Has anyone heard that the 2011's are not able to be "Tuned"? I was told by a guy I know at the MINI shop that the computer is somehow Locked and can't be tuned by the RMW or ALTA tune computers? Beuller? Beuller? Anyone?

 

All I do know is that the 2011's can't run the same tune file as a 07-10 Cooper s because the engines are slightly different. Whether or not re computers are locked or not, I have no idea. 2011 JCW's have the same exact motor as the previous JCW's so they can run the same tune files, but whether or not they're locked, again, I have no idea.

 

They have not been tuned as far as I know YET. But that doesn't mean it won't be done. give someone enough time and dedication and it'll be done. But yes ALTA's new tuner does not support the 2011's yet.

 

We haven't tuned a 2011 yet, but we will try as soon as someone brings us one. Typically our software can be a month or 2 behind a new model. So if it's not possible, eventually it will be.

 

its available in europe, several tuners offer a remap

 

It will happen. Look at how long it took for R56 tunes to come out.

 

Tunes are indeed available in Europe, but they require taking out the car's computer, opening it, soldering wires onto it, then apply the tune and put it back in. Not something that can be done by just anyone. I believe the 2011's have some kind of new security / encryption so people can't tamper with the ECU like they used to. Somehow I doubt the AccessPort will ever be able to do this.

 

Hey Spollie, You are the first person to provide info that jives with what I heard. I guess from what you are saying is that any "tune" would be easily detectable to the Dealer's computer... and void any chance of a warranty.

Like I said but maybe not clearly, I heard the 2011 MINI's computer has some form of lock that prevents the undetectable uploading of different "tunes" I didn't mean that it couldn't be done, but it couldn't be done like it is for the 07-10, you know... just a flash that's reversible!

 

I do not believe you are right with this. For example we have a really good mini tuner over here in The Netherlands, called Beek Tuning. They can just remap the 2011 the way they do 2010 models. It is a custom made tune.

here you can see some results (this is the countryman Sl, not WHP):
http://www.minispeed.nl/newsdocs/392.pdf

 

I know it can be done with the 2011's, it's just a lot more difficult than before. It's not a matter of just hooking up an AccessPort or similar device and uploading a remap. The whole friggin computer needs to be taken out of the car and connected to a PC using a complicated interface. Then you can upload the remap from the PC to the car's computer. Trust me, I've seen a mechanic do this to my car and it's not something I could (or would) do by myself.

 

I know, my 2010 was tuned by them and they actually had to take out the car's computer because of the upgraded security. In Europe, the 2010's already got the new engine (with the better security), while in the US they didn't get the new engine until the 2011 facelift.

 

There will always be a break / better procedure.

The market has to demand it though. Also manufactuerers probably aren't happy with possible warranty claims that are a result of these custom tunes.

I'm sure there will be a way, you just got to be patient.

 

I have the tools to do it...........it has to be opened up, read off the chip using a special tool, mapped then put back on the chip..........

Not fun to do........that's for sure

 

Didnt know that

What kind of gains do you expect?

 

at least what the older versions get
I would need to do one local first to get the proper calibrations

 

As usual Jan is the first one to have the tools and know how to take our minis to the next level.

I recommend RMW highly

 

Sounds like they're using the new Bosch ECU that has encryption. If that is the case, then so much for plug-in tunes. My Benz has that and dyno tuning was a pain as we had to do a pull, disconnect ECU, take it into the office, put it on the bench, hook it up to this obnoxious interface thing that put pins on the chip directly. What this process does, however, is it bypasses the interface and writes the file directly onto the flash mem. Ugly, for sure. But works.

 

I just received my car so I am not aware of everything yet. But I believe you use the Alta AP to tune the R56. Is there any advantage using the AP to tune the car compared to what my tuner can do over here with his tuning software?

 

I use the AP and Dimsport

 

The JCW did not get the new motor.Itr is still running the same as 2010. Hopefully it can still upgraded with a programmer. I need to get my car down to Chris at ALTA so them can copy my ECU to start there work. I will not be
able to do for a few weeks as I am traveling until then. I want a programmer for this JCW.

 

Just backing up a few details:

We ARE working to get the 2011 nailled down. But there are a few roadblocks that need handled and as such we are taking our time. Working with a client like Island_maser, the local dealer and others will allow us to have a succinct solution. No ETA yet, but with more 2011's trickling in, it shouldn't be too, too long.

We will get RMW (An authorized ALTA AccessPORT Tuner) the info he needs as soon as it is available.

Thanks again for the support!

Adam @ ALTA Performance

 

Thanks for the update.
Anxiously (and quietly) waiting.

David

 

So Adam from Alta, let me get what you are saying straight... What I was told is essentially correct. The 2011's have some new "features" incorporated into their ECU's that act as a kind of Lock. But you are saying that you are working on a way to get around this "Lock" as it were? Yes? No?

Either way the 2011 is not like the 07-10's, yes?

 

No I don't think a "lock" is the right classification. There are MANY changes between lots of the ECU's from 2007+ The 2011 is no different, just has a few additional changes.

Fingers crossed it can be resolved soon, but don't be surprised if it stretches into later 2011.

Thanks again!!!!