Hi motorers!

When I bought my MCS, I didn't get the on-board computer (OBC) option. And for more than 200$, I'm glad I didn't get it from the factory.

I've been using the "ECU hidden OBC" for a long time, but came across a very nice how-to for the OBC retrofit, without using MINI stuff.

So yesterday, I went to my favorite electronic car shop, and got a switch installed for the OBC functions scrolling, and resetting. Using the GaryM's DIY, it was pretty easy to connect the wire behind the speedometer unit.

After the switch was installed, I got to BMW Canbec to get it programmed. When I got there, they refused to work on my car because it had some mods on it... I tried to explain to 2 different tech advisors, the dispatcher, and the manager, that enabling the OBC feature wouldn't break my car. I also confirmed with Volker (from MTH), who told me that the dealer would work on a completely different "section" of the ECU. After 15 minutes of debating, I took my car away from those "un-experimented" tech guys. (This dealer is 2 hours drive from my home, and I called to make sure they would do it before driving there...)

So, leaving BMW Canbec, I gave a try to my favorite BMW dealer, which the service dept was completely full for the whole week and the upcoming week too. I went to ask my advisor if he could do it right away. He told me he couldn't, but asked me to talk with his MINI mechanic guy, to know how much time I'd need to "reserve" for my next appointment. The mechanic guy told me it was a 2 minutes job, and that there was no way he could screw my car by doing this... And to my great pleasure, he finished by "drive your MINI in the garage door, I'll do it right away!" After a very deceiving service at BMW Canbec, I was feeling like being in Heaven at BMW Brossard! The whole process took about 2 minutes, and it was pretty straight foward. Just plug the OBD2 device, select a little menu, and choose "On-Board Computer". So I get back to my technical advisor, and tell him it's done. He didn't charge me anything. I was very very satisfied about the service there, as opposed to BMW Canbec.

Everything works great now, and it cost me 35$ total (for the switch install). I got the OBC switch installed on my parcel tray, where the euro xenon adjustment switch is located.

Bottom line, if you don't have the OBC and would like to get it, it's a pretty easy job (at least if you have the Xenon, or A/C, because the Temp sensor and wires are already there!).

BMW Brossard rules! (And BMW Canbec sucks!)

 

BTW, here's the How-To I used!

http://www.mini2.com/pdf/onboard_computer.pdf

 

I have an '05 MCC w/o the OBC. I do have the Outside Temp/Digital Speedo button on the light/turn stalk. Can the OBC be enabled, using this button? I don't know if the '03s have the same button there.
Just Wondering....

 

I was wondering the same thing.. I too have an 2005 model and the stalk button wonder if we just ask the dealer to enable the OBC? Maybe they will do it for free ??

Someone at the sealer/service level have any answers ??

 

anyone ??

 

I think you would need to connect the wire from your switch to on of the plugs behing the speedometer...



Anyone knows?

 

mini offers a retrofit kit, but i'm not too sure of the contents..

 

not sure if this will link directly, but you can probably get the retrofit kit for less than the $200 you'd have paid originally if you can do the labor. no idea about the install instructions though.. maybe someone would be able to get 'em

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...08&hg=62&fg=95

 

DarkMiniCooperS,

Do i need to get the retrofit OBC or should I just go to the dealer and get it programmed. I have the Speedo and outside temp. display.. Does it mean I have the OBC?

 

You need to have a switch install... I got the switch installed at a local shop. The switch need a power source and the other wire goes behind the speedometer, on the passenger-side switch. (see this great how-to!)

Then, a BMW/MINI dealer has to active the OBC function in the ECU... It takes 2 minutes, and chances are that your advisor won't charge you...

It is really that easy and it works really good... Hold the little switch to reset the datas... And it's a 165$can saving over the MINI factory option.

Btw, I got the OBC only to get the "Range in KM to empty tank" display. It's always to that option when I drive.

 

I have the toggle button... so, why do i need another switch again? Can I use the existance button to toggle the OBC...?
Another problem is that my dealer is not sure about the activation of the OBC, they only know that I can retrofit it.

 

About the button you are talking about, I don't have it since it was introduced on 2004 MINI... So I don't know if it would work by just activating the OBC feature at your MINI dealer, or you would have to get a wire behind the speedometer...


Your dealer should know about activating the OBC feature... It is as easy as turning other programmable options such as day running lights, auto-lock at 20km/h, ... I saw the guy do my car, and it was a clear menu, with all the programmable options available on a MINI, and there was the "on-board computer" option in the menu... Your dealer should know

 

I guess someone just needs to as next time the MC goes into the shop..

I really wonder if it's that easy, just turn it on thru the on board computer...

The data is all there if you go in thru the menus anyway..

 

The next one going to the dealer, please ask . We'll be waiting!

 

I remember reading about this"ECU hidden OBC" somewhere, but I can't find it anywhere. Was it mini2.com? or here? Can anyone help me out?

 

Ask and you shall receive :

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f..._obc_functions

 

Anyone do this on an 05 yet?

 

I thought the 05 models are all fitted with the OBC...

 

Well I know I already have the LCD to do it, but MINI still wants to charge 200 for a turn signal indicator and 3 ft of wire. I asked if anybody did this because I want to do it but I can't get the hidden OBC to show up after starting the car only up til the alt. position, so I just wanted to make sure when I do this it will work.

 

i am still confused. so can I or can I not use the existing toggle switch on my 06 MC. I would like to do this mod, but do not wish to install a new switch.
Any help will be appreciated.

 

I am going up to the dealership next week and will ask.

 

i have an 06 w/o the obc and i have the button on the stalk.....i agree with all the other guys, can wee just udate the ecu???

when i baught my mini the OBC was one of the things i really wanted...but mine did not come with it. so i asked them and they said it was a "plant option" and that they couldn't add it on. i don't think they knew what they were talking about because it can be added after maret as we see here. and it was late and they were just trying to get me to leave.

 

Any Update?

 

My dealer said, uh we do not know how to do it..

 

Any one else find out about this? I'm hoping to be able to have it done to mine, with just a software update.