1. Does anyone know how to determine what version of the software/firmware their Mini is running?
2. How do you look up what the most recent version is from Mini/BMW?
3. Do they list what issue(s) were fixed with each release?

This would be a great sticky thread if owners had the ability to look this stuff up.

 

In the four years I had my '03 I was never notified by MINI of a software upgrade. I was only made aware of an upgrade by the dealer if my car was in for some other service. Usually the word spread quickly on the internet by fellow MINI owners especially if the upgrade fixed a widespread problem that everyone was screaming about. It would be nice if something official was available instead of hounding your local service department or relying on second hand information.

 

In response:

1. Yes. You take your MINI to the dealer, have them plug it in to the GT1/MODIC computer and retrieve the info. Other than this, there is absolutely no way to retrieve this info via the OBC or via OBDC II data.

2. Your MINI dealer is the only source of this info. But be aware that there may be multiple "current" versions. For instance, recently, a software version was released for only those cars that had cold-start problems with the ethanol-blended gas. The rest of the MINIs did not need this version.

3. Yes. The info sent to the MINI dealer with each ECU software CD/download comes with a TSB-like description that indicates what issues the new version addresses.

The common thread here is YOUR MINI DEALER. You should befriend them as you will need them to get into the "inner sanctum" of the MINI's software.

Theo

 

I know the new software is out for the R56 non-S automatics to fix the freaking annoying False CEL that comes on every few hundred miles

 

Thanks for the info Koopah!

I just met one of the SA's at my local dealer tonight.

I reported my front washer jets weep once the car is turned off (only if the washers were used during that drive. After that, they appear to dry out. I say that because if I use them after not using them for a while, it takes a few seconds for the fluid to get pumped all the way up to the jets. Subsequent squirts are instantainious. Park the Mini, watch the jets weep.

Once mine has weeped and I don't use the washer, they don't weep again. Use the jets, the next time I park, I watch them weep.

I asked him about the hood temps of the '07 MCS reaching 235F once the car is parked after a drive, he said "oh yeah, they get really hot". Insinuating that this is normal (and not a safety issue... it's boiling washer fluid out of the lines).

Then I handed him my IR thermometer and informed him about the drivers side footwell by the accelerator being warm and he clocked it at 143F... and then said he never heard of this either.

It sounds like owners are not aware of these issues... or don't care... or don't care enough to be inconvienced with a visit to the service department... or don't realise that a hood temp reaching 235F is a safety issue.

God I love this car and I've only had it for two weeks! I hope Mini/BMW takes care of these "little things". I don't want to go back to a "normal" car because HQ is too worried about the bottom line to address things like this.

Again, thanks for the info. Didn't mean to dump on you... just venting.