Hi guys,

Posting for others to learn, check your air filters..

So this past Friday I put the hammer down on my MCS-ALL4 (@ 30k miles/10 months ownership) and was disappointed with the acceleration, got it home and opened the air filter.

In a word.. disgusting.. found a lot of dirt/dead bugs/bits of leaves on the filter and inside the air filter housing. Banged the filter out and made a big dust storm outside my garage. (can't believe I didn't ask about an air filter change @ my 2nd oil change).

AutoZone replacement is $24 (they were out), I was then raped by San Antonio Mini for $36 (taxes included), (I do so hate you Mini of San Antonio, I'll drive 80 miles to Mini of Austin whenever I can).

Got home and put the $36 paper filter in, dropped in a fuel injector cleaner @ 1/4 tank and noticed accelerating power had returned, gas mileage also seemed to improve (but this could all be in my head, need a week of commuting to work to know for sure).

Warranty is up in 6k miles after which I'll be installing a VIP air intake which are easier to inspect and comes with a K&N filter, K&N filters are cheaper than MINI filters and last longer easier, last longer w/K&N cleaning kit.

 

hmm, seems it should have been replaced at 30k