Hello,

Due to an issue, I’d like to replace the KOMBI2 (instrument cluster / tachometer behind the steering wheel) on my 2007 Mini R56.

I’ve purchased a used replacement cluster, but before installing it, I’d like to understand how the car handles the displayed mileage, since this used cluster comes from a vehicle with much higher mileage than mine.

Do I need to reset the mileage on this cluster (and if so, how is this usually done — directly via the EEPROM, I assume?), or is the mileage stored elsewhere in the car and only displayed by the cluster?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

Based on ChatGPT, the odometer reading is redundantly stored in three locations:
(1) KOMBI center dashboard cluster (large round speedometer + radio)
(2) CAS
(3) DME
The tachometer does not store the odometer reading.

Once you re-code the replacement tachometer for your car, it should display the correct odometer reading.

 

ChatGPT told me it was stored in KOMBI2 (tachometer and display) as well. But he often gets his questions wrong and then apologizes...

 

Give ChatGPT your VIN & car information and then ask it which control unit(s) store the odometer reading. Does it give you the same answer?
This is what I see:

 

If I do it, he tells me that the odometer reading is stored in the large speedometer and displayed there (which is FALSE). Then he says it’s stored in the KOMBI2, and then that it isn’t. In short, he’s talking nonsense. I don't know what is true in what he says...

 

*Yes, AI definitely can give wrong information*.

But it does make sense to redundantly store important information like the odometer reading in several different places. But maybe European Minis are different from US Minis?

 

For whatever it's worth, I re-asked the same question using ChatGPT extended thinking. The answer changed slightly. Extended thinking says that the primary/official storage location for the odometer reading is KOMBI and the secondary backup location is CAS, whereas the DME is not an official storage location.

 

But nothing is stored in the KOMBI... Maybe in KOMBI2 (My question), but not in the KOMBI.
I don't think that US aud UE Minis are different on this point.

 

Why do you believe that no data is stored in KOMBI? My understanding is that KOMBI is a control unit, whereas the tachometer is not.

 

I mean not this type of data. I've ever changed the KOMBI two times (1st to have Boost Radio and then to have the GPS) and I had no problem with mileage storage.
Odometer reading is not displayed by the KOMBI, but it is by the KOMBI2 unit...

 

For whatever it's worth, when you replaced KOMBI, the odometer reading would be automatically transferred from CAS to the replacement KOMBI during the re-coding process.

 

I had to replace the KOMBI in my BMW 335i due to it glitching on and off. (mini and BMWs work in a similar fashion). I purchased a used KOMBI from Ebay and had it sent directly to Kassel Performance. I provided Jim with my VIN and he wiped the memory (kinda like C3PO in Star Wars) and then uploaded my VIN into the new/used KOMBI module. As soon as I plugged the new/used KOBMI into my car, the old mileage came up. JIm said the new/used KOMBI will ask the other modules what the vehicle mileage is. It worked, and was only 6 miles off from what the original mileage was on the old KOMBI. My local INDY shop said you can't use a used KOMBI ... "It has to be new and virgin.", but he was incorrect. I don't have the tamper dot either. Give them a call; I'm not sure if they work on MINI Kombi modules.

https://www.kasselperformance.com/ info@kasselperformance.com Jim Harold 717-996-4108

 

Thanks ... But I am in France. I will look for the same service here.