2009 Mini with Carbon build-up

[kgokal]

They guy i carpool with just got a 2009 Mini Cooper
Its got 400mi on it already, and the muffler has some carbon build up.

I would think that if it was spewing out so much carbon it built up in a matter of 400 miles
that something has got to be wrong?

ANybody got any thoughts...

 

[radioouman]

My thought is that nothing is wrong. You burn gasoline, you get carbon build up.

 

[njmodi]

Is he taking lots of short trips?

 

[StageLeft]

My guess is this is like asking why the toilet smells 15 minutes after I've had coffee. That's just how it is and always will be.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
My guess is this is like asking why the toilet smells 15 minutes after I've had coffee. That's just how it is and always will be.

:laugh:

 

[JJ650]

If you're talking a HEAVY coating, it could just be that the ECU is adjusting the fuel/air mix a little heavy on the fuel side causing a rich mixture. A richer mixture runs risk of more unburnt fuel in the exhaust and coating the surfaces.
Usually auto manufacturers like to be a little on the rich side. Too lean and you run into a few problems that could do some serious damage after a while.
If you are overly worried about it, take it to the dealer, point the "problem" out and see if there is an ECU update. You can also try resetting the ECU yourself (not sure if just pulling the battery for a few minutes or pulling fuses & battery works for your car...google it) and see if the ECU corrects and remaps the fuel curve.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

ECU reset

That any help?

 

[JJ650]

Originally posted by: PlasmaBomb
ECU reset

That any help?

^^ what he said

 

[CRXican]

it's a turbocharged vehicle, normal

A tune never hurts (assuming a competent tuner) but it's nothing to worry about. My dad's new MS3 has the same thing.

::edit::

I'm assuming it's an S

 

[DivideBYZero]

Turbo charged cars often run rich and you run a carbon based fuel. Not really a big surprise, is it?