Tech Tip: Fuel System Cleaner

The Problem: Since 2006, there has been a significant increase in various driveability issues due to excessive carbon deposits in engine combustion chambers on intake valves and fuel injectors. These problems are especially apparent on any performance vehicle including all BMW or MINI vehicles in the North American market with a greater level of poor gasoline quality. The solution by BMW North America is regular use of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with Techron fuel system cleaner.  This product not only cleans restrictive deposits from the fuel system but also protects the fuel gauge from future malfunction by coating all metal surfaces of the system.

Combustion chamber deposit formation is a by-product of the gasoline burning process. This is especially problematic in any vehicle that is driven under severe conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, high ambient temperatures, higher altitudes, and short "start and stop" distance driving. Most common problems experienced include:

• Hesitation during acceleration or loss of power
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Poor driveability and rough idle
• Knocking, pinging, and engine idle surges
• Increased emissions

The Solution: Often times running gas that causes these problems cannot be avoided, but cleaning your fuel system is as easy as adding one bottle of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with  Techron before filling up about every 3000-5000 miles.  One bottle treats up to 20 gallons of fuel and is proven to clean deposits on fuel injectors, ports, and intake valves while causing absolutely no harm to catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, or any mechanical components of the engine or fuel delivery system. While it is true that this additive is not as effective in a turbo charged vehicle with direct injection since it doesn't help clean the intake valves, it still removes deposits from the fuel injectors that restrict normal performance.

PROMINI - Part Number 65740

BMW Part # 82 14 0 413 341

MINI Diagnostics: Fault Code and Service Reset Tool

Ever been on a spirited drive in your MINI and had that troublesome "service engine soon" light or "check engine" light take all the fun out of your day? Your MINI Cooper is a precision built machine that constantly monitors operating systems to ensure high level performance. If there is any problem with operation, or time for a maintenance issue to be addressed, it will trigger one of these warning lights. Promini has a compact tool that can properly read and report MINI engine and service codes safely and easily. Having the ability to properly diagnose engine lights from a parking lot, garage, or roadside is a valuable asset that saves you time and gives you peace of mind.

A warning light should never be ignored and can range from anything as simple as a loose gas cap to a serious timing issue. It's never fun to go to a mechanic and pay over a hundred dollar fee to find out a technician only had to replace your radiator cap, or pay for a costly engine repair that could have been prevented by having that engine light checked sooner. Our fault code reader can quickly and easily give you an accurate reading of what your engine light is trying to tell you as it happens. Built specifically for MINI applications, our fault code reader reads and displays all MINI-factory fault codes.

Warning lights also come on to indicate routine maintenance issues such as brake component replacement and oil service. A routine MINI oil service with system reset can run anywhere from $100-$150 at a service shop, but with our service reset tool the same oil service can be performed at home for a fraction of the cost. Don't stare at that glaring service light when you know its already been taken care of. A "must have" for any at-home or independent service mechanic, this service reset tool is an inexpensive way to save time and money.