Forgive me for rambling on forever here, but I'm kind of worked up...

Now I think I've finally had it with this car. I brought it to the dealer today for three things: airbag light, overtightened oil drain plug that I couldn't budge, and a cold weather idle problem. My car (Cooper 5-speed, 9/02 build) always started immediately in cold weather, but when I would come to the first light or stop sign and depress the clutch, the rpms would drop down below 500, the idle would get very choppy, and very occasionally the car would stall. After driving for a few minutes, this problem would go away.

I hadn't mentioned the idle problem in my previous dealer visits, because I was afraid that a software reflash would change the character of the car. People have posted on NAM about that happening to them. I only asked for it to be addressed now because I had decided to sell this car and order a new Cooper with the new 5-speed transmission (I don't want to wait for my second Midlands tranny to die in the extreme cold - other threads on this topic).

So today, along with the other stuff, they updated the software on my car's ECU. The car feels totally different, and it's definitely a change for the worse. The acceleration is far less powerful, and the car just doesn't sound as good. The fun is gone. A lot of my driving is in the city, so I use first and second gears a lot. If the car stays this way, it's really going to suck. Does a reflash take some miles to smooth itself out? Would my aftermarket exhaust and intake have anything to do with the initial crappiness? It sure didn't feel this way when I first installed my Borla.

And to add insult to injury, the car has a NEW rattle somewhere in the rear passenger corner of the cabin that wasn't there when I brought it to the dealer - I've never heard it before.

If I wasn't already planning on selling the car, I'd be livid right now. As it stands though, I'm more saddened than angry, because I think this is finally the last straw. As of tonight my plan is to start car shopping ASAP, and it won't be for a MINI.
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"Meine dispatcher says there is something wrong with deine cable"

 

Sorry to heaqr your story. One question though, what version of the ECU software the dealer installed in your car?


After our '02 Cooper CVT got version 36 downloaded a couple of weeks ago, the car got even better than ever so I suspect your dealer royally screwed your ECU during the upload procedure.

Take it back and don't accept the car until they get it right.

 

Both of our MINIs drive absolutely fantastic, so it is a bit unfair to generalize your problems accross the entire production spectrum. They get better after each update and operate smoother than silk. Not everyone has experienced your set of issues.

You are having bad luck with your dealer. The dealer is the faulty party here more than the car itself IMO.

Hondas and Toyotas also have problems. Go to their message boards over at Edmunds.com....the perfect car doesn't exist.

 

>>Sorry to heaqr your story. One question though, what version of the ECU software the dealer installed in your car?

I don't know. I'll call tomorrow and ask.

>>After our '02 Cooper CVT got version 36 downloaded a couple of weeks ago, the car got even better than ever so I suspect your dealer royally screwed your ECU during the upload procedure.<<

My dealer royally screws everybody and everything that they can, so I suppose its a possibility. I guess I don't have anything to LOSE by leaving it there another day, since I have a coworker that lives nearby.

Ultimately, though, I just keep thinking "what if all this was happening after the warranty period?" I don't want to find out. I hope for everyone else's sake that I just had really bad luck of the draw with my car.

 

>>>>Sorry to heaqr your story. One question though, what version of the ECU software the dealer installed in your car?
>>
>>I don't know. I'll call tomorrow and ask.
>>
>>>>After our '02 Cooper CVT got version 36 downloaded a couple of weeks ago, the car got even better than ever so I suspect your dealer royally screwed your ECU during the upload procedure.<<
>>
>>My dealer royally screws everybody and everything that they can, so I suppose its a possibility. I guess I don't have anything to LOSE by leaving it there another day, since I have a coworker that lives nearby.
>>
>>Ultimately, though, I just keep thinking "what if all this was happening after the warranty period?" I don't want to find out. I hope for everyone else's sake that I just had really bad luck of the draw with my car.


The key here is for you to find out the exact version of the software uploaded to the car. You should have version 36.0

 

sorry to hear about your car. :smile: and its not even running on v36
yet.

 

Have you taken it back to the dealer? They might be able to tweak some ECU parameters...

btw, I agree with you about the warranty -- this is one car I would never own without warranty coverage!

 

>>sorry to hear about your car. :smile: and its not even running on v36
>>yet.
>>
>>

My MCS is also problem free. I just hit 20K miles today, and the only issues I've had are a leaky coolant tank, coolant turning brown, and the VCP hose that went bad. Hardly the performance issues you're having... and I've never upgraded my ECU. I think I'm running v34...? 1/31/03 build date... Oh, I've occasionally had a stumble (maybe three times, max) and of course I get really low power when launching in hot weather with the AC on, but that's normal for a small engine trying to work really hard!

Before you go making any tough decisions, try to get the correct version of the software installed. Also, go rent the make/model that you're thinking about for a replacement and after a week come back to your MINI. If it doesn't put that grin right back on your face, then maybe it really is time for you to move on.

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My MINI makes me want to do the happy dance!

 

Working with computer based products flashing firmware devices may have voodoo results. Sometimes the code or prom registers simply don't "take". A brain wipe and re-load is next in order to restore the proper instructions.

Most reports have been favorable with V.36 so you may have other bugs or a bad flash effort on the ECU. The dealer may be missing something. Clean your air cleaner element now, the dealer will recommend holding out to 30,000- wrong, too long, they clog and restrict. Sounds like over rich mixture symptoms.

Remember, 80 years ago we started our cars whirling a crank!!

 

An update: yes, it was version 36.0 that was installed in my car. And the only reason I haven't posted here earlier is that the acceleration problem that I mentioned seems to have worked itself out, and the car now drives normally. And I've gotten almost 25 mpg in my commuting this week, which is better than ever, believe it or not... You'd think that maybe the dealer could warn you if your car is going to drive like crap for a few dozen miles, so you don't flip out like I did. Oh wait, I forgot, I have the worst dealer in existence. Anyway I'm still mulling over the decision about whether to order a late 2004 model year MINI, or shop around for something else.

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"Meine dispatcher says there is something wrong with deine cable"

 

Chrisnl - glad to hear your car's back to normal, and your mileage is improving. I know that's been an issue for you.

Please don't abandon MINI! We'd miss your posts here on NAM. Just abandon your dealer and get an '05 somewhere else.

 

Chris,

I'm also glad to hear your MINI has improved after the software reflash... I guess it needed a few miles to adapt to and re-learn the way you drive. Another thing I've noticed: for overall better mental health and happiness behind the wheel, put some boognish inside. May I suggest any of the more upbeat songs from White Pepper, Chocolate & Cheese, or for optimal performance, "Transdermal Celebration" (Quebec) on maximum volume.

Rock On, see you this summer at a Ween show near me. :smile:

-Joe

 

I think you should shop around for something else. I have read many of your post and while I can understand why you're unhappy, there's something about your post that makes me believe you won't be happy with any MINI.

There are lots of automotive choices out there. With the continuous rise in gas prices a Toyota Prius might be worth considering, nothing wrong with 60mpg in the city.

Have fun looking.

R.E. :smile:

 

My MINI has been flawless in terms of reliability. The Yo-Yo and interior rattles don't count when it comes to "does it get me down the road"

A) it's possible the dealer boofed on the software upload, though not likely
B) there are no "parameters" that can be adjusted, however you must go through a very short "break-in" period again (about 100 miles) for the computer to fully re-learn your habits
C) my dealership is worse than yours, I promise

Cheers,
Ryan

 

You mean PCV valve and hose, right? :smile:

 

Any one else who really didnt have the issues get the update yet?
If so, did it have any ill effects?
Im tempted to request it just because of the mpg issue alone.
I just home I dont create another problem.
thanks

 

>>Im tempted to request it just because of the mpg issue alone.<<

I wouldn't advise it. I did get better city mpgs in the first few days after the ECU reflash, but that could be due to more favorable traffic conditions, etc. Since then I haven't paid close attention, but I had a 16-mile highway commute this morning, and found that I am still unable to get 38 mpg on the highway unless I stay around 65 mph and the road is totally flat (or downhill ). My average speed on the computer before I reset it to check the highway mpg was 22 or 23, but that's including my circling the block for a parking space (which I have found leads to sub-20 mpg).

 

Chris,
Very sorry to hear bout you constant ...mini issues....
It kinda reminds me of fixing a leak in a boat and then...immediately 2 more leaks appear ...
I've advised many motorers against any software upgrades ... as in general they caus more harm than not... and my theory has always been.." if it ain't broke...don't fix it"

I wish you well.... :smile:
Do what you must to ...make it right for you .

Peace,
D

 

Better days, Chris!

Godspeed.

 

Chris,

I've got the same cold weather / cold engine stall problem... did the ECU upgrade at least fix that? I'm going in Thrusday for an airbag light, I might see if I can get reflashed too if it will help.

 

>>Chris,
>>
>>I've got the same cold weather / cold engine stall problem... did the ECU upgrade at least fix that? I'm going in Thrusday for an airbag light, I might see if I can get reflashed too if it will help.

I think it did, but the weather has been unseasonably warm since then, so I can't say for sure. I don't think there's been a morning below 30 degrees! I'm not sure whether to recommend that you do it or not...

 

I'm with MINI USA. We'd like the opportunity to work with your dealer to help you resolve your issues. Don't jump ship. Phone us at 866 ASK.MINI and pleaase mention Reference # 200406500251 so that we can help you more efficiently. We'd really like to help.

 

Hopefully here comes the cavalry.

DREW

 

>>So today, along with the other stuff, they updated the software on my car's ECU. The car feels totally different, and it's definitely a change for the worse. The acceleration is far less powerful, and the car just doesn't sound as good. The fun is gone. A lot of my driving is in the city, so I use first and second gears a lot. If the car stays this way, it's really going to suck. Does a reflash take some miles to smooth itself out?

I've been studying up on electronic engine management systems and one an interesting comment I read was cars with EFI are generally adaptive systems. In other words, the computer adjusts the fuel mapping to the driver's individual characteristics. The "base" programming may be quite a bit different than the typical city driving you do. Give it some time and see if it improves.

 

WOW!!!! The formerly elusive MINIDivision is popping up all over the place lately . It is nice to see this across the board response from MINI on many different problem areas and not just those they are comfortable dealing with. I hope this is the start of a more responsive car company that wants to stand behind their product.