I don't see why the dealer couldn't just flash the system to do it on 04+ MINIs. Looking at the retrofit kit, the kit only installs the same stalk we already have.

 

Well I posted much early saying I have an 06 MC. I did not have the OBC feature from the factory. I went to my local dealership and asked them if they could do it, they told me no. But I went back and brought the BMW PDF document with me. I showed them that it was possible to program it. 15 min later I had the OBC. So the moral of the story, IT IS POSSIBLE TO PROGRAM THE OBC IF YOU ALREADY HAVE THE BUTTON ON THE STALK.

 

This is good to know. Which document did you bring in? I'll bring it in when I go to get my convenience opening enabled.

 

I used this one: HERE

 

Fantastic. I'm just waiting for the service advisor to call me back to see if they can do that.

 

its not an "if" question, its a "will they"

 

This is true. I can hope. I'm directly between two MINI Dealerships (Both are about an hour and a half away from where I live) so I figure I can get one of them to do it. But I already have an appointment at the one so I'm hoping they'll do it for me then.

 

FYI, it is the same stalk, same wiring. If the button is there, it WILL work. Also, it's not the ECU that you're programming, it's the BCU.

 

What does BCU stand for?

 

So I got my MINI dealership to enable the OBC on my 06 MCc. They did need the documentation to know what to do though but it worked great.

 

Thanks for paving the way btallack...I'll have the PDF in hand when I go in for my 2nd scheduled service in a couple weeks...

 

I think FL_Blue_Mini paved the way. I just confirmed it was possible.

 

Well thanks for the credit.... but I just wanted the OBC since birth.

 

FL_Blue_Mini: Did you have the work done at Lauderdale or Vista? just wondereing...I am going into Lauderdale today for the scheduled service (at 27k)...

 

I went to Lauderdale. Talk to Scott, he should know what you're talking about. you may just mention that I told you (Addison).

 

I left the MINI today. Scott was not there, so I spoke to Mark. I left him the PDF with the information. We'll see what happens now. He mentioned that he would have to check with the technician if it could be done and how many hours it would take...

 

well I'm living proof that it can be done. Lets just hope it's the same technition that did mine.

 

That's what's keeping me optimistic! I should be picking the MINI up today...

 

Just got back from Lauderdale, and "I need to have equipment installed to have this feature" at a cost of $175 plus 3 hours labor.... I guess I'll go to Braman or South MINI for my next Oil change and try with them...

 

Do you have A/C in your car? if you do, you already have the hardware you need.

 

My dealer did it freebee in June based on the info here - car is '06 MC - programming only.

 

Liek some one else said, if you have the A/C and the stalk with the botton. you have all the equipment you would need its just a computer thing. I guess at lauderdale they don't like doing it.

 

Do you mean the Automatic A/C? If so, I may have found my issue, as I have the manual A/C...

 

FL-Blue-Mini, did the retrofit cost you anything?
I have auto a/c, the xenons (don't know why they mention this in the PDF), and I have the button on the stalk. If I'm reading these posts correctly, it should just be a reflash with the computer, right? Let me know when you can. Thanks.

 

Quick question...has anyone who has not had a light stalk with the OBC button installed a light stalk and rewired for the OBC function?

I just installed a new stalk (with the OBC button), and I'm planning on wiring from behind the speedo to the stalk. I have a wire connector that I believe will fit in the slot of the connector that plugs into the back of the stalk, but there are a couple of slots, and I don't know which one to plug it into... The DIY's that I've read just state the slot on the back of the speedo connector, but nothing for the light stalk... Thanks!