So it seems my car has fallen victim to the dreaded HPFP and the carbon buildup at 52k miles. '07 MCS.

Anyway.. I was hoping some of you mechanical engineer/engineer types can help me figure out how to keep this from happening in the future. I've done some basic research and it seems the oil catch can is the solution to this issue.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/bsh-oil-catch-can-r56.html

So I have some questions...

-Does the oil catch can eliminate the carbon buildup issue entirely in direct injection engines?
-If the answer is yes to the above why the heck doesn't mini install a seemingly inexpensive part to prevent this degradation of performance over time?
-Why doesn't mini recommend a cleaning schedule for the car?

I mean it makes no sense that the engineers in germany can come up with a 1.6l car that gets 170+ hp, with a turbo not knowing that this is going to happen to the engines after constant use. Do they have QA??

It seems that the fuel savings from DI then gets cancelled out by the cost to have the damn engine periodically cleaned.

So enough ranting, I just really want to know if the catch can solves the problem 100%. Thanks in advance.

Yes, a properly installed oil catch can will greatly reduce or eliminate the carbon issue.

They did not install one because it adds a periodic maintenance item that most drivers would not want to deal with.

The issue is common in many of the direct injection engines already in use by many manufacturers. MINI corrected the problem after you car was built by changing the design of the valve cover. The problem did continue with JCWs and automatics due to differences in the valve cover.

It is difficult to place a schedule on this cleaning. Some cars don't need it until 50-60K with others (like my wifes car) need it by 20K. I just saw a post by one person who had their car in for a second cleaning at 31K.

Does an OCC void warranty?

That's the $64,000 question. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, for a dealer/automaker to deny warranty coverage because of an aftermarket part, they have to prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem you're having.

The reality is a little different, though. The MM Act has no real "teeth", and if a dealer refuses to honor a warranty claim, you really have no way to compel them to honor the claim except to take them to court, which can get very expensive and time-consuming very quickly.

All that being said, some dealers are more "mod-friendly" than others. I've heard of some dealers that will overlook even extensive modifications and still honor warranty claims, while others will look for any excuse to deny a claim. You either have to stick with modifications that you can easily remove before you take the car to the dealer, or take your chances.

When did the redesigned valve covers come out?

Model year 2011 i believe.

Court doesn't have to be costly. Do you research and file in small claims court. Matters under 5k (check local laws for amount) can be settled in small claims.

So technically an oil catch can is not needed on 2011+? Has this been determined yet?

Even with the modified valve covers an oil catch can is not a bad idea on any forced induction engine, especially one with direct injection. You just would not get as much oil out.

Within a week I'll get my hands on a spankin' new '12 Countryman All4.

To oil catch can or not, that is the question...

there's a long discussion here in the 'drivetrain' section about occ for 2011. so far some members notice the 2011's redesign may have addressed the carbon issue based on mileage of <10k.

Thank you kindly! That definitely puts my mind at ease.

The rear PCV pipe needs to be deleted, it's being done now on THP engined Peugeots in Europe https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3367817

I am about to order a catch can for my 2012 Countryman S. This website shows the amount of oil an oil catch can will collect after just 300mi.
http://www.greasysgarage.com/main/20...nd-countryman/