From what I can see the "software" fix can only control the brakes through the traction control feature. Since the MINI does not have an electronically controlled differential, that could transfer torque to the wheel with traction, the only other way they can control torque steer is to apply the brakes. Probably in association with the EBC that ties brake application to steering angle.

By simply reducing total torque the driver would be aware of this and it would not appear to be seamless. It would be a very noticeable reduction in acceleration.

Just my $0.02

 

What! And lose the 'WOW' I get if I let some other lucky person drive?!
I always thought it was a 'feature'! (like the mood lighting)

 

I havent seen this brought up in a while and I asked my SA about it yesterday. He was unaware of anything coming out. He did say the fix that MINI put in really helped in the 2011 models. Are there any new updates on this?

 

I have been in touch with the Service Desk at Main Line Mini. They tell me that there are a few select dealers that have gotten the retrofit as test sites. There are no plans for wide release to the 2008-2010 JCW owners at this time. For now I just hold on to the steering wheel with two hands.

 

My 2011 JCW is sitting at the docks waiting for a ship. In a month or so I will let you know. One of the main reasons I traded out of my 2010. If it does not work I will go mechanical. Hard to predict how much it is going to each time.
Even when lapping the same corners on a track it just never seems the same.
More control and predictability when running in close quarters is a must.

 

The SA said it made a substanial difference. I asked him what they had done and he said that since it was electrical steering that a software update had been used to offset the torque. He said it did not affect the power of the MINI...just the steering. If the upgrade comes out...I will be checking it out.

 

Please post to this thread if you hear anything new on this.

Thanks,

 

I test drove a 2011 JCW and was taken on some back roads and told to nail it and there was still quite a bit of torque steer. I ended up buying a 2010 JCW and honestly did not notice the difference between the years.

 

Interesting! I may have to drive a 2011 just to curb my curiosity.

 

Just got my 2009 MCS Convertible back today. It had the dreaded timing chain issue and they replaced the chain, sprockets, etc. While I had it at the dealer I asked if I could get the software update that the 2011's have that eliminates torque steer (TS).

I was told it was an "unoffical" mod and the cost would be about $160. They said there was no guarantee that it would eliminate TS, yada, yada, yada. I had them do it and bottom line; absolutely the best $160 I have spent on my MINI!!!

To be honest, I was skeptical but the TS is totally gone! I even took my hands off the steering wheel and accelerated briskly and the wheel stayed straight. I noted no change in launch power and no artifical feel or sign of anything going on behind the scenes. This is truly amazing and eliminates one of my MINI's worst traits (IMO).

I think it is awesome that MINI would make this available as a retrofit. Most car companies would not offer a retrofit as this improvement would probably be enough for many to trade up to a 2011 if they drove it and noticed the difference. TS is not a design "defect" but BMW has come up with a clever solution. I agree with the Windows software analogy. I am more than happy to pay for this mod.

 

duplicate post - deleted

 

Wow..that is great news. What dealership did this for you? Can't believe if they have it available...why won't MINI release it officially? Did your SA mention why it hasn't been officially released? I wonder if my SA called yours if he could get the details?

 

Thanks for the update on the TS fix. I'm going to my dealer to see what they can do.

 

My dealer is Global Imports in Atlanta. They have been great to deal with. One of the previous posts here said that MINI USA is allowing certain dealers to perform the update as a test. The write up on my invoice said CUSTOMER ASKED ABOUT UPDATE FOR TORQUE STEERING 14555 Customer requested update. Reprogrammed vehicle to latest level of integration (R056-10-08-513) using ISTA/P version 39.4.0.0 PARTS 0.00, LABOR $156.88

My MINI is a 2009 R57, so the version mentioned above may be different for different models.

It finally dried out around here today and I was able to really get on it and the results were the same - acts like a rear wheel drive car. I still get some wheel spin (same as before) but not the darting to the side. I just can't believe it made such a difference. I am a mechanical engineer and expected at least a funny feel as the electric power steering tried to compensate for the torque steer but it is seamless. Good Luck!!

 

After getting a "heads up" from Gawannamini, I had the sw upgrade done to my wife's JCW convertible this afternoon and I must say......it makes a huge difference in how the car handles under acceleration. Still some wheel spin but virtually NO torque steer!! I got it done for $126 at Global Mini in Atlanta (same dealership as Gawannamini) . I'll have it done to my JCW Clubman as soon as it needs to go in for service (soon!). This is a very well implemented torque steer solution AND it doesn't appear to diminish the performance of the JCW, so I'm inclined to believe that it is being implemented in the steering and not through compensative braking or torque shifing between the drive shafts. The SA I talked to about it had not heard about it, but left to discuss it with the Service Mgr. who told him they would do it....but I was unable to have a discussion with the SM to get details of how it works....BUT I highly recommend it!!

 

Very cool update guys. Won't have to worry about it on my 2010 as my 2011 JCW should be here in a week or so. Looking foward to the first drive.

 

Identical story to me..well almost. I went in and had the TC replaced along with all of the other stuff it gets (guide and sprockets I think). He also tried to retrofit the rear fogs I had installed and while it was being programmed they added the new program to eliminate the torque steer. I have noticed it to be a little better, but it never really seemed to bother me much in the beginning. Only once had it really tried to change lanes on me and I didn't expect it while accelerating. That imminent fear is gone though. Time for a hands-free launch to see how it really does. But I guess it is nice that it does not feel artificial or wrong to me as that means it must be doing its job without robbing me of power (noticeably).

 

My JCW came in last night and I only have about 50 miles on it but I will say it is vastly improved. You can still feel a little but you will have to feel something with all that HP going throught the front wheels only, plus steering
the car and the wheel is in your hands, LOL. I ran it throught the gears hard a couple of times nothing like my 2010. More power with the JCW but the
diff on this could be a factor too. I think it will be an upgarde everyone will want as it improves the predictability of the car under hard acceleration.
It's a winner!

 

Congrats on the new JCW!!! Just the bit of wheel spin alone will cause a bit of minor darting - even with a rear wheel drive car, but the software update really makes a huge difference to me. The minor movement from actual wheel spin is a tiny fraction of what the pull from torque steer was and I actually enjoy the wheel spin. That's why I am getting such "long" tire tread life

 

WHAT???? You paid $160 for a software update? That is BS, your car is under warranty. If you complained about torque steer the dealer should refer to that bulletin and do the software upgrade for no charge.

 

Kind of glad mine did it just as an experiment to see if I liked it, then they could push it as a fix it it really helped.

 

If you've been following this on MF and here, there has been no indication that MINI will offer to retrofit this update for free. It is an update, not a "fix" for something. Semantics, but name me another manufacturer who will go back on a prior model and update it to its latest 2011 specs?

 

I agree mtbscott. TS is not a flaw - with enough torque on front wheel drive it is common. The 2011's incorporate an upgrade that evidently uses the electric power steering to compensate. Most manufacturer's with an enhancement that improves the driving experience as much as this upgrade does would not make it available as a retrofit. The improvement is enough that it could be what pushes some to trade in their pre 2011 MINI for a new one.

Motoring File had a survey and the majority responded that this should be free so I realize that my position is in the minority (see http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/08/...ll/#more-12978) but this is the best $160 I have spent on my MINI.

 

Any new updates on this? Would love to have this update..but not being offered in my area.

 

Was there any change in the engine programming?