Hello Mini Owners "THANKS" for your feedback on the "INTAKE SERVICE" now one more question being this is a dealer task how much money will it cost me THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH IN ADVANCE MINIINHD

 

You couldn't just ask the cost of it in the thread about the same topic?? Either way, I can't be of much help as I haven't ever paid to have it done and I'll be damned if I ever do let the dealer bend me over to service something that is an inherent design flaw they should service for free to begin with...

 

I gotta say, looking at your threads, your speaking mannerisms are quite peculiar. If the so called "intake service" you're talking about is the walnut blasting of the intake valves, then as far as I know dealers aren't the only people that can do this (could be wrong on this). Why not just go to your local dealer and find out for yourself? Then, compare with what other people have been quoted...

 

Understand your frustration, but carbon build up is an inherent part of owning a direct injection egine irreguardless of whether it be a Mini S or a GXP Solstice etc.
If you chose to own one of these type engines you are going to have to perform preventive maintenance on these valves for carbon build up no different than changing out a timing belt before it causes serious problems.
That's one reason I tend to stay away from timing belts and stick to timing chains which (normaly) last well beyond a timing belt.
Carbon build up is ONE of the reasons I decided to go with a non-S-Mini, as I'm not willing to pay the price it will cost to keep one running vs the base Mini.
Again, as the old saying goes," if you want to play your going to have to pay" certainly applies to the Mini Cooper S models.

 

I understand direct injection is the cause of the problem, but the PCV design is as well. I have seen other DI cars that don't have build up issues anywhere near as bad or often as the turbocharged Coopers.

At any rate, I work on my own cars every chance I can, so when it comes time to clean some valves, I'll be doing that myself.

 

Understood, I believe a catch can is the best thing you can do to cut down on the build up.
Just curious, if you were to add a catch can or tear into the top end of your engine to clean your valves could that have any impact on your warranty coverage?
I mean your just performing preventive maintenance right?

 

In my opinion, if carbon build up is bad enough to cause any noticeable adverse effects in the running, idling, or driving of the car, it should be covered under warranty.

 

Basic walnut blast is about $1,000. You could incur additional charges if they need to do additional work. Some do Seafoam.

Here is a do it yourself method:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=216663&page=3

 

Here in SE PA a walnut blast from an independent specializing in MINIs is $400. Since my MCSC is a "fun" car I figure it will be needed about every 5 years. That was no reason to rule out the S. It's a great motor and well worth it IMHO.

 

If you lived close to me, I'd do it for $100... I bought the tools, the media, and have the garage and compressor... I figure I can make some play money doing this for local Mini owners...

It really isn't that hard.

 

A Dealer wants $800 hear in the Atl but an independent specializing in MINIs charged me $425 with tax and all