[jh7]

Hey everyone, I took my car in for a 30k maintenance today. SA called and told me my car needs a fuel injection flush for some carbon buildup. Something about having a 75% carbon build up. Im reading around the forums and i only found one other thread that seems even related. Is my SA trying to throw some BS at me? Looks like people are saying if you're using chevron's gas, the car shouldn't be in such a bad condition? Any advice or input will help. Thanks in advance. oh yeah, i drive an 08 328i.

[Bartman619]

he's throwing you some BS. As long as you're using the BMW recommended Toptier fuels you shouldn't have any carbon build up.

[Pug]

I disagree, any fuel will produce carbon deposits when it is burned. That's how combustion works, period. However, 30k miles is pretty early for the carbon to have accumulated to a point where you would need to clean it out. Usually it is good practice to have this done around 50 or 60k.

Then again, you're under warranty, so who cares? Have them flush it out for free, it can't hurt to have a clean engine.

[mojojosung]

30k is early IMO. And I don't think fuel injection service is covered under warranty. It's like over $200 at the dealers.

[jh7]

yeah it's not free, they want to charge me $300 for it. seems like it's not needed. is there any way for me to measure this or check if i need to get this done?

[rce90]

Originally Posted by jh7

yeah it's not free, they want to charge me $300 for it. seems like it's not needed. is there any way for me to measure this or check if i need to get this done?

Yep, the dealer is just trying to sell stuff that's all. They offered me the same thing but my car is only at 15k miles. How did your SA determine the % of carbon buildup? Only way to tell that I could think of would be to use a 5-gas analyzer. Look at the emissions reading before and after the procedure at idle and at 2000rpm. Pay close attention to carbon and Nox readings.

[Pug]

I didn't realize it was a non-covered thing. In that case, I agree with everyone else. Your being sold a line of bullshit. Unless there is something wrong with your car, you should not have much buildup at that mileage.

[txusa03]

wow, 200-300 to remove carbon. Will a can of seafoam do the same thing and clean the carbon?

[F32Fleet]

Throw in two bottles of their fuel additive. (maybe you really shouldn't)

[Bartman619]

Originally Posted by txusa03

wow, 200-300 to remove carbon. Will a can of seafoam do the same thing and clean the carbon?

it will work...just be sure you change oil and spark plugs after running the can through your system. the carbon will be soaked up on your oil after getting dissolved. i used seafoam every once in a while on my 1988 325e.