I have a 2015 F56 with the cut off valve (may be bypass valve) button. This makes my mini backfire when I track race or just driving around townwhen I turn it on. About 5 months ago I kept noticing it would automatically shut itself off and sometimes I had a hard time getting it to turn on. My mini only had 7300 miles on it. Took it in to dealership and they said it was the batteries and they replaced them. As soon as I drove off the lot, it happened again. I immediately turned around to go back to the dealership. Dealership kept my car for over a week then called me to say "that is the way it is designed, it's only supposed to work for a few minutes." Totally unacceptable answer! If I'm track racing, the valve should stay open until I turn it off. Called other dealerships and no one had a clue about the cut off valve button. About a month later, I had to go to the dealership for something and ran into a man that has a 2016 F56 that was having the same problem. I started talking to him and he was told the same thing about his mini. He was a step ahead of me and had already called corporate about the recurring problem. According to corporate, there is a box over the right rear tire which controls the valve system. The factory boxes have a system problem that will cut the valve off if you are in areas where there is high use of bluetooth. The fix was simple, the box needed to be replaced to a new updated system and all is fixed!

If you have this feature on your mini and are having the same problem, talk to your dealership and have it fixed/upgraded. Most likely it will not be a recall because it does not affect any safety issues with the car.

 

Thank you! I've been having this issue from the start. This is some good info. Do you have any additional info about the part number or anything else I can reference?

 

Just disable it so it stays open, much easier - https://myredmini.com/how-to-keep-yo...kit-always-on/

 

I like the option of stealth mode.

 

I just wanted to say that your bluetooth button is for the JCW Pro Exhaust kit in case anyone searches for fault they can easily find this thread.

 

 

I brought it in and MINI wanted to charge me $700 to replace it that box. Nah. I guess I'm stuck with a defective box.

 

 

There are a few threads on this issue, but this one linked below probably has the most info, and is most active. Someone just posted the replacement part # for the receiver unit. But yeah if you got the kit from them, they should honor the 2-year warranty and replace the box!

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...o-exhaust.html

 

Thank you will post there now