My car sat for few months and now the windows and signal lights are not working. I read that the FMV module may have lost its memory and needs to be reprogrammed. The part has a 10 yr warranty but since I purchased in JAN 2010, i assume thats its expired. (can someone please confirm?). I checked for water leaks and I didnt see any issues, i am assuming the part is still good.
Should i take it to the dealer to get a quote? should i mail it out to get programmed (i saw some services on ebay). has anyone done their own programming or mailed out to a service? please give me any information you have on this. Thank you in advance. Car has around 40 k miles, its a 2010 cooper base, manual.

 

It is common for the FRM to fail. think of it as the blue screen of death for PC...

check with your dealer to see if it still covered or not. if not, I can do the reprogramming service.

 

That's exactly what I'm going through! It sounds like your footwell module (aka FRM) has failed.
Seems us low mileage drivers get screwed as stuff tends to fail after warranty. Mine failed in August at 41,000 miles, with an in-service date of February 2010. If you haven't yet, file a safety complaint on NHTSA. Theoretically many reports will trigger a recall. I found about 40 listed, though the problem is obviously more widespread. If a recall is finally issued, you should get reimbursed for the cost of repair. I would also report it to your state's atty general's office as this part is known to be faulty and pretty much expected to fail.

Here is the link to file on NHTSA. I didn't know mine failed until I almost got rear-ended due to no break lights or turn signals. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

 

Thank you so much for responding. I will definitely post a complaint, and I did not know that the brake lights were not working, I ve been driving around in it so that my new battery doesn't die. have you looked into restoring services? i m read that if the module is not damaged , then no programming if required , they can restore what is already there.

 

Thank you so much responding. I called MINI and the warranty has expired. they will not give me a quote., they need to see the device before they can give me a price. i have not gone back to them since the 2nd yr of ownership. does the programing / restore work? can it damage the module? how much does the service cost? thank you in advance.

 

I'd be curious to know more about your reprogramming service. Mine's sitting at the dealership. MINIUSA would only offer 20% towards the FRM repair. Which is essentially the same discount I already had...

How common is this with these cars? I also have a 2010 hardtop

 

MINIUSA did offer me a 20% discount. But then it's considered a warranty repair and they charge an extra half hour for labor. I could already get the part at 20% off by ordering online.
Total they quoted is $760 + tax just for the FRM.

This is a known issue so I really feel MINIUSA should cover it at no cost. I also notified my state's consumer protection division of the attorney general's office as to what is going on.

I haven't fixed it yet. There are other issues too right now and others that likely will come given what I've been reading.

 

if it is FRM3, it will restore the module back to what it was making it operational. The restoration is a software base so as long as I can communicate with the chip, I can restore it. I also have mini cooper where I can test/verify operation of the module before sending it back. Cost is just $125 that also includes shipping back to you.

 

I wouldn't say it's uncommon, but it is definitely happening. I've disconnected and reconnected my battery a dozen times and no time it went blank. On the other hand, it is not the end road for the module when this happens. It can be saved.

 

Hi all,
as previously explained I got big problems related to fried footwell ( FRM ll )
History: Battery empty at dealers park, dealer tried several times to start it with jumper , finally installed a battery from toyota corolla, engine started and everything was working fine, and I bought the car......
The nightmare begun second day, brake lights stayed ON..... third day break and rear lights ON over night...... day 4 battery empty..... day 5 windows won't work normally etc, door locks ON/OFF by itself, NO ignition anymore,etc.....a big mess...... impossible to start the engine
I sent the footwell to Bimmerscan California, who said module is fried, impossible to recover data, needs to be replaced.....
Following Minitobe advices I bought a replacement with exactly the same serial at Jim's salvage in Sebring FL...... installed it...... and EVERYTHING WORKS FINE !!!!!!!!!!.........almost everything ,except two little details ( 2 at this time maybe I will discover more by using the car)

1) Turn lights won't turn OFF automatically after I complet the turn, I have to turn it OFF by pushing the lever up or down
2) windows work fine, but sometimes it goes down for an half inch when I open the door but won't go up to the seal rubber when I close the door, sometimes it doesn't go down at all when I open the door ( I mean for the half inch gap)
What to do? I understand the module probably needs to be programmed to match the car VIN, but BMW is too far a way..... and too expensive......and too complicated (appointment, bla, bla) and although I am ready to buy a K+Dcan cable with NCS expert software, I am not sure to be able to code it by myself......whatever is related to computer language is chineese for me

is it easy to use? ..... is there a risk I mess up something else? ......do I need something else than K+Dcan cable and NCS expert?

Many thanks to whom can help me.

 

All- I Ended up using an EBAY Service and it worked out well, and only cost me $50. I was skeptical but i figured if it didnt work out, then I ll have to go to the dealer and pay 1400$. I used a service out of Virginia, had 100% positive feedback, I can provide details if anyone need it. from what I understand, they restore what;s already there, not program. It was fixed and shipped back to me within the week. the module is only 10 Oz. so you can ship 1st class as well if you are not in a rush. This group has been very helpful, and i hoping to learn more so i can stay away from the dealer. thank you ALL.

 

Damn, my FRM went out and i had to shell out 7 bills at a Indy shop. Thanks for the info!