I have a 2012 MCS with 17k on the clock. I just got it back from the mini dealer after an oil change and other minor service. The SA recommended a 'decarb' service. I didn't have time for wait for it, and wanted to quiz the collective.

I did a search on NAM, there were only a few threads, most of the walnut treatment method. This was apparently cleaning the the injectors and some kind of treating the valves with a cleaner. The SA said this is a common problem on the S with a turbo. The cost was just north of $200. Kind of makes me wonder why it's not part of the mini scheduled maintenance? I don't mind doing it, if it actually helps save hassle and $$ down the road. I had the feeling I was being up-saled.

Right now the mini runs fine. Is this worth doing?

 

Sorry but I really feel if your car is under warranty and you've used good fuel in it they should do the carbon clean under warranty.

 

I smell BS at the service desk.

 

The N18 motors shouldn't be having a carbon issue as bad as the N14s did. And either way, 17K is low mileage to have the carbon issue, unless you drive a lot of short trips or not using quality gasoline.

 

17k miles and runs perfectly? Hmmm. It smells a little "Jiffy-Lube'sh" to me.

For that price, they're not doing walnut shell blasting, just running a solvent through the injectors and...unknown what else, if anything.

I'd join you in being a little wary.

 

I agree, the service should not yet be needed and at that cost it sounds like a cleaning with a chemical, not the mechanical blasting with walnut shells ($350-450). I vote you ask them for further clarification and to show you the issue. In the end, don't get it.

 

BS flag, BS flag. That's pretty flagrant at 17K. Mine tried to sell me an alignment at that service check. I told him what I really needed was wiper blades and a new cabin filter and car wash for free. He agreed!

 

Thx for the feedback folks, appreciate it..

 

Doing this as "preventive" maintenance might keep you from developing problems down the road. The chemical carbon cleaning is supposed to work pretty good on minor build up from what I've read.