Hi

I have a new JCW with the N18 engine.

The dealer changed the idle rpm a bit to try and fix another issue (which wasn't a big deal - fluctuating rpm)

I have asked they put it back to where it was, but they don't know what the original setting was. They have suggested they reset the whole thing.

Is this OK? Or is it set more specifically at the factory and I shouldn't let them fiddle with it more?

Thanks

 

A dealer does not know this. Time for a new dealer.

 

Maybe.....

Having said that any issue with resetting / reloading the software?

 

There should be no issues. If any issues come up at least it is the dealers problem.

 

no not maybe, certainly. this is basic 101 knowledge that a dealer should have, or at least have easy access to. if they don't even know that, and/or can't be bothered to actually find out, they should not be touching a car.

not to mention if there's an idle issue that comes in, the way to fix it is NOT simply raising the idle. these techs sound like untrained lazy hacks.

 

I aquired my last mini (Clubman) used. at the first service they had to reset the ECU. Idont know the cost because it was under warranty...but it takes a few hours. That being said...if you are paying to do it it will probably be pricey. It should take you back to the factory default. I didnt see a big difference in performance or gas mileage after so I cant speak on the benifits of it..

 

All they're doing is reflashing. After every flash the ECU goes into learning and adaptation mode for the first hundred miles or so(depending on the automaker). There's different parameters that are learned, some are short term and some are long term. In most cars, unplugging the battery for a few seconds and plugging it back in resets short and long term parameters(same thing as resetting a check engine light, it clears learned codes AND also learned long term fuel trims), and for some vehicles, the cam advance duty cycles and the timing advance multiplier until the ECU feels comfy and snuggly with the way the engine's running then it will ramp up to what the map calls for.

Not sure what the MINI has in terms of DME learning but for a dealer to flash, it isn't that big of a deal, it is time consuming since it's 128 encryption, I'd say an hour MAX for this process of reflashing. Resetting however takes seconds. They're probably reflashing you with a different map, in order to do so, the maps they have available to them are linked to your VIN number.....that's the only way to get a dealer to flash a JCW tune....it's a controlled process.