Hi All,
We bought Mica in March as a slightly used 09 Cooper S with 19000 miles. Within a few days she threw a misfire code and the dealer performed the "Walnut Shell" carbon removal. Now at 25,000 miles we have the misfire code again (same rough idling symptoms) and presumably more carbon build-up issues. My questions are: Isn't 6000 miles and 3.5 month a bit quick for carbon build-up to reoccur or is this the norm? From my reading, a catch-can seems to be a viable solution to this issue. Will installing a catch-can void my warranty (factory warranty plus our mini next extended warranty)?

Thanks for your help.

Ron

 

I would tend to think there is some other problem than carbon build-up if it was just cleaned so recently.

 

Idk if carbon build up is your problem. And yeah, that's way too quick

 

To answer your question, no, a catch can will not void your warranty.

 

Thank you all for your reply's. I'm glad everyone thinks this is too soon for a carbon issue.

The generic code reader (thank you Chris at Alta) said I had a misfire in cylinder 1 and 3. If carbon build-up is not the problem, anyone have an idea what would cause multiple cylinders to report a misfire: Bad Plugs because of previous carbon build-up, bad gasoline (we only use top tier Chevron and 76 from high volume dealers), coils failing (with only 25,000 miles...I really hope not)???

By the way, the check engine light was triggered in the morning at the first start up of the day. The wife noticed that the vehicle was running rough for a few seconds as the check engine light came on. MICA has been running great ever since. Unfortunately we have to wait until the 25th to take her into Rasmussen MINI for repairs.

I've been playing with Diesels for the last 10 years so I'm a bit out of date on the modern gasoline engine. I truly appreciate everyones advice and knowledge.

Ron

 

FYI, According to MINI, R56's that have had carbon issues (as ours did at 19,000) sometimes develop software issues following the cleaning (Walnut Blasting). MINI checked the intake and the injectors (all good) and updated the software. They are confident that this will solve our Misfire (cold start/rough idle) issues.

Ron

 

"sometimes develop software issues..."

I don't know much about the MINI software, but it seems hard to believe carbon issues (or any kind of outside factors) could affect the software (maybe the learned parameters?). Maybe they just felt the need to tell you something so that they could update the software as a shot in the dark?

Regardless, I hope your issues are resolved. Please keep us posted.

 

Hello,

On cold start they replace the timing chain under warranty. They do not unless you complain. I have now 35k used no ethinol gas for a year and now they want to walnut blast the valves for $900 because of eth. I am about to fight it with Corporate because they have done in the past for some clients.

Seems pretty poor that that is standard proceedure for blasting vales and NOT IN MAINTENENCE LOG IN MANUAL when I Bought the cooper s turned to JCW by dealer.

 

I would seek the advice of another dealership's service department.

 

FWIW, my 20,000 mile MCS used to to have stumbling issues in the morning that went away once the motor was warmed up. After about a couple of weeks of using a water/meth system the stumbling went away and it feels like a brand new engine again. Just food for thought.

 

Could they maybe have meant a software update? We had some misfires with my wife's car but the software "update" cured the problem. It's run fine ever since and this happened 8K ago.

Just a thought.