Hi fellow MINI Motorers,

My first complementary oil & filter change is scheduled for next Monday (I'm at exactly 9,000 miles, the computer says I'm due for first oil change in 500 more miles.) I live 130 miles roundtrip from the dealer, and of course need my car to get to work. So they said since I bought the car there, they will have a loaner MINI ready for me when I arrive at 8:00 AM...which I will return by 7:00 PM (they close at 7:30) that same night to pick up my MINI. Sounds easy...let's see how smooth it all goes next Monday. The Service Advisor even said they would take care of any other issues I have noticed since I haven't been back to the dealer since I bought the car in May, 2003. I'm going to have them look at where the heat shield is rubbing against the power steering pump hoses, as well as have them fix some loose moulding. Other than that I have no other issues to report...except for "near-stalling" and rough idle (intermittently) at stoplights during the hot summer months with the A/C on. Car has never completed stalled out, but it is disconcerting when it does seem like it's going to do so.

I don't know what 'version' my MINI CVT has...they never told me when I picked it up in May 2003. But I want to have them install the latest version...what is it, v. 36??

How do I ask for this, so they'll know exactly what I'm talking about? I've heard people call it "updating the ECU" and some call it "reprogramming the DME"??

Does that take long, reprogramming or updating the software? How does it work...do they simply attach a laptop to the car and press a few buttons?

Thanks a lot.

I'll let you know how the first service goes when I return next week.

Rock On,

-MB

 

The latest version is v36. Do you have stumbling problems on your CVT?
If yes, do it. If not, I would just leave it as is unless you really want to do the
reflash.

Someone else care to explain the reflash process of the MC? Ive done
reflashes on my other car (which consists of pulling out the ECU and hooking
it up to a computer and just burn new ROM into the memory) which takes
about 30-45min max. im pretty sure its the same for the Mini's.

 

kenchan,

I don't have stumbling with my CVT... car drives fine. The only thing I can report is occassional "shaking"/low RPM rought idle at stop lights...it's infrequent, but it does happen, and when it does it SEEMS like it could stall, but never has...so far.

Thanks,

-MB

 

MB- since you have 'shaking', I would do the v36 reflash. :smile:

Just say: My car shakes and stutters sometimes at idle, so would like to
get my ECU reflashed to the latest v36 program.

Then you're probably all set.

 

MB,

Just had my 2003 MC 5 speed in last week for it's first service. I had the stuttering,almost dying thing(stumble I guess) My dealer called the upgrade a "software patch". I had it done & Louie has been running like a scared rabbit ever since. The entire service took about 1 1/2 hours. They gave me new wipers, changed the oil, upgraded the software, & replaced an electrical harness that was on recall. They also washed him(much salt here in the Midwest). Good luck

Lois