I've been using MTH for quite a while and just upgraded to the tuner version from the standard version. (I actually started way back before there was a tuner version...) Here are some observations:

1. Wow.
2. Wow again.

Ok, some actual useful observations:

1. No more flat-spot. I have an '04 MCS which used to have the occasional dreaded stumble and slight yo-yo. Both versions of MTH cured me, but with the standard file I still had a noticeable flat spot around 3000 RPMs. That's been cured with the tuner file.

2. Torque and more torque. The tuner file seems to have changed the torque curve so the car pulls much more strongly at lower revs. This has an interesting side effect: a quieter ride and higher mileage. I have an Alta Sportone exhaust (which I love) but it is a bit louder than stock. At high revs it was almost uncomfortable (I liked it, my passengers did not.) Now with the tuner map in normal highway driving, I'm shifting sooner and staying in a higher gear at normal merge speeds.

3. DSC mod. The standard file helped so you didn't feel stranded by DSC. The tuner version seems to be even more finely tuned so it kicks in for an even briefer period of time.

4. Service. If you are used to dealing with Volker (who is a great guy don't get me wrong) then you'll be pleasantly surprised dealing with Don. Turn around was quick (about a week compared to 3-6 weeks before) and he's very responsive to emails.

5. Software. If there's a weak point to MTH it's in the flashing. Actually, I don't think it's so much the cartune software as the nature of the connection. Before you try to flash, you definitely need a plan-B so that if you can't get a map (MTH or stock) reflashed, you can get your car to a dealer and come up with a good story to tell so they'll flash it and not charge you.

Here's my method (use at own risk):
a. Assuming you're using a laptop with Windows XP, don't try to run it on your battery, keep it plugged in.
b. Right-click on your desktop, select properties. Turn off your screen saver. Select Power. Make sure the power-saving settings for "plugged in" are "never." This keeps max power all of the time.
c. Look down in your system tray at the lower right (you may have to expand to see hidden icons.) Exit or disable your wireless internet connection, virus protection, internet protection, any communications applications like Palm hotsync, etc.
d. Make sure no other applications are running and launch Cartune and follow the instructions that came with your purchase.
e. Move the mouse occasionally but don't click the mouse button. (This is an optional OCD step....)
f. If the load fails, be patient. Turn your key off. Check all of your connections. Quit the application and start the load over. Try to reload your stock file and get the car to start, then retry the MTH file. It may not make a difference, but you'll have piece of mind knowing your car can start.
g. If you are still having problems getting it to load, take a look at what processes are running on your laptop and end them. Control+Alt+Delete/task manager/processes tab. Look for Itunes, gnotify, ipod, messenger, blackberry -- anything that may be polling a port and interfering with the steady communication between your laptop an the ECU.

Bottom line: For a car that already has intake, pulley, sway-bar, and exhaust, I think it's money well spent.

YOU SOLD ME!!!!

Thanks for the info, I feel a bit more secure going this route with software

Definetly worth it my friend and Don is a great guy that will take care of you.

Certainly constructive and valuable information for all Mini drivers - Good stuff!

2 points I would like to add:
- The down-/upload process must be started within 2 minutes of the ignition being switched on.
- Once the cartune software has successfully made contact/identification with the ECU, essentially there is nothing to stand in the way of the DME data being uploaded; If one does not first succeed, don't panick - try try again.

Good info! Thanks. I think where was also the recommendation to disable daytime running lights if you have it enabled (because of the potential drain on the battery I suppose.) I've had it enabled since I picked up the car and have never had a problem with it. Maybe if you had a weak battery it might be a concern. I suppose you could always hook it up to charger while you did it. I think that's actually required for other flash processes like the Shark Injector, no?

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

Can you post the website you bought yours from please?

This URL is the one started with, may not be what you are asking for but i bought both the stage 1 which includes the Header. just mounted it today and sounds Wounderful....

http://www.precision-mini.com/MiniTuning.html


Kev

Yup that's the one: http://www.precision-mini.com/MiniTuning.html

gnhovis,

I was wondering if you had an email address for Don at MTH? My MTH agent in Houston has gotten very little response from his contact at MTH(Darren) & I've been waiting 2 1/2 months!!

I'm about ready to look for another option to do ECU tuning.

Thanks,
dannys

Don Hollingshead mthpower@precision-mini.com

Oh, I misunderstood. It looks like Don is an agent in the US for MTH, not an MTH employee that actually creates the tuner files. I've already got an agent/distributor.

Thanks anyway.
dannys

Don is the main US distributer.

I'm also curious, who is moderating this forum now? Is that updated in the FAQ or did I just miss it?

"MTH-USA" in no way affiliated with the original German company MTH (Motorentechnik Hoelzl). Meaning: "MTH-USA" is a company who themselves reserved the mth-powerchip.com and mth-usa.com domains, and "adopted" the MTH logo/appearance. "MTH-USA" is a company dealing in MTH software; but is neither a MTH subsidiary or branch,

MTH-USA offers NO service. Buyer beware!

Don is absolutly correct in his comments about MTH-USA. If you choose to go with MTH, Don would be the guy to buy it through. He has helped some of us that purchased through the mth-usa site.

I am. And I will update the FAQ shortly. All the info is on the Precision web site.

I went ahead & used Don to get my tuning file, but I can't get him to answer my question about how to get the CarTune software. I've emailed him a number of times over the past few weeks & filled out the form at his website asking this question, but no answer. Can anyone else tell me how to get the software?

I think you have to buy first then Don will email the CarTune software to you. Hope this help

Yep, once you e-mail Don and send him your payment, he will send you the software or if you buy a cable you will also get the software. There have been issues with E-mail over the last few days on a global scale but I have been in contact with him just today as I am buying a pulley from him.

I have emailed you the software. Here is where I begin to get confused: Why don't you just call if there seems to be a problem?
Office: 732-748-1964
Mobile: 732-259-5941

Very good to know this, thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Sorry I didn't see the phone number when I clicked on "Contact Us" on your website.