I was just told by my service dept that the most current version of the ECU software is version 33.1. It applies to all MINIs (not just CVT) and one of the things it's supposed to address is "hesitation" in first and second gears. I did confirm that this was for manual transmission cars and not just CVTs.

I know that there's been a thread on this before, but it refered to the software by the wrong name.

I'm getting the upgrade this morning, as I type, and will report back what if anything this does. Less hesitation would be nice...it got better when I upgraded from 31 to 32, but IMO there's still room for improvement.

BTW, I have an August 2002 build MCS. I would suppose (since this is bound to be asked) that more recent build cars would already have updated software. I will try to find out when this update was released.

 

I have an october build and would love to know if I have the upgraded software version. I'll look forward to what you find out?

 

What I was told by John Roberts MINI, was that since my MINI was a March '03 build I have the lastest update. He aslo told me this is the same version that MINI has been put in new cars since Nov '02. I still have the "hesitation" problem, although not all the time. I can't compare it to the old version becuase I never had the older verion.

Marc at JR MINI, told me that MINI is still working on this issue and would release a new version when they find a fix.

 

Well, here's what I can say after the 30 miles or so back from the dealer (with 3 stops along the way, so several on/off cycles)... There does seem to be a slightly smoother throttle response in first gear. In trying to compare this to how the car was when it was brand new, to how it was when I got the 32 upgrade, to now (33.1), I'd say that the feeling has increasingly become more like a conventional accelerator and less "drive by wire." By this, I mean that there's a more instantaneous response. Still, this is very subtle.

Another thing I'll be interested in observing is whether the upgrade has any impact on gas mileage. Theoretically, this is possible.

I unfortunately don't have any "hard" info on what the upgrade is supposed to do nor exactly when it was released. Service was busy when I left and I didn't want to wait around to talk to the actual mechanic...and the service writer didn't exactly know.

I don't see any DISadvantage of simply asking for this upgrade the next time you're in service. It only takes a couple of minutes to actually do (apparently), and there are no negative impacts on programmable options, radio presets, etc. My dealer is excellent and accomodating, so they've never given me a hard time or tried to charge me when I ask for something like this. I suppose I could imagine some of the crappy dealers refusing to do it by request....but that shouldn't be. Further, it's very easy for the mechanic (once the car is hooked up the diagnostic computer) to TELL what version you're running; so the "do I have this already" question is easy to answer when at service as well.

 

WARNING!!!

DO NOT UPDATE TO 33.1!!! It has a known flaw which causes rather horrible cold start by no allowing enough air/fuel to properly combust. I had DRASTIC HORRIBLE problems with 33.1. My dealer, Rasmussen MINI, said they had many people reporting this. They then used me as a guinea pig and installed 33.2 per MINI USA hotline advice to dealer. The car now starts just fine again and I have no issues.

So please, spare youself the grief and DO NOT get 33.1 but rather 33.2. TRUST ME!!!!

R

 

My dealer does not have 32.2 yet. When was it released? Is is still a Beta release or a final release?

 

>>I have an october build and would love to know if I have the upgraded software version. I'll look forward to what you find out?


I have an Aug build (purchased in Oct) and started out on 31. I think Oct builds also had 31 point something. Mine is at the dealer today to check a coolant loss problem and am having them upgrade software to 32.2 while it's there. I will re-post to let you know if I notice any improvment.

 

orbhot! DON'T GET THE UPGRADE!! See what Davbert said above. If you are upgraded, you WILL get the "stumble" discussed in this thread and others.

I hope you're able to call and stop 'em before they flash it.

 

I think Davebret warned against upgrading to version 33.1 and suggested to go to version 33.2 instead.

Any CVT owners already on 33.2?????

 

MY "S" is in for the over heating (coolant tank) problem..and was going to ask them to look at the slow throttle repsonse off the start..if the sofware needs updating shouldn't they be usuing the latest one?

 

I'm going in for a software upgrade tomorrow, thanks for the heads-up

 

Got the upgrade today...and it feels like a whole new car! Thanks for the heads up, guys!

 

Wasn't there a way to check to see what version of the software you had? I swear i saw it somewhere before, but as usuall, I forgot..

Rocketboy_X

 

>>I was just told by my service dept that the most current version of the ECU software is version 33.1. It applies to all MINIs (not just CVT) and one of the things it's supposed to address is "hesitation" in first and second gears. I did confirm that this was for manual transmission cars and not just CVTs.

In my experience, the Pulley Mod helps tremendously with he hesitation in first and second gears.

Raven