after the snow
clears
i really really don't want to buy another car and i don't like any of them on the market
i like my mini
would you consider buying another mini if new and under warranty

 

2010 Mini Cooper S with 31k. Check engine light came up, code 031. Just got the car back from service, some parts related to the carbon buildup problem were replaced and a software update performed to minimize this from happening again. Covered under warranty.

-m

 

I bought my first one used too but it was a CPO with warranty. Had all sort of problems with it in 2 1/2 years of owning it. Got a new one this month. Couldn't see myself driving any other at least at the moment.

 

I bought my new mini on Monday. Bought a 2013 Mini Convertible. Nothing fancy just the base model. I have to get used to it. And I think I have Clubman S separation anxiety. But it's cute and it's BLUE.

 

So the consensus is...
It is not driving style or gas quality. It is a flaw in design. Has that been fixed in newer models or did i read that wrong.?


2008 and just had this cleaning done at the dealer, 800bucks, 49,ooo miles
Also had new clutch installed covered by extended warranty.

Would more frequent oil changes avoid this carbon buildup?

 

Man if any of you guys need carbon cleaning in SoCal let me know because $800 is ridiculous. I've been running a groupbuy for a while now so if you feel you need it done then let me know.

 

I'm in NYC. Service and purchased in NJ, prestigeMini. I was unaware of the issue until now. I had issues with clutch and the carbon simultaneously so i had no idea what the combined trouble was...
Honking like a goose etc.
like a new baby off the lot now, but i have the tools to do this myself.
Or if needed i could seek someone nearby if others know of a NJ/NY person.
Now that it is clean, i have some miles left...

 

Diagnosed with Carbon Build up - 2009 Clubman S - 64,000 Miles - Two weeks ago.

Car engine light came on and went into limp mode. Mini roadside assistance towed to the nearest dealer. Found no compression on Cylinder #2, etc. repaired and performed Walnut blast cleaning.

All work was done under CPO warranty and with $50 deductible. Never leave home without extended warranty on a Mini.

Mini is all better now and ran great... wondering what's next.

 

What dealer did u have the work done at?

 

Double post

 

Prestige Mini

 

Once again we the Mini owners suffer as test mules for Mini/BMW and their poorly designed motors and drive trains.

Given the amount of troubles, we should all receive a lifetime warranty.

At least so far the car looks good, but the future may change that with newer designs.

 

36,600 miles. 2010 Clubman S. Dealer covered it under warranty and recommended some bottle of cleaner every month or so. I just put the oil catch can in at 36,000 miles. He also commented that the oil catch can is the best solution.

 

from this thread...2nd post
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

What method would one use to manually clean and how often? Check it out once a month? Take a look, give it a wipe down?

 

Manually clean means taking the intake manifold off and scrubbing the carbon build up off the valves and ports with a metal brush and carbon dissolver, like Seafoam, or walnut shell blasting the intake ports and valves.

Dave