yesterday my MCS's service engine soon light, EML, and ASC light came on. When i put it in gear, it would only go about 10 MPH. I had to take it to the dealer on a AAA flat bed.It is at the dealer right now ( I am worried about what kind of shape it will be in when i get it back). They called today and said that it might possibly be a wire malfunction with the throttle or something like that. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. Has anyone else had this problem? it only has about 19000 miles and i have only had it a month (we bought it used). Thanks

 

>>
>>yesterday my MCS's service engine soon light, EML, and ASC light came on. When i put it in gear, it would only go about 10 MPH. I had to take it to the dealer on a AAA flat bed.It is at the dealer right now ( I am worried about what kind of shape it will be in when i get it back). They called today and said that it might possibly be a wire malfunction with the throttle or something like that. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. Has anyone else had this problem? it only has about 19000 miles and i have only had it a month (we bought it used). Thanks

Sorry to hear about your trouble!
I have read various posts about the car going into limp home mode, but haven't heard about any major issues on MCS's that were not fixed in a short time, so I'm sure you will be underway again soon. Keep us posted on what the problem was!
All the best!
Markus

 

Your car will need:

1) New engine wiring harness
2) Throttle control body module
3) Software update 33.2

If the dealer has the first 2 parts in the list, you'll be out the door in a day or so.

What's the mileage and build date of your MCS?

 

EVERY THING WILL BE FINE.

BMW/MINI WILL GET YOU MCS GOING AGAIN YOU WATCH.

 

Thanks for all of your help! I wondered if the softwware needed updating. I think it has about 19000 miles and i don't know the build date, but the guy who bought it new bought it in august 2002, thanks again!! :smile:

 

>>Thanks for all of your help! I wondered if the softwware needed updating. I think it has about 19000 miles and i don't know the build date, but the guy who bought it new bought it in august 2002, thanks again!! :smile:


You can check the build date of your MCS by locating the manufacturer's sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.


Or


You can call MINIUSA (1-866-ASK-MINI) and with the last seven digits of your VIN serial number they can tell you the Day, month and year of manufacture.


Very important information. It is likely your car is either a June or July 2002 build.

 

my MINI was built on June 12, 2002. Is the software obsolete or have a defect? thanks :smile:

 

If you've never had the software upgraded -- and since you bought it used, you can't be sure that it hasn't been -- then you probably have version 31. That's a couple of versions behind what's currently out BUT I WOULDN'T HAVE IT UPGRADED unless MINI service insists. There are serioius bugs in the current version (33.2) that cause the dreaded and maddening "stumble" as well as cold starting problems. See the Stumble thread for more info.

Rumor has it that there will be a new version out in the next couple of weeks that will fix the stumble.

Now, since you may be having computer work done, you may not be able to avoid having your software upgraded. See what service says...but you might mention your concern about a pointless software upgrade (and its bringing on problems) just to see if they can let you off without it. Make sense?

 

Cooper4us is right on the money with the diagnosis. I had the same problem. Everything will be fine. All you can do now is sit and wait for your baby to come back home good as new (or used as the case may be).

>>Your car will need:
>>
>>1) New engine wiring harness
>>2) Throttle control body module
>>3) Software update 33.2
>>
>>If the dealer has the first 2 parts in the list, you'll be out the door in a day or so.
>>
>>What's the mileage and build date of your MCS?


_________________

Picked up on 12/3/02 one All Black MINI.
...and on the eight day the MINI was created, and it was good.

 

Okay, thanks. I guess i might just keep this software until the next, hopefully better, upgrade comes along. When will i know if the new software is available? Wow, i don't know what i would do without these boards. Thanks so much :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

Oh yea...one little gripe. It sucks that BMW will not give me a loaner car. They said that MINI doesn't do that, butBMW does. I thought that MINIs were technically BMWs. Well, my mom is driving me around now. Thanks

 

It seems like MINIs are only BMWs when it comes to the bad stuff. We don't get the good BMW percs...and they of course don't get the MINI benefits (like having a totally unique car :smile: )

Monitor the stumble thread. I'm sure that the second someone gets a new version of the software that fixes this we'll all know.

Good luck, and let us know what actually happens with your car.

 

My dealer always gives me a free 2003 BMW 325i sedan (Automatic) as a loaner. Even for something as simple as a software update!. Got to love my dealer! (Lauderdale MINI).

 

Well, The dealership just called and it will be the harness and throttle module. Thanks everyone for helping me out! I asked if i will also receive the software upgrade, but he said that the module will update it enough (whatever). It will be tuesday or wednesday before i get it back though . I miss driving it. Does it usually take this long. They have to order both parts. Oh, and will i get a detail job or something out of this? especially since i will be carless for almost a week. Thanks again for all of your help.

 

I would say yes it should take that long if they have to order the parts, and you have to account for the weekend as well. Fortunately, they had the parts in my case so I was able to pick her up the day after.

Be sure to call your Service Advisor ever so often (once in the morning, a little after lunch, and just before closing), to make sure they don't let your car lose priority. If he/she is worth their salt they will start updating you before you have a chance to call them I'm not saying to nag them to death, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease if you know what I mean.

And you are right about the support on the board. I could not have gotten through mine without a lot of the people here.

If you need a boost while you wait you can PM me anytime.

Lolo

>>Well, The dealership just called and it will be the harness and throttle module. Thanks everyone for helping me out! I asked if i will also receive the software upgrade, but he said that the module will update it enough (whatever). It will be tuesday or wednesday before i get it back though . I miss driving it. Does it usually take this long. They have to order both parts. Oh, and will i get a detail job or something out of this? especially since i will be carless for almost a week. Thanks again for all of your help.


_________________

Picked up on 12/3/02 one All Black MINI.
...and on the eight day the MINI was created, and it was good.

 

I really appreciate everyone helping me out with this, but i encountered another snag. yesterday the dealer called me and said that they had to order a new DME, and it had to be installed. He said that the computer completely shut down when they started the car. So, they will have had my car for almost a week. Anyone know about this DME? thanks

 

The DME is the German made Siemens engine management computer where the controlling software code resides. It seems that the dealer messed it up. hence you need a new DME unit or simply MINI Tech center recommended a full replacement.

 

It's sort of unnerving that the dealer could fry the computer while attempting to replace various electrical components and/or upgrade the software. Either these guys are morons, the computer is fragile, or there's just some bad luck floating around. Probably a bit of all 3.

 

thanks again, I hope to get it back today.