That brings up a good point.

Will we be able to get the map or file or whatever it is that Jan does, from him? I imagine that if I go to a nearby Mini dealership for any kind of service, is it possible they'll reflash my ECU to stock? (thus loosing my tune from Jan)

I ask because I'm not familiar with this process.

 

Jan has a flashloader tool that can supposedly store up to 3 maps and you can change maps on the fly by attaching it to your OBD port on the bottom left on the driver's side dash. People use the flashloader to load maps for the tune, stock or a map using race gas and etc. The maps can also be stored on your PC. As for pricing goes, I think it's probably best to shoot him a PM.

 

wish Jan offered a Flashloader for a R56

 

from what it sounds, that would be nice

 

I just heard from Jan on the flashloader. Jan will answer all flashloader questions when he returns from Daytona next week.

 

Very cool.
Oh and Scott, you can change me from a maybe to a yes.

 

Done! BTW, like your MINI specs!

 

Scott

can u put me on the list for yes

provided that the flash loader will allow me ot revert back I'm in ... i guess i will know for sure when Jan gets back from Daytona

Thanks
Brendan

 

ZippyNH and BHozier are now on the maybe list. Once your are an absolute "YES" let me know and I will move you over to the confirmed list.

 

The flash tool is now an option. Here is the link:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2973340

 

As a reminder, the link scottab36 linked to is for the R56 Flash tool. The R53 Flash tool is already available.

I'm not even tuning and I'm crazy excited about this tuning session. Can't wait to see some awesome MINIs!

 

Maybe this is a stupid question Henry ....but if the maps can be stored on a lap top, how do I load it back into the MINI, via a USB/OBDII cable ?

If so, then why can't a disk be burned on site negating the need for a $300 - $450.00 dollar flash tool ?

Thanks.

 

Ok, this is the part where I'm just putting pieces of the puzzle together using what I know. Here's my assumption:

The maps can be stored on laptop. To get the maps to the MINI, the flash loader is used as a transfer device. Now, I understand what your saying, about loading the maps to the MINI directly from the laptop using a USB/OBDII cable, but I'm guessing it's an issue of software. I'm not sure if there is software out there to allows users to do this or not, but even at that point, you have to have the software be compatible with Windows and Mac users...etc.

Also the flash loader can be used to change maps on the fly. People who track their MINIs may have a high octane map they'd want to use and I guess that's the convenience of the flash loader. That is not to say you can't bring your laptop with you... but again, I don't know if such software exists. It's a question I think Jan would be able to answer better.

 

The flash tool is the interface.....I'm guessing it is due to the encryption scheme used by MINI? The flash tool must get around having to give out the key, built into a program of some type...so it cannot be cracked/reverse engineered.....that way it suddenly does not show up on Bit-Torrent!!

It would be nice if it was commonly available...but I'm sure it cost some serious $$ to crack the MINI's computers...I've heard the computer on the GEN1 cars use 3 separate encryption schemes to try to stop people from tuning them.

 

with the flash tool of course
there is some heavy protocols that are needed to talk to the ecu. This flash tool does this for you and it writes much faster also. Takes about 40sec on the R56

 

Shift me to Confirmed!!
I'll be buying a flash tool for the R53.........should i order it ahead of time and bring it, or will Jan be bringing a few to but?

 

I will shift you over. Keep in mind, Jan stated that the R53 flash tool is already available and much cheaper right now than the R56 flash tool.

 

DEFF IN ON THIS. DECIDED IM KEEPING THIS MINI AT YEAR END, SIKED! Havent seen you guys in awhile either so it will be nice to get back on this again!

Interested to see what Jan can do this time around. Especially already been tuned last year. Jan I am going to PM you with some questions.

 

Recommend calling or e-mail....

 

Word on the street is this man is like the president thanks for the heads up Blake, I'll shoot him an email.

 

Haha yea, with all this handheld device buzz....you don't want to get lost in the abyss known as Jan's PM box

 

I am planning a visit with Jan this week. With any luck I might get a chance to experience an RMW tuned MINI. Regardless, a visit to San Diego, CA will be a nice break from the CT weather.

 

Scott you gotta go to a In-N-Out burger out there They are awesome!! Ask Jan where there is one. He will know what I'm talking about

 

Visiting San Diego and not hitting up In-N-Out would be a bad idea. You thought 5 Guys was good? They don't hold a candle to In-N-Out.

Have a safe trip Scott!

 

In-n- Out rules but I would look for a tacotruck