I've got a question that I can't seem to find an answer here. I have a couple of the normal issues for a 2008 MCS (window dipper problem, cold start noises). Looking through the forums it seems like the window dipper problem needs a reprogram by the dealer to fix it (hopefully). In the future I'd like to put in cruise control consisting of adding the MFSW switches & a reprogram.
My question is twofold. If I bring my car to the dealer, would they be able to reprogram my MINI for the MFSW even though it wouldn't be installed for a while without causing problems or if I attempted the J2534 tool and minitechinfo reprogramming would the later software to fix the window be available from minitechinfo ? Sorry for the long post, but I am amazed by the help this site has provided on just my Kuda install, xm antenna and front/rear channel swap.

 

Note for you there are other items needed not just the MFSW for the Cruise Control to work. Also the dealer will not be able to program the car if the items are missing. The computer needs to see them to accept the programing.

Unfortunately the programing is not as far as I know available for use by people other than the dealers. If it was all of us would have it and not be telling people to head to the dealer for programing of certain item things like rear fog install and airbag faults etc.

 

From the info I have seen in other forums, it is very possible your 08 may already be 'programmed' for the MFSW and it may only require plugging in the switches. If you have a Mini produced after June or so I bet it is good to go.

Go to the interior modification forum and look for the JCW wheel thread. Make sure you order the correct MFSW switches (auto if you have paddles or manual, and the part depends on the month your car was made as they changed the look of the buttons). The RealOEM site is missing critical information for the steering wheel control part numbers.

 

Thanks! There is so much info and discussion about this topic...and I'm so easily confused . My build date is 12/2007 so I've got my fingers crossed. Soon as I come up with a way to buy the new switch (without the wife screaming "you're spending more money on the MINI !!???")..I'm going to order the 32306773645 MFSW switch and give it a shot. If the car isn't programmed, then I might try the J2534 tool and minitechinfo reprogramming thread. (oops that's MORE money isn't it??) .

 

Can't do it already asked you don't have the right harness.

 

This is from another thread on cruise control:

"It took many months of trying to get a dealer to help me with my MFSW (cruise control) install….it has now been working perfectly for 12 months. I heard everything from ‘It can’t be done’ to ‘You need the convenience package first’ to ‘It’s never been done’ ect. The dealer where I purchased my car (Irvine) was worthless and never any help. They quoted over $1000.00 in parts and service. Well….while I was in for my first service at another local dealer (Crevier) they programmed my car for the MFSW I had installed months prior. For anyone considering this mod, my car is a 2008 MCSa and was built in Dec of 2007. The only part/labor it needed was the MFSW (easily installed myself) and programming. I had picked up a used steering wheel several months before for $100.00, but you could purchase just the buttons and achieve the same result.

Good Luck

Hoopty "

 

Really more details in how it was done. I was told by 2 different dealerships it can't be done because of the wire harness. So just parts and a software update doesn't sound right.

 

Well for the "harness" it is matter of if your steering column switch assembly has the open socket. If it does you are good to go (to get the programming done). Please remove your airbag and look for the open slot as pictured in the next post!

If you don't have that connector you would need a new steering column switch assembly, that is a fairly pricey and involved change out. Either way it CAN be done!

 

Just went and popped off my airbag and took this picture. The connector on left is still hooked to the airbag, the right is the one for MFSW. I can only vouch for a Dec. 2007 build having the connector & wiring already installed.

 

Yeah, you have the connector for the MFSW...So all you need is the correct MFSW switches (they differ based on production date, and if you have paddles for the auto), the correct steering wheel to accept them, and the program. Usually you need the switches in first before the program will take. If it does take you will get an error message about cruise not working (as noted in another thread). The dealer should be able to do it no problem after the switches are in. Otherwise, the J2534 will be able to do it as referenced in another thread.

 

So let me just clarify so that I got it completely clear. I have said plug hole. I just have to purchase the buttons and go down to the stealership have them do a software update and I will have the MFSW? Cause if so post a link or this othe thread about this whole topic.

 

Yes! But it is not exactly a software update, it is more of a software change. It is called a retrofit in their software. So once the retrofit is activated in the software you will be good to go with the cruise control and stereo controls (phone and voice control if you have that).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...080-post6.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...541-post2.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...04-post21.html

And the do it yourself option:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...32-post24.html


If you have a manual you can get the switches for $95 on eBay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-S...Q5fAccessories

 

Well I will be getting this in a couple of weeks. Do you know if it will affect a tune or not? I don't think it will but, I don't want to get my car tuned if this is going to mess it up.

 

RealOEM shows the info below:

Which of the three switch part # are for the manual transmission?

Retrofit possible by replacing
multifunction steering wheel switch and
steering column switch cluster.
Code retrofit with Software Service
Station (SSS) via "Retrofit CIP" path.
Vehicles with standard steering wheel
must be converted to Sport steering
wheel.
Retrofit possible by replacing
multifunction steering wheel switch and
steering column switch cluster.

01Set, Mfunction switches, Sport str.wheel

32306773645 $176.56+core01Set, Mfunction switches, Sport str.wheel

32309190802 $176.56+core01Set, Mfunction switches, Sport str.wheel

32309200098 $182.73+core

 

32309200098 this is the one that seems to be flying around and the ebay link posted 2 posts above is for $95.

 

Yes -- but I am pretty sure that is the one for the automatic transmission (Real OEM describes this one) but the other two I do not know what is what.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...33&hg=32&fg=95

 

From all the other forums this part works for the manual also.

 

I would contact the tuning company about that. But anytime the car gets hooked up the BMW system (at the dealer or if you do it yourself), any and all of the computers onboard get updated to the latest version. There is no way to stop that. So I would wait if I were you, unless the tuner said it is safe.


RealOEM does not have the correct descriptions of the switches. You have to go on what others have done. For sure the one I posted worked for an 07 automatic deleting the paddle shifters (dealer ordered for a MANUAL transmission).

 

I have just done something similar and might be of some use. I have an auto with paddles but wanted to install the JCW wheel, but I couldn't because of the paddles. My solution was just remove the paddles and use the wheel and my current mfsw controls. The problem is that the paddle connectors are wired to the harness for the mfsw controls, so if you disconnect the paddles the mfsw buttons does not work.

To get it to work I had to order a set of the mfsw buttons meant for a car without paddles. 32309200098 is the part number I used. The other two numbers supercede to this newer number. You have to tell the parts guy if you want a harness for the paddles or not. It makes a difference.

So to the OP who wanted to add mfsw...as long as you have the connector for the controls, all you need is the mfsw buttons for your setup and a reflash from the dealer.

 

But the question will that part work for us stick shifters

 

Yeah, the part I got is for the manuals. Just make sure you specify it is for a manual tranny.

 

Going in tomorrow to have it programmed I installed them about 2hr ago it took like 20minutes

 

Yep not as easy as plug and reprogram need part #61313453999 can someone please help

 

Bummer! That part number comes back to a different steering column switch (for a car that does not have DSC or a rain sensor)

Did the dealer say it couldn't be programmed? Did you have a socket to plug the buttons into in the column switch? If not, I can see why you need a new part. Also that part number you show is for cars built through 8/2007, is your car older than that? I have read that early 07 cars are not ready for the MFSW.

If you do need to order the part, I have recently found parts.com is very good for prices, they have it for $383+ship.

 

I have an 11/07 build and the switches plugged in but when they went to program it they said that it needed the SZL module.