Patcher, I highly recommend investing in a Bentley manual. Otherwise, I think there is a wiring diagram for a 2006 MCS somewhere on this forum. The starting circuit should be the same, or similar enough for you to trace the circuit. If you hunt around on the 'Web you may find something else.
The EML light will be illuminated until the car starts, then should go out. If it remains lit, you have a problem with your electronic engine management stuff (throttle, knock sensor, etc.).
By the way, have you had your DME (ECU) programmed to work with manual transmission? If not your EWS (immobilizer) will eventually prevent the car from starting.

 

Patcher, look under "Modifications" in this forum, then go to "electrical"...you'll find a pdf of the '06 MCS wiring diagram.

 

Thanks a lot. I already the 06 MCS wiring diagram. Actually I haven't get the DME reprogrammed. My friend, who did ECU reprogram before, said that he can help me to do that. He has a homemade device could read and rewrite the code, but he need a template to know where he need to do the modification since he is not familiar with mini cooper. I think this a great chance to learn. Do you think it possible to buy a manual ECU to readout as a reference to do the reprogramming? or any where to find the information for this. Thanks for you patience.
Another thing is, beside ECU, I need to reprogram EWS, Instrument cluster,ABS etc. I don't want to take them out. Is that possible to DIY this part? I think you did this by yourself, right. I am looking for a bentley book now. thanks a lot for you kind reminding.

 

MiniPatcher, I have reached the limit of my knowledge in the area of computers. I know that there are versions of NCSExpert on the 'Web, and you will need an OBD cable that is BMW/MINI specific to interface with your PC. I have seen on the BMW forums that people have done all manner of coding to their cars, including reconfiguring the DME and all modules to manual trans from AT, but personally I had mine done by a pro. I'm a wrenches-and-welding guy- I leave the computer magic up to the experts.

 

I have a setup with a laptop that I can interface with my MINI. That said, it does have limitations compared to a fully legit setup. For instance, it always thinks the voltage is too low to recode the modules. There is a workaround that the guys on the BMW forums give which I haven't had a need to try.

Ultimately, I have to agree with Densmini - you might be able to reprogram yourself after hours of research and trial and error, but even then you might fail. I think with this it's worth getting a pro to do it.

Another thing to consider is the DME can only be reprogrammed 13 times before it must be replaced. You don't want to mess with it too much and then have to replace it because you've run out of chances.

 

Was all set to finally do the write-up today, and apparently my pictures have gone missing or have been accidentally deleted.

If they end up showing up, I'll re-attempt a write-up.

 

Hi, every body.
I am still struggling with my transmission swap. I already get all the computers reprogrammed and installed. But I still can't start my car.
1st, I get the airbag light on immediately, when I turn the key to on position (not start the engine).
2nd, I turn further to start the engine, I get click and then all electrical sign is gone, the electricity is totally shut down, and I tried switch off and recheck the light but the car does not response but like dead without any electrical power.
3rd, I put the battery pole off and then reconnected, the light get back and get the same situation as 1st. This time I just turn the key to on position and get airbag light again. After that I switch-off and try again, this time the car is dead again. no light no power.
According to this condition. I ask a round and my friend said that the computer looks like not properly reprogrammed. Can you give me some suggestions? Many thanks

 

I agree with your friend - it sounds like the programming is not correct. Especially if you weren't getting the airbag warning lights before the reprogram.

Did you attempt the programming yourself, or did you take it to an experienced MINI/BMW shop? I'd be amazed if a shop would leave you with a car in that state...

If you haven't taken it to an experienced shop for the reprogramming, I think now is the time thrown in the towel and get it towed to an experienced shop that's willing to do this kind of work.

Remember, the DME can only be reprogrammed 13 times total - you don't want to get the point where you keep trying different things and eventually need to replace the entire DME.

 

Wow, Patcher, that's a weird problem. It could be the DME, but it sure acts like something more basic is going on. When I did my car, before any DME reprogramming and with no clutch switch, I jumpered the starter wires from the EWS and the car started and ran for 90 days until the EWS acted up. What did you do with the cable from the ignition switch that was part of the shifter lockout?

 

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Yesterday, I tried again and got the car started. Praise the Lord. Finally, I get there. I just tried different ways. The only one can start the car is like that, once I put in the key, I need to start the car in 3 second. That means, if I put the key in and turned to on position, checking everything, then start the engine I will fail and get the car totally dead. My friend told me it should be a relay, since the disconnecting battery could go back to the initial situation. He said that, DME probably senses a current is too big during the starting, and controls a relay to shut down the total current. Because, in the failed starting, we hear a click in the engine bay, which is very like a function of relay. And in the fast starting mode, the DME is not initialized. Sounds very reasonable but we still need to figure this out. By the way, I don't need to bypass EWS in the starting. The airbay light is still on.

 

That sounds even more like this is a non-programming-related problem. Try swapping your main relay (DME power) with one of the others and see if that helps.

 

This is years later so no reply is expected. But ANY help is appreciated. I have completed my 6 speed swap. I am trying to jump the 2 wires but still getting no crank no start. Could there be any other issue or could i be jumping them wrong. Thanks