Hi All,

Brand new member here. I own a 2008 MCS and was hoping that someone might be able to assist me with some info...

My car does not have the multi-function steering wheel and therefore no cruise control. Big oversight on my part! I figured that all cars today have cruise, like most have pw, pdl, AC, etc. Well...my mistake.

Does anyone know if cruise control can be added, either by the Mini dealer or by an aftermarket house?

Years ago, I worked at a VW/Audi/Porsche dealer and we had a place down the road that installed cruise on Jetta's all the time.

I have my fingers crossed! Thanks in advance for any help.

 

You have to buy the MFSW and have a dealer install it and program the canbus for it. You're looking at about $450 or so, depending on how well you sweet-talk your dealer.

 

Well, this is good news so far...at least the answer wasn't a flat "no".

Thanks for the info.

Anyone else ever have this done?

 

Try Morristown Minis for the part; they usually have a good price. Not all dealers want to give you a break.

 

 

It worth it not only for the cruise but for the stereo too.

 

That's interesting that you have found dealers willing to do that. At what appears to be a reasonaable cost.
I've been trying to get the one-touch up windows (as available on an '08) into my '07.
I've asked MINI, and they said there is not, nor is there an update planned. Then I figured I'd ask the dealer service if we could just buy the '08 parts/software and put them in my '07. Figuring that would be better/cheaper than taking the $3,000 hit on trading in my 4,000 mile '07 Cooper for an '08.
Basically, he said no.
How this relates is he mentioned that they have run into the same scenario with people wanting to retrofit cruise into the MINI and that the there were more parts necassary, wiring harnesses, etc., than most people realized and the labor made the install way too expensive, like $2000. He also said they had to get approval from MINI for each individual install before they could do it.
So, I'd say you better talk to your dealer/service department and find out where they stand. Seems like there is a WIDE range of differences out there.

 

I appreciate the feedback guys.

There are 3 dealers within 2 hours of me, so hopefully one of them will help me get this done for a reasonabel cost.

 

One of our AtlantaMINIS members just had it done; $450 was the total price.

There are some techs and service departments that don't really have their info straight. I know; shocking news...

 

Research, Research, Research....

I am in awe of this board and how much info is out there...I learn much from here. It's not surprising though, just like reading up on the latest info on computers, wifi, or bluetooth and going to Best Buy and asking the "specialist" behind the counter and getting the blank stare back. Not everyone everywhere is a professional or has the humility to say "No, I don't know about that, let me look into it and I'll get back to you".

Techs don't make money researching your retrofit, so some of them probably won't. It's not billable time and the info is definitely not as easy to find as one would like. Being on commission definitely has it's disadvantages to all parties(customer, and technician), but that's how it is. I sure am glad that I only work on MINI's anymore for this same reason. At least I have a reasonable chance of knowing the available retrofits, tips and tricks...

 

It's been done before. Look at this thread, starting post #21: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...16#post1975516
Member brgmcs bought and installed the MFSW spokes himself, his car turned out to be prewired, and the dealer charged 2 hours of labor for programming.

 

Great info...thanks guys!

 

Have you driven one with Cruise control. Tried it today for the first time and didn't like it. On the other hand I never have used it on any car.

 

It really sharpens your skills on really twisty roads...
Puts you to sleep on the highway but helps avoid lectures from the local constabulary.

 

Umm I bet it does

 

I generally only use it on the highway, when I'm on my cell phone for business (headset of course)...helps to maintain speed. I have a tendancy to slow down a bit while on the cell.

I like the idea of using on the twisties though...set the speed and hold on! LOL

 

TARSKY68,
I believe you DON'T need to buy a whole new steering wheel!!! I have the 3-spoke steering wheel with no cruise and want cruise. So I took the airbag off and saw that the "Male" end of the switch is already built into the steeringwheel. SO all you need to do is purchase just the Multifunction switches for like 165.00, install them in place of the two covers already on the steering wheel. You can get the switches cheaper at Morristown MINI, just order thru them. I think they wanted 128.00 with NAM discount.

Install them and all you would need is to have the dealer reprogram computer. It'll save you alot of $$ from buying a whole new wheel, unless you dont have a 3-spoke wheel. (3 spoke wheel I think allways comes pre wired with the male connector in the steering wheel)

Like I said above I double checked to see if my wheel was already prewired with the switch and it is and I believe everyone else who has checked with a 3spoke wheel has had success.

PLEASE check the link BELOW. I started a thread a few months back, alot of good info, I even have photos of my steering wheel off so you can see exactly what I am talking about as far as the male connector goes. Please read throughly.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=126007

I have yet to do this upgrade, No money

 

wow, more great info...thanks alot Kevin!

Brett

 

More great info...thanks a lot Kevin!

 

I have done this to 2 R56 and R55. you not only have to buy the MFL buttons but you have to buy the SZL control module that goes along with MFL buttons. You CAN NOT just buy the buttons and retrofit the vehicle, as far as I've seen/done myself.
So pricewise, its going to be a few more bucks.....

 

healey67,

can you give me an idea of what the parts cost you? My dealer is "researching it", as we speak. I want to have some idea beforehand, so that I know whether they are treating me right or not.

Thanks

 

I just had my 07 MCS retrofitted. I already had the sport steering wheel and checking inside it was already wired for cruise, etc. I bought the controls and installed them myself then went to the dealer to have it programmed. It turns out that my SZU (whatever that is) was not able to take the programming so, we replaced it and had everything programmed and it works like a charm. However, it cost almost $1000 dollars by the time we were done!!!
I drive 70 miles/day, 50 on the freeway, and I am glad I did it, but before you spend a bunch of money, have the SZU checked. They can plug their computer into it and it will tell them which version is on your car. If it is the right one, it will be fairly cheap, otherwise - save your pennies.

 

I set my cc at 19mph in long school zones. haha cop with radar joke's on you!

 

Well at my dealership, its a little pricey but they said about $200 for the switched and $450 for the module. I would try another dealership like morristown and see what their prices are and get it from them and then take the parts to your dealer to have them installed. It should really only take about 1hr TOPS to change these pieces out and not long to program since your R56 is an 08 and fairly new. It should have the latest software in it.
All your dealer will have to do is install the SZL and MFL buttons. then hook up to the SSS machine at work and perform a retrofit of the MFL buttons.
Really not to bad to do. Should be about 2-2.5hrs install time tops.

Just tell the parts dept when you call, what your options are on the vehicle, ex: rain light sensor, DSC or ASC, xenon headlamps, and adaptive headlamps. hope this helps a little

 

Ok, thanks. I'm still waiting for a reply/cost from my dealer.

Scary thing is, I found out more about this in 1 hour on this forum, than I did from the dealer in a week (literally).

Thanks all