Hi guys,

I'm getting increasing annoyed at having to go to the dealers (40min trip) and having to explain everything in a stupid amount of detail, wait for hours, and not get everything I wanted done when I go to the dealers to get things coded.

Currently I need to get taction control and trip computer functions coded in. Having problems explaining to the dealers how to do it (I'm not using the original cluster, and these features are standard in Australia, so they've never coded them before / know how to).

Is there any way I can emulate the commands, learn how its done, hell even build a replica computer/whatever to get it working? Its driving me crazy having to rely on idiots.

Cheers

Kev.

 

There is no way around it, well unless you want to spend a rediculous amount of money on the computer.

The next time you go, have them print out the coding status. Check it before you leave. If the changes havent been made, get them to do it right then. It is easy to set up correctly.

What features are you having problems with and what is the production date of your car? Some of the features are not available on all cars.

 

I think they have the OBC retrofit instructions from Mini on the site. But you're stuck with it unless a shop around has a GT1. They were (are?) for sale to the public, but not at a price point for the home mechanic (way over $10k).

While you're at the dealer, have them scan all error codes in your car. That way they can see if a module isn't recognized by the system.

Matt

 

Its not a case of having a feature enabled that isn't available in the car .

Its trying to find a service guy who actually knows how to work the tools he has properly. Without going into specifics I've changed the IKU and several other components that affect the on board computer, and I'd like to get it enabled again, but as its a standard option here in Australia its not something they've ever done before. Things are unfortunatly a bit different here - did you know our cars don't even have OBD2 enabled on them (well, the 2006+ cars do, but prior to that they don't.).

 

Am I mistaken or are you replacing/changing computer controlled parts yourself and then expecting the mechanics to figure out how to configure your on-board-computer to accept the changes you've made? Is that about it?

 

They can activate the obc throught the "retrofits" menu while in "coding and programming". If they can't do that then something is missing from your story.
Also, you need the stock cluster to run the obc function and the stock tach to see it. Unless you know of a way to display it elsewhere. what is the response from the dealer as to why they can't do it? Something isn't adding up.

 

Fred, I'm not asking them to figure anything out - simply to go into a menu (as described in 002s post) and select Retrofit OBC.

Basically because the cluster I'm running is not available in Australia / they've never seen it, they're not willing to touch it more or less. Its still a stock cluster and tacho.

Hell, I could code it myself (used the tool / similar GM ones myself in my line of work) if they'd let me touch it .

 

but I've found that the different dealers are not identical in the willingness to help out. Maybe some phone work and a longggg drive will help solve your problems.

Matt

 

Coding.. I keep hearing about this... are you saying you can code in DSC on a car that has not had DSC on it?

Any other mods needed?

 

Hey Folks,

I just picked up my MCS, and I've been looking for a way to leverage more of the electronics within the vehicle. I also own an Audi, and am able to do much of the recoding that the dealer is able to do with a tool from Ross-Tech. I've been looking around for the same type of tool for the MINI, and haven't been able to come up with anything.

I can use the tool that I have to read basic OBDII info from the MINI, but that's about it.

I'm definitely going to keep tabs on this thread though... and I'll keep you posted with what I find...

-- Armen

 

You would have to get a lot of hardware. Master cylinder, dsc unit, sensors... The parts and labor wouldn't be worth it in my book. But if you really want it, it can be done.

 

So what is he doing when he said " Currently I need to get taction control and trip computer functions coded in."?

 

I think the DSC is software in the ECU that talks to the ABS system for wheel speeds. There are three other sensors, two acceleromters, and one steering position sensor, that may be specific to the DSC cars, but I'm not sure about that either! The sensors are on the CAN bus (high speed) same one that the ABS system uses. But this is all speculation, from reading between the lines.

The Audi world of VAG-COM is much nicer to owners than the BMW world. The BiM-COM beta queries subsytems, but don't do factory coding. The only things I know of that can do the factory coding are the factory, the GT1 (wayyyy expensive last time I checked), some diagnostic from England (I think) at about $10k a unit, and some Chinese thing for about $4k that has partial Mini coverage. So far, we're screwed.

Matt

 

Nothing too special. Traction control is already on in my car (standard option), as is the trip computer - because I've changed the IKU though, it needs to be told what I've got in the car.

Funnily enough the traction control is actually still working, but I just don't have the light to say its turned off. I have a GBMINI circuit with the track mode ASC/DSC anyway, so it turns it off automatically. If I flick the switch to turn it back on it still works.

 

Iku?

 

IKU is the control unit that does all of the authentication between the speedo/tacho/security/ECU etc. Its what controls all of the features in the car. I've changed mine, and when its changed it needs to be programmed to know what the car has so that it knows how to handle it.

 

Not sure if this is what you really want, but may help you on some sensors.

Have you looked at http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html It is a little pricey but worth it in the end.

You can see which sensors and codes it can see on the MINI
http://www.autoenginuity.com/BMW-All-Systems-List.html

Here is also a thread on NAM that is talking about it right now. We are waiting for 002 review
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=75694

If this doesn't help at, just request to delete this post.

 

No speculation, you definitely need the parts I mentioned.

Matt, and others for that matter, it is now possible to code and program using BMW's tis. They have rates by the day, month or year. You do need an interface, but at least it is within financial reach now. Oh yeah, and you need to know what you are doing. I'm not sure if they give you access to that info. I will give you a hint though, it is IKE not IKU.

 

Uh... isn't that a website? So how would a web-site program my MINI? Or with the daily/monthly/yearly fee, they send me a piece of hardware?

Me.

 

Uh, the same way you download any other firmware, etc... Your car doesn't know if you remote access the software.

I think you have to buy the hardware.

This isn't for everyone. If you don't know the systems I would not recommend it. This is more for independent shops or people with dealer experience. The fact that it is available is the exciting part for people like me.

 

No, that's what I meant - you only got the SOFTWARE through the TIS. You'd still need the HARDWARE.

 

Always confusing IKE and IKU, getting mixed up in the GM terminology we use at work .

The hardware; what does that consist of?

 

The hardware is your computer and a "pass through", an interface, like what is used for uploading MTH.