I recently bought a Stage 1 kit, when it was ordered I noticed that you have to pick from one of 2 options, either 2006-06/2008 or 07/2008 and later.

Since the exhaust and CAI can't have changed, I'm wondering what changed in the R56 after July 2008 that would require a different ECU tune?

 

They kinda de-tuned the R56's after 2007, all within the ECU ... that might explain it. Something about the actual numbers of the '07 MCS being higher than advertised spec, and BMW feeling it was too close to the JCW.

I actually felt the difference when I stepped into my new '10 from the '07 I traded for it ... nowhere near the torque steer of the '07 when I punch it in 1st and 2nd gear. Rather disappointing to find out after the fact. Really almost makes me wish I hadn't traded. 'Cos now I HAVE to drain my wallet for performance goodies.

 

Ed,

That's very helpful. Thanks

I hope with my Stage 1 tune the torque and performance is just as good as with a pre-07/08.

 

Hmmm, so does that mean if we got a 2007 ECU map and applied to our later spec cars we would get a improvement? Wonder what Mini would think of this as it would be there tune?

 

If there were a way to get your hands on one and load it up, I believe that would be the case. I can't imagine that it would void the warranty. But ... There are folks on this board with 07's who've taken a trip to the dealer for regular servicing and unknowingly had their ECU's reflashed with the newer map, and go home with a bit less in the pedal than they left with. At least one specifically told the dealer not to touch the ECU. I don't recall the exact thread, but there's a fairly recent one with a few such cases posted.

Ah, here it is: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-my-mini.html, starting around the 10th post. It's mentioned in a few other threads as well.

 

Soooooo, am I reading that right?????? The dealer detuned an '07 MC to a '09 tune???? For what purpose would they do that? If specs were stock? That makes no sense....

Interesting indeed.....

A~

 

They felt the S was too close to the JCW.

 

So with the Stage 1 tune does it in fact bring all Stage 1 tuned cars to a level somewhere between the S and the JCW?

 

That would explain the difference in feel between my 08 Clubman S and the 07 MCS I had. The Clubman has a more refined feel and lacks the torque steer issue. One of these days I'll add the Stage 1 and find out what the difference feels like.

 

Wished I knew more about the electronics in these or any cars for that matter. How is the tune transferred? Like what equipment is needed? It can't be that hard.
I was thinking of getting a Bavarian Technic OBD2 thingy but I don't think that will do it.
Better start searching in the Eng Mods forum me thinks.

 

Here's a bit of info on how RMW (Revolution Mini Works) is doing it.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...next-week.html

It's a long thread, but buried deep in its bowels is the answer to those questions.

 

Man you ain't kidding it's a long post. 22 pages and mostly a flame war. But the device being promised looks like what I'd be after - if it comes to fruition.
Thanks for the pointer.