Hey guys,

I have a 2011 Mini which is just over a year old and I've just had a call from the dealership about an air conditioning service.

Now, according to the guy on the phone, it's a 'recommended service to remove bacterial buildup and maintain efficient operation' and will cost £55 + VAT.

We weren't made aware of this at the time of purchase despite asking whether there were any costs that fell outside of the 5 year service plan which we also purchased, yet the phonecall I just had suggested it was quite important. He also didn't know if it was covered by the service plan.

As far as I know, our AC is working fine, certainly cools well, no idea about bacterial buildup though?!

The guy I spoke to seemed very keen for me to get booked in and asked me to call him specifically if I decided to book.

I don't want to be cynical because Mini have been pretty good over the course of ownership, but it does kinda sound like he's chasing extra services a little a bit like the winter care package things they run every year.

Is this a particularly important service, should I get it booked in?

Unless it needs to be re-gassed (which really should come under warrenty) then you can do the "Clean" yourself. You can buy kits from Halfords where you basically set the aircon running with the engine on, set jsome aerosol thing going and shut the door and it cleans the system for you. I'm sure I have seen these for about a tenner or so.

Sounds to me like he is on a commission if he wants you to specifically go back to him. I have never had this done with any of the cars I have owned with AC, and I kept all of them for 3 years and the dealership never recommended that it was done as part of a service or otherwise.

Just change your cabin air filter! It's very easy. Open the door, pull out the old filter, slide in the new filter and close the door.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

I'll do both of the above, sounds pretty straightforward and effective!

Thanks again.