West Seattle Auto Repair

BMW and Mini Cooper (along with other vehicles) with GDI engines are both cars that can experience carbon build up over time causing drivability issues.    Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) is a method that automakers have used to inject gasoline at a high pressure directly into an engine’s combustion chamber rather than into the intake tract or cylinder port.  Fuel is better measured than older fuel injection or carbureted systems - making the vehicle more fuel efficient.  The problem that can result is that the fuel’s detergents can no longer keep the intake’s clean so carbon and dirt can start caking and building up on the walls.  As the buildup thickens, the vehicle’s performance can suffer.  The check engine light may come on and the car can hesitate or stall.   If carbon has built up to a point where the vehicle’s performance has been affected, we have had success with a service called a wal ... read more

MINI COOPER JUST ANNOUNCED RECALL FOR POWER STEERING FAILURE.  DETAILS: http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/28/mini-recalls-86000-cars-to-fix-power-steering-problems.html This recall affects certain Mini Cooper vehicles. Feel free to give us a call and we can help: 206 938 8685 or email us: [email protected]

2011 Mini Cooper This article is a warning regarding a potentially catastrophic problem in Mini Coopers built from 2007-2011: failure of the the timing chain tensioner. Despite many owners love of their Minis, the fly in the ointment is the recurring problem with the timing chain tensioner as reported to Consumer Affairs , despite BMW’s claim that the timing chains are supposed to be a maintenance free feature of the car. BMW has no recommended service interval nor does the Mini’s on-board computer monitor the condition of the chain. The tensioner and chain are also located inside the engine thus causing serious damage should the tensioner fail. What to do? Monitor your oil levels – Mini Coopers have a habit of using oil. There ha ... read more

Oil consumption is very common for Mini Coopers. Many Minis consume as much as one quart of oil every 700-1200 miles. Given the extended oil change interval on these cars, it is not unusual to lose 4-5 quarts of oil between oil changes. Mini Cooper S While there is an oil pressure sensor, there is no oil level sensor on the Mini. The oil pressure sensor light will not come on until the engine is nearly out of oil. It is critical to check your Mini’s oil regularly and not let the oil level become low. We are happy to check oil level at any time during our business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you have a question about your oil level, please feel free to stop by at any time. Mini Cooper S photo by flickr user bark