So what's the essential services to have done by the 60k mile point on an r56 cooper s manual? Plugs, maybe a seafoam treatment? The coolants recently been changed, so that's not a concern really. Thanks for the help.

 

* Walnut blasting of intake valves
* check serpentine belt
* check plugs; replace if gap is excessive
* flush brake system
* check air filter; replace if soiled
* check cabin microfilter; replace if soiled

That's what I'd tackle at 60K miles.

- Erik

 

What's "walnut blasting" of the intake valves involve? Is it something I could do myself or is it just a dealer only kind of thing? And price if I go to the dealer?

 

There is a thread here with a video of the walnut blasting equipment being used on a MINI, but you'll need to do a search for it. It is an independent shop doing it, but I gather they are few and far between that have invested in the equipment, so pretty much a dealer only option.

Seems like most of the prices I've seen have been in the $400 - $600 range, but you would really have to contact your dealer for their price.

If you haven't been doing Seafoam treatments on a regular basis up to this point, probably not worth it to try to do one now.