I love a happy ending. Your grace under pressure and the tone of your ask was surely a factor in Chernobyl coming to your aid.

All hail Chernobyl!

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Congrats!

BTW, I think the technical term is "bricked", not "killed".

Glad to hear you un-bricked it.

 

Awesome! Was it just outdated datens?

 

The problem was outdated datens compounded by low battery voltage.

For users who say they're apprehensive about using NCS Expert: I understand your fear (I went through it too...), but really there is zero risk to your car if you are just using NCS to change module codings. Following some ground rules will make life easier:

1. Use daten files that are the same version (or newer) than your car's build date (or the last dealer visit - whichever is more recent).
2. Use a decent battery charger to maintain the voltage while coding. If you are just making a quick change this may not be necessary, but MINI batteries are notoriously weak. If they're more than a few years old and the ignition is on (but the engine isn't running) for more than a few minutes the current draw is enough to pull the voltage down - and things start acting wonky.

I've been working with the BMW/MINI software for many years. I honestly don't believe it is possible to permanently brick a module when coding using NCS Expert (when following the rules above). This is because even if a completely incorrect configuration is loaded into a module, the basic functionality of communicating with NCS Expert can't be broken. Thus, all you have to do is default the module to restore correct operation.

So while coding can be scary, hopefully the above should make folks a bit more comfortable with the process.

 

Forgive my ignorance but is this a failed updated tune? Curious.

 

No. Using a program called NCS Expert you can access different computer modules in your car and modify settings. Like one touch open/close for sunroof, etc.

One module you can't access is the DME.

 

I'm surprised not being able to access the DME, it's like Fort Knox.

 

Well, technically, you can access it just fine using NCS Expert - but the only settings available for changing (there's only five in my DME) are completely non-interesting. Things like oil service interval distance, whether the car has automatic engine start/stop control,intelligent alternator control,etc.

 

Congratulations!!!!!

 

So if I change the oil service interval to something like 5000 miles (if that interval is even available) will the dealer change it for free under the maintenance program?

Right now I have the oil changed at 5000 intervals and pay for every other one.

 

Ha! Good one I'm sure they'll look your history up online and see it was only 5,000 miles ago. They'll say something to the effect of it not getting reset properly or something.

But then again, it might be worth a shot...

 

seems i became unsubscribed to this thread.
The reason I started coding with NCS was to take care of some issues with the car.
I will report back and let you know what happens next.
And Chernobyl is completely correct. Just a few minutes with ignition contact and the engine not running starts draining the battery QUICKLY. I was really shocked at this.

 

I was always worried about the battery, so when I code, I turn everything off like the ac fan, radio, etc. I also try to in and out in less than a minute, two max.

 

I've been tempted to use NCS Expert. I already bought the cable and downloaded the beginner's package. Is there any way to check the version of the datens already installed on my car, or some place online I can be sure to get the latest version? My 2009 Clubman S has been to the dealership within the last year.

 

Good question, if not then use the newest that are available here on the forum. Look in the R60 thread.

 

I just had my oil changed today at the dealer (4000 miles since last change) but they had forgot to reset the indicator so they did not charge me for it. I had expected to pay for it. Maybe I'll look in to changing this setting...

 

Hmmmm.... sounds like you found yourself some Order Takers. Those who do things without questions and looking into history. You better ride that train while you can!

 

Happy to know all went well. Unfortunately I came across the same mess...my question is how did you restor your CAS?

Update: Got it fixed. I used NCS Expert and i think I reset the cas, it worked fine after that.

 

Hye,
i'm new on the thread, so i've exactly the same problem with my mini...
I live in France, my mini is R56 model, and i'm new newbie with coding.
I've bought the car with troubles on Kombi, like it was cabriolet car...
At first, on INPA all status of the differents modules were OK, but the program date for kombi was yy.yy.yy, so i've tried to update daten with winkfp. (V58)
Since, i.ve the same troubles than "Murphysmotor".
Can you give me the exactly process to follow with ncs expert?

Best regards

 

Chernobyl,

You rock. Way to step up and help another person out!

 

I was trying to code my new abs module on my 2005 bmw 325i with ncs expert I ran the job now when I try to start the car no crank complete silence could be that the battery dead or coded something else also where could I get the updated daten files ?

 

check the battery first.

 

Where would you recommend picking up the cable and code for NCS Expert? (keeping in mind that CDs are ... 'old school' and my laptop doesn't have one). I see many variations on Amazon, so I'm not quite sure which one to go with!
Going to be working on an R60 if that helps any for the choice.

 

I have had great success with this one:


Also, pick up a few 3 meter USB extensions so that you can work comfortably.

The BimmerGeeks Standard tools worked for me. I've had no issues on a laptop running Windows 10 64-bit OS.

 

I see this thread is still active.. Is there anyone that could help a noob figure out why I cant get my coding to take? I am trying to install a Sirius module in a 2010 MINI, I got the radio to show Satellite as an option.
I have tried to delete $693 and add $655 in NCS Expert It seems to take it, but when I clear out the work folder and relaunch it still shows $693 and not $655.
If I select SAT it just says acquiring and wont let me do anything else.
My last fa.trc : R56_#0909&FKDW%0A62*MF33$1CA$205$210$249$255$258$2 N1$2VB$300$302$313$314$319$322$325$345$382$3AV$423 $431$450$473$481$493$494$4AU$4CP$4CS$4UF$520$521$5 22$534$550$563$5AA$5DT$645$674$693$6FC$6NE$785$7HB $823$842$845$853$876$8SM$925$927-B070-EWS4

I have tried NCSDummy, which I think is how I got the radio to display the SAT, I have also manually deleted the $693 and added $655 and processed ecu FRM & CAS.
as well as manually deleted the $693 and added $655 and processed car.

I have been working on this carefully, for months...really afraid of killing the car.

Anyone?