I've managed to keep my June build 2003 MCS from getting reflashed at the dealer, and there have been many many changes from Mini since then. I have heard that if I update it, I will lose throttle response due to Mini's attempt to control the yo-yo. I do experience the yo-yo slightly, but it doesn't really bother me a bit, and I'm not interested or willing to lose throttle response for less yo-yo.

I have also heard that the DSC is much nicer under the new programming... which has appeal because it's invasive and annoying when on, and I typically always shut it off. It's especially annoying when the car is cold.

So, anyone have any advice here, besides going with MTH or Unichip? That is already on the to do list sometime in late spring... but in the meantime, Mini's update is free. Please share your thoughts.

 

I got the latest dealer flash in hopes to fix my 4500 RPM death lag. Well....it's gone and all is well. Throttle response is so much better. I have an 02/03 build date.

 

What is the latest ECU upgrade number?
Danish

 

42 I think

 

I had a good running 03 MCS almost ruined by upgrading. A few little problems like the yo-yo sure beat the very rough idle at the red lights I ended up with. The latest isn't always the greatest and oddly enough, not everyone gets the same result from the same version software update. If your happy with your MINI now then I wouldn't suggest getting the latest update.

Now that I have an 06 MCS and it runs very well, IMO, with the current version. If I do have to go in for service. I will add a lock or something on the port so the techs cannot attach their computer to my car without my ok.

 

I sayif you like your car how it is now, tthen there is no need for a reflash!

 

My dealer (in SoCal) called me few times now and told me that there is a emission related "recall' and I have to arrange a service to re-flash the ECU. I told them that I will think about it. I have 01/03 with MTH and the car is running great so I don't want to mess with it. However, the dealer told me that I will not pass the smog test as it is. Is this true? If that's the case, can I unload my MTH back to the computer and get it re-flashed by the dealer and put the MTH back on again? Will the car perform the same way as it was or the dealer re-flash will change things that MTH doesn't modify?

 

You'll need to download the ECU contents and have MTH update your file to match the new ECU version. That should be a freebie from MTH - just send them your new ECU files along with your existing MTH file.

 

and if i understand correctly, if you dont like the new update you can reflash with your current MTH setup?

If you do like the new flash, send that info to MTH and have IT upgraded back to the chipped version.

Unless i misunderstood the MTH programming. Or does it only update some things?

 

MTH only modifies/updates a small portion of the ECU contents. It does not save the entire ECU and you cannot use it to reflash to an earlier ECU version.

Once the ECU is updated by MINI you must get an updated version of the MTH flash in order for it to work properly. I don't know that it would cause any problems using the older MTH flash but I was advised against trying it.

For the ultimate authority on this question, why not email Volker and ask him.

 

Thanks for all your replies... so I guess since I am pretty happy with my car, no need to reflash. I too was told about the "recall" for the evaporative emissions control. I refused the recall, as it makes the sensor for emissions more sensitive...thus, more likely to trip a check engine light. Funk That!

If anyone else has info to add about the Mini ECU updates, please feel free to add. MTH discussion has it's own forum.

 

Dug up this old thread while doing some research. So what is the latest version of MCS software? Is it still v42 for MCS and v43 for MCSa? Anybody take their off-warranty car in for a reflash recently? Were you charged?

 

I recently had a re-flash to correct the cold start stumble. The car now runs much better cold or warm. I also noticed the car is much smoother with the AC on than it was before. There seems to be a number of changes for the better. Still runs as strong.. but smoother.

 

Any idea what the version number was?