What is a 'Fuel Injector Service'?

cohenfive · 11-22-2011, 11:10 AM

so i have my m3 in the dealer today for a normal oil service after a year and 11.8k total miles (yes the car had the initial oil service done a year ago) and i get a call asking if i want to do the optional (ie, at my cost) alignment and fuel injector service. i know what the former is and declined, but have never heard of the latter before. has anyone heard of the fuel injector service, and if it is important why isn't it covered under the bmw service policy which pays for all required service....

or maybe i know the answer which is that the dealer is just trying to upcharge their customers on service, which would be a new trick by this dealer who i've always been happy with on the service side.

thanks!

Twinbo · 11-22-2011, 11:20 AM

That looks to be an upsale. If it were important for the car it would be included in the service package.
Call another dealer in your area and ask for a fuel injector service - ask what it is first. If they have no clue or seem to question why you would require that it will answer your question.

THE TECH · 11-22-2011, 11:52 AM

Skip it. No need, especially at his mileage.

checkmate · 11-22-2011, 12:00 PM

Its basically to clean up any carbon build up. Not necessary at the mileage. Haven't heard one done for any BMW unless I missed something.

JDy80 · 11-22-2011, 12:05 PM

I was asked the same by my dealer about this service. Apparently it has something to do with there direct injected models where carbon build up is a problem, which correct me if I'm wrong, we shouldn't have that big of a problem since ours aren't.

DBH · 11-22-2011, 12:16 PM

It's basicly a heavy duty cleaning (for severe carbon buildup) of the injectors. If you use a good (tier one) gasoline with a decent detergent package you don't need this service. If you should feel the need, you can purchase a fuel injector cleaner at your local auto store and put it in your fuel tank every couple of thousand miles.

BTW, what are they chargeing for this "service"??

CrazyIvan · 11-22-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBH

It's basicly a heavy duty cleaning (for severe carbon buildup) of the injectors. If you use a good (tier one) gasoline with a decent detergent package you don't need this service. If you should feel the need, you can purchase a fuel injector cleaner at your local auto store and put it in your fuel tank every couple of thousand miles.

BTW, what are they chargeing for this "service"??

The dealer probably uses very similar Fuel injector cleaner that you can buy at auto store for $3-5 but will charge you something like $50 for it...

apecush · 11-22-2011, 12:31 PM

A real injector cleaning involves the removal of the injectors and ultrasonically cleaning them using an appropriate solution. This typically costs arond $20/injector + removal/re-install.

Cleaning is not for carbon, it is for varnish and other deposits from the fuel. The injectors are generally not exposed to combustion carbon as they are in the intake tract not the actual cylinders.

chmura · 11-22-2011, 12:35 PM

Its a BS service, do not do it.

M3 engine is port injected, port injected engines do not have that much carbon build up especially at this miles.

Sean05 · 11-22-2011, 12:50 PM

its just a sales pitch... i was asked before as well... they will probably just add the injector cleaner through your gas tank... its called the TECHRON... lol

ShadeD1 · 11-22-2011, 01:12 PM

cat piss and mothballs

mjf6175 · 11-22-2011, 02:12 PM

While it may clean your injectors, it will really clean your wallet. As mentioned above in other posts, if you use quality gas with a detergent package there is no need for it. And you can get the best stuff yourself and add it to the gas tank which is TECHRON (I believe it was Chevron that originally made this stuff). In fact most other injector cleaners you find at auto stores are re-packaged Techron and usually in lower strengths.

mkiv808 · 11-22-2011, 03:10 PM

The injectors aren't the problem, it's the valves. And it's not a problem until you have AT LEAST 60k miles. If you want to clean the injectors, just throw some Seafoam in the gas tank. But at your mileage, there's absolutely no reason for it. Just use a top tier gas like Shell and you'll be fine.

I was offered a cleaning by my dealer when I hit 60k. I don't have the M3, but I will likely just use Seafoam before my next oil change. I did that in my old direct injection VW and it worked wonders.

shendrick · 11-22-2011, 04:47 PM

Its a way for dealers to extract $ from whales

Mike Benvo · 11-22-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apecush

A real injector cleaning involves the removal of the injectors and ultrasonically cleaning them using an appropriate solution. This typically costs arond $20/injector + removal/re-install.

Cleaning is not for carbon, it is for varnish and other deposits from the fuel. The injectors are generally not exposed to combustion carbon as they are in the intake tract not the actual cylinders.

+10

And not necessary, I wouldn't do it at your mileage.

robb7979 · 11-22-2011, 09:17 PM

Hasn't the fuel injector cleaning been a scam for a while now? I'm surprised to see BMW going to this level of depravity.

Ateam · 11-22-2011, 09:36 PM

I don't think its a "scam" however just another overpriced service that can be had for a fraction of the cost at autozone. BMW relabels chevron techron fuel injection cleaner. They also do offer a larger service that injects stuff directly into the fuel system.

If you use decent quality gas from day 1 and go ahead and use a bottle of chevron techron with each oil change (I plan to do it at 7500 with oil and techron) then this will give you the absolute best chance at keeping everything spotless

spyderco10 · 11-24-2011, 12:51 AM

my dealer recommends i have the fuel injectors cleaned every year when i go in for service, and i put on less than 4k miles/year. iirc they charge like $300 for it. they also want to align my wheels at every service for another $300.

elp_jc · 11-24-2011, 02:55 PM

BMW recommends oil changes every 15K miles because they're paying for it. And dealers would recommend it every 1,500 miles if they could get away with it to make more money. The optimal interval lies somewhere in-between, so consumer education thru forums like this is the best way to find the right maintenance approach for your needs.
I'd take any dealer 'recommendation' with a grain of salt

.

muzeon · 12-07-2011, 02:10 PM

I just brought my car in to replace a daytime running light bulb. The SA said since I'm at 22k miles, for the first 20k miles BMW 'suggest' a fuel injection service. But it's not covered under the service warranty because it can be caused by 'outside influence'. Cost $250.

I said no thanks, glad I read this thread!

He also said my rear tires are low (4.32 I think). Is that true?

cohenfive · 12-07-2011, 02:16 PM

i was really appalled by the s.a. at my dealer offering up a fuel injector service and a wheel alignment on a 1 year old car with 12k miles that is running perfectly and where the tires are in perfect shape (rears only about a month old). that really ticked me off, on top of their not fixing my tpms issue because i have aftermarket wheels.

Ateam · 12-07-2011, 07:07 PM

An alignment once a year is actually pretty reasonable. You cannot always tell if your tires are wearing unevenly and bad alignment can really stress many suspension parts causing increase wear and tear. The fuel injection service is a joke but alignment once a year is pretty reasonable. I get one every 2 years but 1 year is not by any means overkill

11-22-2011, 11:10 AM	#1
cohenfive Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 e92 m3 space grey dct Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: sf bay area Posts: 240 iTrader: (0)	What is a 'Fuel Injector Service'? so i have my m3 in the dealer today for a normal oil service after a year and 11.8k total miles (yes the car had the initial oil service done a year ago) and i get a call asking if i want to do the optional (ie, at my cost) alignment and fuel injector service. i know what the former is and declined, but have never heard of the latter before. has anyone heard of the fuel injector service, and if it is important why isn't it covered under the bmw service policy which pays for all required service.... or maybe i know the answer which is that the dealer is just trying to upcharge their customers on service, which would be a new trick by this dealer who i've always been happy with on the service side. thanks! __________________ 2011 e92 m3 space grey, dct, tech, prem, etc specialized carbon stumpjumper s works fsr trek madone 5.2 nikon d4, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 500vr
	Tweet

11-22-2011, 11:52 AM	#3
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 11,924 iTrader: (39)	Skip it. No need, especially at his mileage. __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportLabs

11-22-2011, 12:00 PM	#4
checkmate Major Drives: AW M3 E90 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bel Air, MD Posts: 1,019 iTrader: (2)	Its basically to clean up any carbon build up. Not necessary at the mileage. Haven't heard one done for any BMW unless I missed something. __________________ I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.-Ayrton Senna

11-22-2011, 12:05 PM	#5
JDy80 Captain Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 717 iTrader: (0)	I was asked the same by my dealer about this service. Apparently it has something to do with there direct injected models where carbon build up is a problem, which correct me if I'm wrong, we shouldn't have that big of a problem since ours aren't. __________________ 2003 Cobra -> 2010 BMW e90 M3 - Space Grey - Black on Carbon Leather Int. - BRILLIANT CAR!!

11-22-2011, 12:35 PM	#9
chmura First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 351 iTrader: (1)	Its a BS service, do not do it. M3 engine is port injected, port injected engines do not have that much carbon build up especially at this miles. __________________ Picked up via ED 9/27/2011 Redelivered 11/23/2011 2011 BMW M3 Sedan Alpine White Black Novillo Leather \| Carbon Leather Trim \| 6 MT \| Premium Package 3 \| Competition Package \| Fold Down Seats \| Satellite Radio \| iPod/USB \| Anti-Theft Alarm

11-22-2011, 11:20 AM	#2
Twinbo First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 327 iTrader: (0)	That looks to be an upsale. If it were important for the car it would be included in the service package. Call another dealer in your area and ask for a fuel injector service - ask what it is first. If they have no clue or seem to question why you would require that it will answer your question.

11-22-2011, 12:16 PM	#6
DBH Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SE PA Posts: 275 iTrader: (0)	It's basicly a heavy duty cleaning (for severe carbon buildup) of the injectors. If you use a good (tier one) gasoline with a decent detergent package you don't need this service. If you should feel the need, you can purchase a fuel injector cleaner at your local auto store and put it in your fuel tank every couple of thousand miles. BTW, what are they chargeing for this "service"??

11-22-2011, 12:31 PM	#8
apecush First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Edmonton Posts: 325 iTrader: (1)	A real injector cleaning involves the removal of the injectors and ultrasonically cleaning them using an appropriate solution. This typically costs arond $20/injector + removal/re-install. Cleaning is not for carbon, it is for varnish and other deposits from the fuel. The injectors are generally not exposed to combustion carbon as they are in the intake tract not the actual cylinders.

11-22-2011, 12:50 PM	#10
Sean05 Putcha ang ganda... Drives: 08 MR E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Brea CA. Posts: 4,978 iTrader: (9)	its just a sales pitch... i was asked before as well... they will probably just add the injector cleaner through your gas tank... its called the TECHRON... lol __________________

11-22-2011, 01:12 PM	#11
ShadeD1 First Lieutenant Drives: 2010 Jerez Black E92 DCT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 317 iTrader: (0)	cat piss and mothballs __________________ Evolve Tune, Ground Control Suspension, Stoptech BBK 380/355, Square 18x9.5 w/Hoosier R6.

11-22-2011, 02:12 PM	#12
mjf6175 Private Drives: E90 M3 ZCP; 09 Viper Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 57 iTrader: (0)	While it may clean your injectors, it will really clean your wallet. As mentioned above in other posts, if you use quality gas with a detergent package there is no need for it. And you can get the best stuff yourself and add it to the gas tank which is TECHRON (I believe it was Chevron that originally made this stuff). In fact most other injector cleaners you find at auto stores are re-packaged Techron and usually in lower strengths.

11-22-2011, 03:10 PM	#13
mkiv808 First Lieutenant Drives: 06 E90/Cayman S Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Milford, CT Posts: 345 iTrader: (1)	The injectors aren't the problem, it's the valves. And it's not a problem until you have AT LEAST 60k miles. If you want to clean the injectors, just throw some Seafoam in the gas tank. But at your mileage, there's absolutely no reason for it. Just use a top tier gas like Shell and you'll be fine. I was offered a cleaning by my dealer when I hit 60k. I don't have the M3, but I will likely just use Seafoam before my next oil change. I did that in my old direct injection VW and it worked wonders. __________________ 2009 BMW M3 E92 6M AW/FR Eibach Springs + H&R Front Sway + LUX AE + LCI Taillights + BMW Performance CF Spoiler + Bastuck Clubsport Exhaust

11-22-2011, 04:47 PM	#14
shendrick Second Lieutenant Drives: 08 e90 M3, 05 e46 zhp, 07 X3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near Boston MA Posts: 252 iTrader: (0)	Its a way for dealers to extract $ from whales

11-22-2011, 09:17 PM	#16
robb7979 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: TX Posts: 265 iTrader: (0)	Hasn't the fuel injector cleaning been a scam for a while now? I'm surprised to see BMW going to this level of depravity.

11-22-2011, 09:36 PM	#17
Ateam Banned Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,111 iTrader: (0)	I don't think its a "scam" however just another overpriced service that can be had for a fraction of the cost at autozone. BMW relabels chevron techron fuel injection cleaner. They also do offer a larger service that injects stuff directly into the fuel system. If you use decent quality gas from day 1 and go ahead and use a bottle of chevron techron with each oil change (I plan to do it at 7500 with oil and techron) then this will give you the absolute best chance at keeping everything spotless

11-24-2011, 12:51 AM	#18
spyderco10 Colonel Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,417 iTrader: (0)	my dealer recommends i have the fuel injectors cleaned every year when i go in for service, and i put on less than 4k miles/year. iirc they charge like $300 for it. they also want to align my wheels at every service for another $300. __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

11-24-2011, 02:55 PM	#19
elp_jc Brigadier General Drives: . Join Date: May 2008 Location: . Posts: 4,912 iTrader: (0)	BMW recommends oil changes every 15K miles because they're paying for it. And dealers would recommend it every 1,500 miles if they could get away with it to make more money. The optimal interval lies somewhere in-between, so consumer education thru forums like this is the best way to find the right maintenance approach for your needs. I'd take any dealer 'recommendation' with a grain of salt .

12-07-2011, 02:10 PM	#20
muzeon Private Drives: '09 e90 M3,'71Fiat500,'64 356 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 93 iTrader: (1)	I just brought my car in to replace a daytime running light bulb. The SA said since I'm at 22k miles, for the first 20k miles BMW 'suggest' a fuel injection service. But it's not covered under the service warranty because it can be caused by 'outside influence'. Cost $250. I said no thanks, glad I read this thread! He also said my rear tires are low (4.32 I think). Is that true?

12-07-2011, 02:16 PM	#21
cohenfive Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 e92 m3 space grey dct Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: sf bay area Posts: 240 iTrader: (0)	i was really appalled by the s.a. at my dealer offering up a fuel injector service and a wheel alignment on a 1 year old car with 12k miles that is running perfectly and where the tires are in perfect shape (rears only about a month old). that really ticked me off, on top of their not fixing my tpms issue because i have aftermarket wheels. __________________ 2011 e92 m3 space grey, dct, tech, prem, etc specialized carbon stumpjumper s works fsr trek madone 5.2 nikon d4, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, 500vr

12-07-2011, 07:07 PM	#22
Ateam Banned Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,111 iTrader: (0)	An alignment once a year is actually pretty reasonable. You cannot always tell if your tires are wearing unevenly and bad alignment can really stress many suspension parts causing increase wear and tear. The fuel injection service is a joke but alignment once a year is pretty reasonable. I get one every 2 years but 1 year is not by any means overkill

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