What features can Bimmercode actually address for a 2009 R56 or 2009 R55?

Thanks!

 

I am preparing to sell my 2009 Mini S. I purchased Bimmercode to run through a quick analysis of error codes— none of which were all that helpful— but more importantly to “register” a new battery purchased from CostCo.

As I replaced the battery myself, that software plus the required OBC was cheaper than going to the dealer for that one little task (unbelievably).

And I am hopeful that I may also be able to use Bimmercode and the OBC gadget on my “new-used” 2022 Mini S that I have already purchased

 

I use Torque to read and clear error codes.

I'm curious as to what options Bimmercode will allow me to choose for an R56 or R55.

 

Not sure how accurate/comprehensive this page is, just in case you haven’t checked it out already.
I personally used Bimmercode to code a few minor options on previously owned 2013 R56S: Disabled displayed speed correction, enabled open/close sun roof with press/hold on key remote, set lane change signal to 5 blinks. These are the ones I seem to remember.
With my current 2024 F56 JCW I used it to make couple of tweaks too: auto stop/start disabled by default, shorter and quieter audible confirmation of car lock/unlock.

 

Thanks so much! That's helpful.

I did see the page that you provided. I wanted to check with the folks on the forum to see what their actual experience was.

 

I coded the Mini 25W xenon retrofit headlights and coded out bulb warnings so I could use LEDs for things like the parking and license plate lights. That first one pretty much paid for itself versus the dealer.

Let's see...also set the side markers to blink, turned on open/close of windows and sunroof by holding the remote buttons, retrofitted and coded the self-dimming rear mirror. Probably some other stuff I'm forgetting.

 

Thanks!

I have a donor car with Xenon lights. What's involved in the retrofit? I know that as installed, they are self leveling using input from the suspension. I'm assuming that you don't have that feature.

Also, what's involved in the auto dimmer mirror retrofit? Is the wiring and plug already there?

 

So these were specifically the 25W Xenon retrofit headlights that ECS sells (no self-leveling or washers). They drop right in physically and then you need to make a few coding changes. Retrofitting the original 35W Xenons is probably more work and I've never done that.

For the mirror this thread has a lot of details. The retrofit cable is no longer available but you can buy the terminals from ECS and just make your own wires to run down to the fusebox.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ispreloading=1

You really only need to run one wire for switched power, then the mirror works without coding. There's a second wire for a reverse signal, if you run that (and code it) then the mirror un-dims when you shift to reverse.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4628314

 

Thanks so much for the fast and comprehensive reply!

I did have Xenon in my R56. I now have Halogen in my R55.

I'm not sure how much difference I see. Do you see a big improvement?

 

I did install the 25W Xenon retrofit as well on R56. In my personal experience the light output improved a lot compared to factory halogen. On top of that I really liked the look of Xenon projectors. That was before I discovered Bimmercode, so used NCS Expert for coding those.

 

The R56 halogens were SO BAD. Like, dangerously so. They came aimed way too low from the factory, but even after fixing that they were pretty awful. The 25W xenons were a big improvement.

 

Yep, factory halogens were so bad on these cars. Should have been Xenon stock. Also the factory halogen headlight in FL, TX, Cali also get the headlight oxidation glaze and it looks even worse. Seems the UV protection on those halogen lights were so thin.

 

Can I use the factory Xenon lights from my donor R56 in my halogen R55?

 

I can attest to that. Even with the brightest Sylvania Silverstar halogens it's still marginal at night.
Need to get some other issues fixed before spending any more $ on lighting.

 

There is a thread that is specifically about replacing factory halogens with factory Xenon. It’s a bit more involved than retrofit kit, which was pretty much plug-and-play with a bit of programming.

 

I did the factory Xenon retrofit on my 2012 Coupe. I have posts about it at the end of the above linked post. I made adapters for it.