It's kind of like the chicken and the egg...

I can tell you when I have investigated this in the garage, I will first hear the flap close and then the red light on the remote will illuminate. Now, is this the module first telling the flap to close or the remote? Tough to say. Like others have said, no body seems to know know the true logic of the system.

 

Obviously mini/BMW should address this issue as this is an expensive upgrade. We could have opted for other aftermarket exhausts if the bluetooth feature is not dependable!

 

I don't understand why some work flawlessly, mine included, and some have nothing but problems. I've had mine since January. You'd think that Mini would be able to determine if it is caused by a bad lot from the manufacturer or bad installation practice. I ask this because both KYDan and I had ours installed within a month or so of each other using an independent BMW/MINI certified technician for procurement and installation.

 

Somehow I get the impression using Bluetooth to operate this thing was not a good idea. Just curious: is it possible to have the dealer make it so it's open all the time and don't use the BT feature at all?

 

It's actually very easy to disable the system so the flap remains open just by unplugging one connector. It's just a shame to have to do that when one of the main selling points was a controllable valve. If I wanted the valve open full time, I would have purchased the AWE track exhaust and saved a ton of weight and even more $$.

 

Yes, mine was/is functioning just fine and I use it a lot. I have put 6,000 + miles on it since Chris installed it and opened and closed it repeatedly without any issues. It is still using the original battery. I carry a spare with me just in case. What does your dealer/installer have to say about it? I don't know how many mini or authorized BMW service agents have installed, but my guess is quite a few. It would be interesting to know how many have been sold and how many have issues and why. The drone is really noticeable in ECO mode. I use it on boring roads as it saves a lot of fuel. Around town it is always in sport, but with the valve closed, in twisties I open it and love the power increase and sound!!

 

Have had mine for a little over two months and couldn't live without it (I actually could, but wouldn't be nearly so happy). Zero problems and I open the flap 3-5 times a day. Wife isn't crazy about the burble. Otherwise would figure out a way to keep it open all the time, including removal of the flap.

 

Exactly! If I ever replace my stock JCW exhaust I will likely go with an AWE setup.....seems like a no brainer to me. No worries about one side of the exhaust being off color either! For as much money as the MINI flap operated system costs it should work stellar 100%!

 

Which connector?

 

http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/05/06/how-to-set-the-f56-jcw-tuning-kit-to-permanent-track-mode/

 

Hey guys I have the JCW tuning kit and since 3 days ago the muffler flap keeps closing and closing after just 5 minutes of use. I am thinking that maybe the battery on the remote needs to be replaced.

What can of battery does the remote use? and the remote has a blink red light while on race mode, does that means is on race mode or that the battery is just about to die?

 

I assume you mean sport mode. The red light blinks while the FOB is on and the valve is open. The battery is in the bottom of the FOB. I think it is a CR2032 (Round battery like watches use, etc.) If you switch to mid mode the FOB will turn itself off. It only stays on it sport and ECO modes. I think it is supposed to be more fuel efficient in ECO mode with the flap open. However, there is a noticeable drone when in ECO mode that I find annoying.

 

Yeah I meant to say sport mode, I always drive in Sport mode and sport + ( shifter on sport +) and for some reason the flap has been closing and closing for the last 3 days non stopping :(

 

Had a Magna Flow on last mini and really loved it. Went with JCW tune this time to make sure I didn't void warranty.

 

It appears your FOB, or the valve receiver is not working properly. Whomever installed it should be able to correct this issue.

 

Yeah :( thats what I am thinking :( but I just hate to leave my car at the dealer :(


I think I will just unplug the flap and leave it open all the time

 

Welcome to the ever growing club of people with defective MINI exhausts. I am waiting for someone to start a Class Action Lawsuit against MINI USA.

BTW - Don't take any **** from your dealer. My experience is they are not interested in taking the problem seriously. It is an inconvenience to them having to listen to us whine. Given the shear number of cases, you would think MINI USA would have gotten involved, right?

 

Oh well, I just went outside and unplugged the flap connector lol now is fully open once I get new batteries for the remote I will try and if the issue keeps happening I will just leave it open or go to the dealer and bring hell over them lol

 

Replaced battery and issue persisted :(

Question, if I run the flap open 24/7 by unplugging the cable, that doesn't do any harm to the car right?

Thanks

 

Wouldn't have the option if it did.... Although I am sure MINI will try and use it as a warranty disclaimer. And yes, I am bitter.

 

Yes, and the dealerships are making a lot of money from them, they should be on top of this for their own financial interests.

 

I certainly hope it does''t do any harm. My remote works perfectly. I use it to open the flap every time I start the car.

 

I don't know of any tests regarding the open exhaust on the F56 series, but I imagine that BMW did testing on this with the B48 series engine with other BMWs. There are most likely some tests results floating around somewhere in cyberspace.

 

Does anyone know if there is a fuse that is tied to the solenoid/motor that operates the valve?

If there is you can just unplug the fuse (Camaro's and Corvettes have a similar exhaust). The other thing that people have done is actually build a kit that you can install that basically "inserts and removes" the fuse in the fuse box. On the GM's when power is applied the valve is normally closed except for when the computer tells it to open (typically at idle and above 3000 rpm). If you remove the fuse, the valve stays open all the time. If you could apply this same logic to the MINI, you could throw away the bluetooth remote. This is assuming of course that when you remove the fuse, the valve defaults to open. If it defaults to closed, then this is a moot point.

Here is a link to a DIY on the corvette forum on how to do this. http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...ob-how-to.html

 

This assumes you want the drone on all the time. I have both the C7 and the MINI and when traveling distances in ECO mode the drone in both is very annoying for me. If you want a constant on system a better option would be to order the mini with the stock exhaust and switch to one of the aftermarket exhaust options.