yes it does say use castrol syntec.. but.... the handbook (at least soem of them) say use mobil oil.... and there was a lengthy discussion on here some time ago (I can't find the site search tool on the new site!) about off the shelf sythetiics, which one type is in the mini (no deffintie conclusions), and which one they sell at the dealer. aparently all different. I'd persoanlly woudl like to knwo which one is the best in the mini... also, still would liek to know what if anything version 37/38 does for CVT owners out there.

 

How long has version 38 been out? My dealer (Otto's BMW, Westchester,Pa.) says they don't have it yet..

 

I checked with Crown MINI in Richmond VA yesterday and they don't have v.38 yet either.

I'd REALLY like to get it to see if it fixes the yo-yo.

 

aa3jy --

v.38 is not "out". Several people have been contacted to send their ECUs into MINIUSA in NJ for the update. MINIUSA/NJ have said that v.38 would be out in June. There are also conflicting reports that indicate distribution will be on a case-by-case basis, not a full CD38 release. It's anyone's guess at this point!

Theo

 

Ok..if V.38 hasn't been release.then how long has v.37 been available..? Otto's says that wasn't released either...

 

Perhaps Otto ought to check again? v.37 has been out for, maybe, three months or so. But.... they may be (properly) indicating that a MINI v.37 has not been distributed. Read on:

Bear in mind that many CD releases contain updated code for BMW products as well MINI products. I understand the same computer equipment is used for both marques. A contact within MINIUSA has stated that CD37 contained code meant ony for the BMW line. Therefore, any improvements by it's being loaded on the MINI will probably stem from the ECU reset rather than new code. Because the reset is probably the cause of changes, one would expect old issues to reappear after a number of miles have been clocked.

Thus, Otto may be right on the marque (!) regarding the MINI v.37.

FWIW,
Theo

 

Now I'm being told that an older version was found in the ECU..wasn't told which version..but version 36 wasn't in there..even though my service bill back in January says it was placed in there and the service writer confirmed it was, on the phone this morning, as well. Now I have no idea what's go'n on..the saga continues..

 

Sounds like Otto pulled the wool over your eyes in January. It appears that they have become aware of their ...uh... "mistake". Give them a chance to rectify the issue with a real v.36 update. Couldn't hurt...v.36 has proven to be very stable (except for the yo-yo).

You might also want to see if there is another MINI dealer in your area that has a firmer grasp on acceptable MINI Servicing business processes. Give them a call and talk to the Service Manager about v.36, v.37x and v.38 updates. See if you might feel better in their hands.

Theo

 

Remember that their are some that getting 36 and 37 have made their Mini worse.

 

Cold start problem? ........ Try a half tank of regular

 

That exactly what I'm trying..

 

Why? 93 is too rich.......can cause cold weather.......

only use 91