Hey guys.

I'm having a hard time trying to digest this. I bought the JCW exhaust with the bt flap for my 2019 JCW. To make things worse, I'm in Paraguay, South America, which means I had to ship the whole thing overseas and waited 7 months and paid an extra $500 for the shipping/customs to get it.

I took the whole thing to the dealership and they say literally "your chasis does not allow us to install the ECU". I don't even know what the means, but after asking for clarification they sort of explained that a) they don't even have to receive my part because I didn't buy it from them and b) in order to match the ECU to the car, their system has to "allow it" and it's not letting them do that because apparently, my car is not supposed to be "upgraded" to the JCW Exhaust.

I did a lot of research before buying it and it is the first time I hear your car needs to be XYZ in order for it to allow it.

Can you guys shed some light on this? Am I being ripped off by the dealer?

 

They are full of it. There isnt a new ECU involved, just coding of the one you have in there. I hate dealerships, you arent being ripped off, it sounds like they are idiots and dont want to do it.

Im not sure about Paraguay but over here there are aftermarket shops that can code it in. The install of the exhaust is very easy, it the recoding that is the problem

 

But isn't the LCI model different because of the PPF?

 

exhaust on a JCW doesnt need ecu reflash/tune - only the exhaust with an S.
The install is - other than the wiring for the bluetooth flap - 90% mechanical replacement. Hell - even leave the flap open all the time.
My advice - take it to a non mini shop and be done with it. there may be some particulate filter rework they may have to do - but it will be bread and butter for an exhaust shop
Then write a polite but direct email to the National mini HQ - maybe to global too. Idiots. Lying and misleading is not very 2019.

 

My understanding is unless you buy the entire JCW tune kit (which includes software to upgrade the ECU), the exhaust is a simple bolt on replacement to the stock unit, and the BT module is installed in the hatch area of the car (which should be pre-wired for the install). .

 

I would challenge your claim that you did a lot of research because one important part of any such research would have been to go down to your local dealer and ask them if they would install this exhaust system BEFORE you bought it.

I would not say your local dealer is ripping you off because you haven't even paid them anything yet, true?

Why? How is any MINI dealer obligated to install any old parts a potential customer walks in carrying?

 

Well, if the kit is "genuine MINI parts," and these genuine parts are specified for the vehicle in question, then I think MINI needs to explain how all this is supposed to work.
My advice: Contact MINI and find out the scoop from them.

I also think it's unfair to challenge OP's assertion that he did a lot of research. Let's take his claim at face value -- he did a lot of research. He failed to confirm that his local dealer would install the parts. His research was, perhaps, inadequate, but who are any of us to say he didn't do a lot of research. Let's be nice. It's the holidays and we have a fellow motorer reaching out for help and support.

 

They are not obligated to install it, but they don't have to lie about it. But rather than wasting time fighting them, just go to an independent shop. Less money, less attitude.

 

First sign I notice in many shops is we don't install customer supplied parts. I don't blame them.

 

Do the 2019+ MINIs in South America have the particulate filter like the new European cars do? If so, there may actually be a fitment issue with the JCW exhaust.

 

I'll never understand that when it comes to modding. Both Seattle and Northwest MINI will install aftermarket parts. There's no warranty on the work or parts but they'll put them on and do a good job what what I've seen so far. I know Portland MINI is working on getting their policy set for aftermarket parts too. There's a guy in our local club that just shipped all his parts to Seattle MINI so he wouldn't have to load them into his car and bring them himself.

And this is all for 3rd party stuff. A dealer shouldn't hassle you about installing supplied OEM parts unless they're obviously defective. Dealerships needs to adapt to today's market.

 

I totally get dealers not wanting to install after market stuff. However, I'm not sure why they would have an issue with Factory authorized Mini parts. If they are factory parts, the only difference being the dealer not able to make a profit on the parts sale. I would think, to maintain good customer relations, they would offer to install any factory parts and charge the appropriate shop fees. I suppose each dealership can institute whatever policy they choose. However it would be interesting to hear why, if you ordered the parts though them they would do an install, but those same parts coming from another dealership or supplier are somehow taboo.