[Fernflex]

I have two sources at the Bmw service center in Puerto Rico and they both confirmed me that Bmw is cleaning the valves and intake ports (carbon build-up) with a system similar to sand blasting using nutshells. They told me they started using it in the R56 Mini Cooper S that create even more carbon build up than our N54 and the results were fantastic, leaves everything like new.

At least locally they are doing that under warranty for the Minis with idle problems, he also told me that they already ordered the part need to do the same in the N54 and he is going to find out the pricing to do it in my car and to start offering this as a maintenance program.

I know somebody else posted something similar about his dealer in Canada offering this service bu I don't remember who.

[Tzu]

That was me. They cleaned mine about a month after I cleaned it. The tech said he cleaned it manually with a brush and some solvent, ~4hrs. He didnt seem to want to speak too long.

He mentioned that its a brand new procedure for them; the SA didnt even know they were doing it. I'm in CPO now, and 50 bucks for a clean up is good by me.

[Fernflex]

Well this one is more high tech, with high pressure air and a vacuum but probably is more expensive but I think this are great news for all of us!

[Ilma]

Originally Posted by Tzu

That was me. They cleaned mine about a month after I cleaned it. The tech said he cleaned it manually with a brush and some solvent, ~4hrs. He didnt seem to want to speak too long.

He mentioned that its a brand new procedure for them; the SA didnt even know they were doing it. I'm in CPO now, and 50 bucks for a clean up is good by me.

What prompted them to clean your valves?

Were you experiencing symptoms.

I know Dzenno recommends Ivo at an independent shop, but would be great if it is covered under warranty.

[s2k_335i]

I also would like to know how you was able to get the dealer to clean the valves for you under cpo.

[Tzu]

Too lazy to scan the service sheet.

I said idle was fluctuating, kinda surges, didnt have the same pickup it used to. These were all symptoms with dirty valves. I had mostly cleaned my valves a few weeks earlier, but I wanted to see if they would do it because I heard rumors that some places do. Mine were so bad when I did it, that one of the valves when opened, was blocked by a buildup of carbon and very little airflow was getting into the cylinder from that valve. I legitimately had those symptoms.

So it went away after I cleaned it half assedly, and there was SOME buildup after 3000km. Tech's diagnosis:

"IDLE FLUCTUATING, SURGES ON ACCELERATION, SUSPECT CARBON BUILDUP ON INTAKE VALVES. REMOVED INTAKE MANIFOLD. VALVES FULL OF CARBON. CLEANED CARBON FROM INTAKE VALVES. REASSEMBLED ENGINE. ROAD TEST, NO ISSUES."

They also replaced all injectors, and plugs. Rough idle was eliminated for about 3500km, now its back.

[TwinTurboXI]

Originally Posted by Tzu

Too lazy to scan the service sheet.

I said idle was fluctuating, kinda surges, didnt have the same pickup it used to. These were all symptoms with dirty valves. I had mostly cleaned my valves a few weeks earlier, but I wanted to see if they would do it because I heard rumors that some places do. Mine were so bad when I did it, that one of the valves when opened, was blocked by a buildup of carbon and very little airflow was getting into the cylinder from that valve. I legitimately had those symptoms.

So it went away after I cleaned it half assedly, and there was SOME buildup after 3000km. Tech's diagnosis:

"IDLE FLUCTUATING, SURGES ON ACCELERATION, SUSPECT CARBON BUILDUP ON INTAKE VALVES. REMOVED INTAKE MANIFOLD. VALVES FULL OF CARBON. CLEANED CARBON FROM INTAKE VALVES. REASSEMBLED ENGINE. ROAD TEST, NO ISSUES."

They also replaced all injectors, and plugs. Rough idle was eliminated for about 3500km, now its back.

How many miles/kms?

[Tzu]

71km at time of service.

[Ilma]

Originally Posted by Tzu

71km at time of service.

Which dealer?

I'm local to you.