Our 2008 Clubman S has been to the dealer 3 times in the past month for "excessive carbon". We just got it back and this morning it is hemorrhaging antifreeze. I'm wondering, did the dealer do anything with the radiator while decarbonizing our intake valves? Anyway, with 32K on the odometer, the Clubman seems to be becoming a liability.

 

If they didn't nick the radiator, probably a leaking hose that wasn't re-connected or a thermostat and or its gasket going bad. Check for a loose radiator cap too.

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. We love our MINIs and have (knock on wood) had trouble-free ownership thus far but I know one day our luck will run out. We're talking about trading them both when our warranties are nearing their end. Good luck with your repairs.

 

what kind of fuel are you guys using?

 

Usually Sunoco or Shell, occasionally Marathon or BP. Started putting Chevron Techron in gas tank. It seems to make a noticeable difference.

 

Dave

 

Once again, I think you have more of a lousy dealer's service dept. problem than a lousy car problem.

Is there another dealer in your area that you can use?

 

I was gonna say I would stick to 91 Octane, and if you can the Chevron seems to work the best out of the other brands. Chevron actually manufactures the injector cleaner and additive they use in one of the steps of the carbon cleaning. I'd be interested to see how it turns out down the line if you stick with the Chevron 91. Hopefully that's your last visit for that issue.

 

Some of these gasolines are 93 octane in Florida. The Techron is an additive I buy at Autozone since the nearest Chevron is 25 miles away.