I currently have 48,000 miles on my 2003 MCS with an April build date. I was wondering what the ECU reflash is and if I should have this done before my warranty expires. I'm not having any problems and I was wondering if this would be worth driving 200 miles if I'm not having trouble. I'm getting a little nervous about my warranty expiring as you can probably tell. I've only put 5k miles on the car with no issues to date.(KNOCK on WOOD)

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

I agree with flakey, if you lilke the way your MINI is running, don't reflash it with newer software. If you are looking for improved performance, then certainly consider one of the 3rd party reflashes (GIAC, MTH, etc.).

 

Sometimes there are software updates that the manufacturer issues that improve "bugs" and stuff.... Your service department should be able to tell you if this is required for your particular car.

 

The ECU reflash is mainly done to correct a flaw in the 2nd iteration of the MCS ecu control program, which caused the stumble / yo-yo. This was very prominent about the time of you vehicle's manufacture (spring - summer 03). If you don't experience the stumble / yo-yo it may be because you either have an earlier version of the program (Version 31) or your car was already reflashed during a previous scheduled service. Agreed with others, if it ain't broke don't fix it. p.s. I still run the original version of the MSC program, never a stumble / yo-yo issue with my car.

 

Thanks guys!!