There's been a lot of talk about the stumble introduced by recent versions of the DME (ECU) software, but I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of what OTHER changes have been introduced by the software upgrade. In other words, what kinds of things was the software revised to fix?

I started with a August 02 build MCS. I was upgraded to 32 in October/November (can't remember exactly) and this did much to improve cold engine starting. There also seemed to be a bit more power at the low end (under 2000 rpm). Then, I upgraded to 33.2 in May 03 with the word that the upgrade would continue smoothing out the low end and improve power...but as we all know by now, 33.2 was a disaster that made the low end much rougher (stumble) and actually reversed the gains in so far as cold starting (now it's longer cranking and sometimes stalls). Oh, yeah, 33.2 also made my exhaust note sound worse (much less of the nice sounding burble on deceleration).

But one possible BENEFIT I've noticed from either 32 or 33.X is that my Auto AC seems to work better! I, and others, had complained about the ham-fisted FULL BLAST or nothing at all fan programming in Auto mode. Well, this year, the system is much more subtle. The fan kicks down quickly and the overall effect of the system is much more "set it and leave it". Clearly the Auto AC is a function of software programming...so I'm wondering if MINI messed with this (and actually improved something this time) in one of the updates.

Bottom line, what else might be included in these software updates? Does anyone know if BMW/MINI publishes a "new features"/"bug fixes" list...or perhaps someone can get their service dept to shed some light? I hate the idea that BMW/MINI is expecting me to treat my car as black box where I can have no knowledge of what's going on inside its "brain"...and it seems pretty reasonable that they'd at least tell us even if they don't allow us to do anything with the knowledge.

 

The crackle on deceleration is very much controlled by timing and mixture and is very much related to driveability and emissions. I'm not surprised at all that this would change with software revisions as it is a very difficult aspect of engine performance to tune.

I dunno, if the AC is smoother/smarter. Temps here have hovered in the 110 F range for as long as I can remember. I did discover the other day that "Lo" is lower than "60". Thank God for small favors.

 

jsun,

Overall, which have you been happiest with, 31,32,or 33? I still have 31 from my original 9/02 build and haven't had any trouble to date. My auto a/c also self regulates its fan and recirc. feature. I dunno, maybe some of the programs took better than others to the individual ecus.

 

I was happiest with 32. It solved the cold start problems I had with the car as originally delivered. I'm actually not sure what its effect was on the AC, since I had it installed after the weather was cold (thus no AC) AND I'd given up using Auto mode due to frustration.

Since you have a 2003 (mine is 2002), there are possibly ECU and other not obvious differences between our two cars...so how the software version fits into all of this is anyone's guess.

 

Could be, but I have that wierd 2003 with the 2002 features (pedals,trim) but no rear 12 volt outlet. Its more a 2002 than what is now in the dealerships as a 2003. Go figure.

 

>>Could be, but I have that wierd 2003 with the 2002 features (pedals,trim) but no rear 12 volt outlet. Its more a 2002 than what is now in the dealerships as a 2003. Go figure.

Rear 12 volt adapter??? I have a 2003 MCS, delvered in May. Where should I look for the rear 12v??

 

Mark, you don't have one in your car. The "adapter" (just a DC socket) was discontinued for 2003.