Hi guys, I need your advice.

Can you tell me what will happen if I disconnect the battery from my R53 Cooper S, without using any "memory saving" method?

Will I mess up the ECU or other major settings ?

I have to replace the battery but I'm really concerned about this computer stuff... Should I simply replace it, or should I try to keep it "alive" while doing it?

Thanks a lot!

 

you can simply replace it

I forget if the radio asks for the security code but it won't mess up the ECU

some say it will help it if you leave things disconnected for an hour or so. Search ECU reset. The MINI's computer is supposed to learn your driving style and adjust accordingly. If you buy a used car you might want to 'clear the memory'.

 

Short term...like changing a battery you are fine.
Longer term...like winter storage, the antitheft engine imoblizer can have issues...after a few weeks/months.....
Pre2005 cars may have the radio ask for an code....usually written in the owner manual...

 

So I understand that "clearing the memory" isn't such a bad thing, but there are some other drawbacks.

Normally I would have it replaced by the dealer, but I'm stuck in snow. In fact, we all are over here

Thank you for your support. I'll be reading more about the ECU.

 

Other than the fact that the ECU won't work at all while the battery is disconnected
(and neither will anything else), no big problems.
You will have to reset your clock and you'll lose your trip odometer setting (will revert
to zero), but nothing else of import from disconnecting to change the battery.

You don't have to do a re-adapt the throttle body or auto transmission shift points
like you have to do with some VWs.

 

Well, I did it.
I simply swapped the battery and everything worked fine, even the radio setting where still there.

Thanks again.