Sorry if we haven't gotten back to you guys, if you don't hear from us in a while, don't be afraid to email us!

 

Maybe it is time to pull the mods on my JCW and leave it stock. :-(

 

Need help. I have a 2010 Clubman S Automatic. Jeff work diligently with me to get the best possible tune. In the end, the maximum performance tunes all had some compromise with shifting or idle or both. So Jeff send me a couple that just increased boost, and those seemed like a good solution. Maybe not as quick, but smooth shift and idle. Then I started getting CELs. The CEL indication was for Super Knock. I didn't get the CEL with Stage 0, so I loaded that and pondered what to do next. Then I started getting a CEL with Stage 0 loaded! The CEL was "thermostat heater control circuit open". I figured that could not be related to the AP, so I was probably looking at a trip to the dealer. In anticipation of that, I uninstaled the AP. That was 3 weeks ago, and I have not had any CEL come back since. So now I'm afraid I can't even run the AP with a Stage 0 map. Has anyone got any insights or suggestions?

 

The AP gave immediate power on my MINI and loved it. From stage 1 until I got to stage 3. In the end, I no longer have the MINI because of issues. I don't know if it was the AP or the car itself but I know I never abused the car and was always on top of my maintenance. With the support going away and the AP not really having any long term review, I'd say let it go while you're ahead. I'll be getting on another MINI soon with a lesson learned.
Good luck.

 

Just might have to do that, but it'd be a shame. I really thought the boost only maps were the answer for me. If I thought I could safely ignore the super knock code, I would. It only comes every couple weeks and I never actaully hear any engine pinging. But I sure don't want to ruin my still under warranty engine either.

 

Stupid question but are you running 93 Octane? I would try getting some good quality gas and maybe try running some octance boost. Also how many miles do you have on your current spark plugs? Have you taken data logs of the knock to look at your timing?

 

Now, with the announcement of no more Cobb support, I am faced with the decision of returning my vehicle to stock and selling my mods including my AccessPort or keeping it the way it is and cross my fingers that I never need a software update. I am le sad.

 

I assume you could request the dealer not do an update. And the. There is always the RMW or Evolve options....

 

My plan is to ask the dealer not to do an ECM update, and not plan on updating my Accessport. I am one of the lucky ones that am very happy with the tune on my car. I see no reason that things should change with my situation.

Mike

 

I had the initial panic of 'gods no, can't mod, might as well sell the car!!!' but then after thinking it over:

1)There are plenty of other tuning options...none as flexible, but still options.

2)Cobb extended ECU support until end of 2013...which by then the last N14 will be a year off the production line.

3)Mini's policy of not automatically doing ECU updates may now be a good thing. I had to pay $80 for my spoiler update!

4)I finally admitted I was really angry because the resale value of my AP just canned ;-)

 

Never thought of using octane boost. I am running 92 or 93 since that's what we have here. The plugs are the original, and I'm at just about 41K. Maybe pull them and inspect? What would i look for, excess carbon? Also, I have plenty of logs, but I wouldn't know how to interpret any timing measures. Thanks for the ideas!

 

I wouldn't be too sure about that. The demand is now greater than ever since you can't find them anywhere.

 

It is possible that your gas station has some water in their tanks. I would throw in two bottles of Heet on your next fill up and give it a rip. Heet is 99% methanol and will give you a good boost. I have changed my plugs twice in 40,000 miles. But she gets driven hard on a regular basis. The AP tunes run richer than the stock tunes so you may see some excess carbon built up on them. Definitely soemthing to check before you throw in the towel. Here is the link to the plugs on amazon:

 

Thanks Sacred. I'll give that a try.

 

40k miles on it, you may have some carbon buildup in the intake ports, unless you have had it cleaned. It is reccomended to change the plugs at 50 or 60k anyway, so your probably better to replace them then worry about inspecting them.

Mike

 

Yep. Thanks for the link on Amazon too.

 

Here is where I bought my plugs:

http://bit.ly/XKVOQy

 

The Bently manual says the JCW is suppose to have its plugs changed every 30k miles. The JCW pushed 14-16psi of boost stock. On the tuned MCS we are pushing 18-20. I think every 20-30k miles would be a change interval once tuned. Also not a bad idea to do a PCV delete on the passenger side PCV hose if not done already.

 

Usually knock would come from either plugs or dirty intake valves. Sometimes it can happen on the ALTA tune and not on the stock tune, since our tune runs more aggressive than the stock tune.

At around 40K miles, it will be worth a look in the intake valves, and clean them if necessary.

 

That's where I got mine too and they work great.

 

Thanks guys. Got plugs on the way. Mike I installed your tune and it felt pretty good, but I got superknock codes again today. I'll do the plugs, but it may well be the intake ports. My problem is that I can't do it myself, and I can't tell the dealer to check it, since it only does it with a tune. I mean, I can uninstall, but I'd still have to fess up to using the AP to read the codes. A die lemma

 

You may want to try a can of Seafoam in a tank of gas and Seafoam is also making an aerosol specifically to spray into the intake. I have an '09 JCW with 47k miles. Just had the plugs changed under warranty. Apparently the service codes on your key for the JCW do not alert them to the 36k plug change. Once I asked, they were glad to do it.

I've had the AP in my car for 30k (93 octane, stage 1) and love it! I have averaged 30 mpg the entire time I have owned the car and can't imagine driving it without the AP. With the JCW, I'm not concerned about future support. It runs flawlessly now and any mods beyond my CAI would be pointless. It will break traction in 3rd gear now, any more power would be useless!

 

james1b, I wish I had your mileage! I get about 25 around town with a lot less power. So it sounds like you've never had to have the intakes cleaned. I have put Seafoam in the tank, but have not done the intake treatment.

 

I did Sea Foam the intake once (lots of smoke!) and then had the plugs changed. I also run only Shell 93 octane fuel, which I think helps as well. As far as the mileage goes, I ring it out sometimes, but mostly shift between 2.5k and 3k. Oftentimes I will also do a 2-4-6 shift, since this turbo is so efficient it never lugs.

 

Did you think the Seafoam made a noticable difference? I may try it since it's likely to be a while before I go for a shop port cleaning.