Hey there,

I'm about to install a new battery on my 2013 Cooper (Base). Easy enough of a job, I've done it with my other non-Mini cars. But I keep seeing mentions elsewhere of using a memory saver before disconnecting the old battery. Is this necessary? If NOT using a memory saver means I'll have to reset my clock and radio stations, then I don't care. But am I going to lose anything else that's important? Service due info or something?

Thanks.

 

Naw. When I replaced mine on my 2012, just needed to reset the clock.

 

For certain repair work (e.g. removing electric window motor), BMW dictates that the battery is disconnected first so it can't be harmful.

Besides the clock, my Mini also needs electric windows to be initialized. Automatic lights and rain sensors need a "break in" period after a hard reset (whether by disconnecting the cables or through the hidden menu). Service info, etc. always survived.

However: there are reports in forums of ECU's (the FRM if I remember correctly) not coming back to life after a battery disconnection. Apparently, the memory which the ECU boots from had previously become corrupted, allowing it to run perfectly fine while still powered but getting stuck on re-boot. Haven't had any such issue myself but have read about it either here or on a german Mini forum.

 

If you look at the Bentley Manual,
the first step in a ton of repairs is
to disconnect the battery.