Hi all! Thought I'd run this through everyone... for those DIYers who are running on stock tunes, how do you get your ECU updated? I am doing my own oil changes & entry level maintenance on an early R56S and visits to my local dealership has decreased if not very close to none. I am only under the impression that ECU's get a periodic updates just like anything else and I feel that most of DIYers might me missing out on this system enhancement. Now it will be a different story for those who are running their own tunes and should be left untouched unless their vendor does their own updates for deployment.

Has anyone raised the same curiosity?

Thanks,

Joey

 

I got the updates done by an independent shop that did some work that I didn't want to tackle on my own. There were a lot of updates due since it had been so long since it had been back to the dealer.

 

Oh cool! I will check out some indy's around me (if there's any - I live in a small market) to see if they can help me when the time comes. Did not even know that indy's can do that. Very cool to know and thank you.

 

I have received ECU updates twice, one when the timing chain components were replaced and again after my valves were walnut blasted by the dealer. Oh I forgot about the complete reprogramming do to my footwell module being replaced.

 

Is there any way of knowing if my car is up to date on software updates?

 

yes, stop by a dealer and have then read your key ... their system will show outstanding SB and updates

my dealer does this for free as they don't need to touch the car

 

Wait a Minute! Updates? What the hell needs to be updated?
My Audi never needed updated? Lucy! You have some Esplaining to do!!

 

My closest dealer is 400 miles away and I get over there about every 2 years. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I don't know for sure, but you might want to check with Helix if they are closer than your dealer. I would guess they are capable of performing the updates as they have a great reputation for working on MINIs.

 

There are several computer systems in the MINI. Like any computer system, occasionally updates are needed to either fix bugs or add new features.

Most explicit for me was when the ability to display which tire was throwing a TPMS error was added to mine a few years ago. Prior to that, the system just alerted me to an error but was not specific.

 

On the TPMS update on which wheel is at fault, I did get that last winter when I parked the car in frigid temperature (below 0'F) overnight. I wonder on if you remember when your last update was deployed…

I will inquire for a walnut blasting at Helix and possibly scheduling an appointment once my schedule clears up and will inquire also about the ECU update if necessary.

Thanks!

 

I believe the Audi consistently updated itself if I'm not mistaken!

 

A quick Google search leads me to believe Audi is just like every other manufacturer in that software updates to various systems will be applied if a customer brings their vehicle in for service/repair. Since these typically involve reflashing the ECU, I'm not sure how a vehicle could do it on its own.

 

I'd like to think the newer models can support the wireless updates since the majority are equipped with streaming capabilities and real time nav traffic features. How I wish our MINI's can do that for DIYers.

 

Yeah, I was thinking about the fact that smartphone manufacturers can push out OTA updates for their devices, so connected vehicles should be able to do the same thing.

That said, I wonder what kind of liability issues it might create if they tried to auto-update, or even update once an owner approved it, since some of the systems impacted are basic safety systems. Considering how often they bomb when done manually (at least for MINI), I can't imagine they would want to field the calls from people whose cars are bricked after an update failed.

 

I would rather have Mini do it incase something does go wrong it's Mini's fault.

 

I just checked with Helix and they can do ECU updates! I will get them to do it when I get the walnut blasting done. On a quick side note, the car runs great right now since I have been using Techron gas additive every 1k miles and pumping Shell gas for the last 5k miles. Hope that getting the valves cleaned will improve gas mileage. Currently at 36.XX mpg's, not complaining at all.

 

Oh yea! Need to call my SA for it. Had Helix in mind a minute ago as another option and for convenience. Thanks!

 

Joey, where is this Helix place? I'm about an hour northwest of you.

 

Helix is in the outskirts of Philly. Not far at all.. I have been communicating with Eric Savage via email. the address is:

CONTACT US
Feel Free to use the form to contact us by email, or call us at 267 335 4337.

You can also visit our headquarters at:



Helix Motorsports

4648 Umbria Street

Philadelphia, PA 19127