Torque Steering Fix...who's getting it?
 

I'm definitely gonna get this...hate torque steer when coming out of turn...

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/10/...56/#more-13603

I'll probably spring for the upgrade on my next oil change. Still not sure why they would charge so much for a software upgrade. It's not like there are any parts involved and the techinician time spent is probably about 5 minutes. I may be wrong.

Absolutely will be getting it. The cost is related to the software update process. I am told it takes an hour of real time to update the software. Might only take the tech a few mins to hook it all up but the updating itself is a slow process if I remember right.

Sure why not I would but, it is not on the top of my list cause I am not p**** and I can handle the torque steer.

I don't notice the torque steer much. I'm not sure if that's the LSD in my tranny doing its drop or if I don't drive my car hard enough :)

It would be interesting to see some lap times from before and after this "fix".

My guess is that they are using the brakes on the front wheels to counter the torque steering.

bummer...it's not officially out yet...got me excited for no reason...

I'm not getting it, the torque steer is not very noticeable to me on this car, even with a tune.

I guess they don't call them "Stealerships" for nothing..... :lol:

Seems like its not worth that kind of money unless you hit the track religiously. While I am new to Minis, and only have 2K miles on my car I really havent noticed it as a major problem in my driving. Id rather put $150+ towards a new exhaust or tint, etc.

They are not charging you for the software. They are charging you for the labor that it takes. Which the only labor is that they plug your MINI in and let it go to town.

Mini USA has not set the price...it depends on the dealer...I don't know how long it actually takes to update the software but I am thinking 1 hour max?...they will charge whatever the labor is...

Yeah, because it is sooooo difficult to plug a tuner into the car.... :lol:

I definitly notice the torque steer, when I romp on it to pass. I'll probably get it.

Dave

Torque steer occurs straight ahead during acceleration, not in corners. The corner thing is different. Just so you know.

Got a loaner cabrio automatic with DTC today and stock 17" runflats. Doesn't seem like it has a lot of torque steer either.

the update labor cost is about 1 to 1.5 hours, this covers geting car. programing car, finsj programing, clear fault memory with a different piece of equim. (normal back in techs bay) test drive car make sure no light come on
and problem you programed for is fixed, just a fyi.
tech dont get payed hourly its all comission.

But how can they install ECU software for a 2011 with it's VANOS system on a car without it???

"Torque steer" is not specific to traveling in a straight line. It can also occur in other wheel orientations.

I assume it's quite modular.

If this "fix" is using the brakes to control torque steer then it is definitely not NOT for the track. The electronic differential has been proven itself to not be for the track as it causes the brakes to overheat fairly quickly.

Adding more load on the brakes would be foolhardy.

It must be. Thats too bad - I heard that Mini brought back the "burble" on the 2011 models... I'd pay 2 bills for that alone! :nod:

Let me play devil's advocate for a moment. If the torque steer in an MCS is serious enough to affect vehicle stability, shouldn't Mini be doing this upgrade as a safety recall? Anyone recall the flaming Pintos that Ford ignored when a $5 fix was available? (I've got no dog in this hunt; the torque steer on my justa is negligible.)

the new minis are actually rather well-regarded as having very little torque steer for the torque they put down at low revs.

any updates? my trusty SA hasn't got back with me yet...

There are only 2 ways I can think of that they could implement a torque steer "fix" in ECU software:
1) Retard engine power output
2) Apply the brakes in a way to counter the torque steer effect

Both of these are undesirable from a performance perspective. IMHO, you'd be better off controlling torque steer and $165 richer if you would just be a little more measured when applying the throttle with your foot...