I have a F56 with base radio, Sports Package + Auto transmission. I read that in order to use the voice command button on the steering wheel, one must get the Enhanced Bluetooth package which means it requires an upgraded infotainment system. I'm guessing MINI went with the same steering wheel for everyone to save cost. I wish they done the same for the fog lights, then I wouldn't have to buy a $120 switch to get the rear fog lights working.

So my Voice Command button doesn't do anything and I'm wondering whether it's possible to make it useful either through E-SYS coding or hardwire.

Does anyone have experience with something like this? I'm imagining E-SYS would require adding non-existant hardware (VO) code, and then finding the right place in the code somewhere, but I think it's a very long shot. I tried to turn on the rear fog light with daytime running light or together with brake lights through coding but didn't work. I also tried coding the regular bulbs to LED type and disabling resistance checks but that didn't work either. So I think even though some options are listed in E-SYS coding, it doesn't work.

Second way is to hardwire some other function to that button. I think this is also nearly impossible since these parts are not just a simple electrical switch. Each group of components are grouped into a module and there are additional circuitry that activates certain functions. It would have been easier if it was just a mechanical button.

What I want to do through this is to have a toggle button to quickly switch between air recirculate and automatic air. I hate breathing in dirty exhaust from a fat F150 or Silverado or junk cars/trucks that go in front of me.

 

Interesting idea... I have the same thing and never thought about repurposing it.