I also have a cobbAccess port. I have a 2.5 exhaust and comic. My AP has all the tunes but I can only use a stage 1 cause the rest of the tunes I need a 3” exhaust and DP. Anyone got a good tune for the mods I already have. Also the car won’t accelerated pass 100 and boost gets cut during 6th gear pulls. Kicks *** on the street but sucks nuts on the freeway. I’m located in Norcal anyone in my area hit me up thank you

 

I'm in the market for an AP but I've seen a couple members say their AP was rendered obsolete due to an ECU update. Is there a way to know if my ECU has been updated? I bought the car used from Carmax and had to send it to MINI after purchasing to have them re-program my passenger window. Otherwise to my knowledge the car hasn't been touched. Thanks in advance for any help on this.

 

What year and model is your MINI? You should put that information in your signature, so that you don't have to repeat that data for each question.

 

ECU reprogramming will not obsolete the AP, only the loaded maps. Long ago, my ECU was updated, causing my maps to be useless. Alta was able to update the maps with my current ECU number and all was well again. Odds of finding the equipment to repeat this process now are slim to none!

When you buy a used AP, ensure that it was completely un-installed from the previous car. There's a specific step the previous owner needs to perform so the next owner can install it. The installation process causes the AP to learn the ECU number so that when connected online, it will load the correct maps for your ECU. Try to get the original owners manual with the hardware --- it's very helpful.

 

Sorry Dave, I'm still a bit new to this forum thing. I've just updated my signature. I've got a 2010 Cooper S. oldbrokenwind thanks for clearing that information up. I was under the impression that once the ECU was updated an AP would no longer be an option to you.

 

Ok! Up until 2010, the Access Port will work on your MINI, if the previous owner of the AP unmarried it from their car before selling it.

In 2011 MINI changed the Engine Control Unit so that it couldn't be reprogrammed through the OBD2 port, that is the ECU update you've heard of, it's a hardware update not a software update.

The 2011 JCWs still had the OBD2 programmable Engine Control Unit, so the Access Port will work on them too.

So yes, the Access Port will work on your MINI even if it has updated software.

This is why it is important to include your car's particulars in your question, so that you will get correct answers for your unique car.

If you have to take your car to the dealer, you should be sure the AP is unmarried from your car before you bring it in, in case they do any software updates, you can reinstall the AP software when you get it back.

 

New question! So I've been trying to search around for someone running this setup, but had no luck. I was finally able to buy an AccessPort from a member here on NAM, and with Stage 1 (92 octane; Linear throttle) it's been an absolute pleasure to drive. I also have it dash mounted and love having a boost gauge. My question is that Stage 2 requires a FMIC. The way I see I have 2, maybe 3 options. First is a save up the scratch to buy a Forge, Helix or even a Wagner Tuning IC, no brainer. Second, I say F it and get one of these ebay intercoolers that look to be a hybrid of Forge style tanks, and Wagner Tuning bar and plate style cores. Quite a lot of people say good things about them. Third, I've been looking into these air diverters that MadnessMINI make. Since they essentially direct air to the bottom portion of the IC making use of the entire IC rather than just the top half would I then, in theory, be able to run stage 2, or are the benefits of a larger IC just a farcry from what the OEM IC could ever be, modified or not?

 

Hey - stage 2 doesn't require FMIC, stage 3 does. stage 2 requires 3" downpipe and exhaust - per Alta.

 

Ah ha! I don't have it in front of me, and that made sense at the time. What you've said makes more sense, thanks for the correction. That being said, is it pretty set in stone that I'd only see power with a 3"? Also, if the FMIC is stage 3 I take it, I'd need to get the exhaust sorted out before buying the FMIC to go up to stage 3?

 

Based on all of my research and conversations with Alta, they said their tunes are made for a 3" setup, however others on here have done 2.5" and seemed to have no issues and still enjoyed power gains.

I wanted the full 3" setup, so I went that route.

I mean you can get a larger FMIC, just to have on the car - with a stage 1 tune.

If you want to go stage 3, you'll def need the larger exhaust and larger FMIC, but nothing is stopping you from adding the larger FMIC right now and sticking to stage 1.

 

Alta only sold a 3" catless downpipe, I suspect that is why the Accessport stage two and above require 3" downpipes.

 

I originally got mine from Etektuning: https://www.etektuning.com/ar-design...tted-downpipe/

ECS also sells them: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ar-desig...-05-01002-blk/

 

When I got home I hooked up the AccessPort and made a mistake. My orginal question was about Stage 1 FMIC and if the Madness air diverter would be a decent halfway point until I could pony up for a FMIC. Please feel free to chime in on that. However since we are on the topic of downpipes, I already have the Invidia exhaust and besides the drone I like it. I orginally wanted the Alta 3" because I heard a sound clip and I thought it sounded pretty good, but started reading that unless you're looking to push some serious HP then a 3" would be counter productive. Long story short the flex coupler split and the misses asked what I did to the car cause it souned grizzly and she loved it. I want to get a downpipe in hopes it will bring back something close to essentially an exahust leak. Will the AccessPort keep the CEL at bay even if I get a catted downpipe? Thanks guys!

 

Hello everyone,

I've searched this thread and I can't find anyone with issues on their FMIC AP map with auto trans stock throttle--I'm in CA and using CA 91 octane and I get a strange pull and gear shift on partial throttle. Say a 20% throttle, on WOT it's good, but 15-20% throttle it has a strange shift pattern.

Does anyone have a bunch of linear automatic trans tunes?

Thanks!

 

Joseph, PM me your email and I'll send you the old maps that i have. The power was good and the shifting was smooth. I'm not sure if it will be better than the one youre running now, but its worth a try.

I don't think that Alta ever did a linear map for autos.

Have fun,
Mike

 

yes, we just added them I like how they have ceramically coated versions also.

 

 

I just got a Mini s hatchback F56, I can't wait to upgrade. Any suggestions?

 

Try the Gen3 forums - this is Gen2.

 

Thank you

 

Does anyone have more maps I just got an AP and it only has 3 on it 2010 MCM S

 

I can't remember where this was posted, but as long as you know your ECU code I think you'll be fine.

Edit: Now that I'm re-reading I'm not sure if your asking about different custom maps or more ALTA maps. What I posted should give you Stage 1, Stage 1 w/ FMIC, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 3 w/ FMIC. I don't have it open right now (I'm at work) but I think Stage 2 has a FMIC option as well, but don't quote me on that.

 

Has anyone found anyone still protuning these? I'm sure it's a long shot but might be worth asking.

 

Am I missing something or does the AP not read coolant temperatures?

 

Sure it does. It's called ECT --- Engine Coolant Temperature.