2004 MINI Cooper R50

I had a left taillight that kept blowing out as soon as I replaced the bulb. My front end has taken a beating over the years, so I just had the spoiler and core bracket replaced and the front blinkers and running lights repositioned (the signal and parking lights were knocked down behind the front end). My mechanic was pulling fuses and found one that was blown; when he replaced it, the lights "went crazy" and it blew again and the front signals/running lights aren't working. He's traced the problem to the Body Control Module (BC1).

I've got three conflicting sets of information about replacing the BC1:

1. The dealership says I have to buy the part new for $458 and have it programmed at the dealer, which I understand from the boards is 2 hours work ($260).
2. An independent Mini shop says I have to buy the part new for $402 and they can program it for $98 - they absolutely can't reprogram a used one.
3. My mechanic can get me a good used one for $150-200 and he's been told that if it's a 2004-2008 it doesn't have to be reprogrammed.

Here are my questions for the pros:

1. Anyone have any experience installing a used BC1? How'd it go?
2. If a used one can't be programmed, why would anyone buy one?
3. If I get my original unit remanned do I still have to have it reprogrammed?

P.S. I've searched all over until I have BC1 on the brain.

 

Anyone have any info on this??
I've been told I need to replace my bc1..... Any help would be great!!

 

Send a PM to member Greatbear.

...Les

 

You can't use a USED one. Going to have to get a new one, and it will need to be programmed.

 

^What Way says.
I had a fried BCM and had to buy new with program at the Dealer.

Jim

 

We have done like 3 I think at our shop, all new, all needed, reprogramming

 

What should I be charged to have a new BCM installed at the dealer?
Also, would this work?
http://www.gethypoxic.com/reviews-te...-bc1-unit.html

 

What prevents a used BC1 from being transferred to a different Mini of the same model year?

 

BMW's electronics.

Modules are VIN and hardware coded.

This is not a BMW/MINI only issue, all OEMs do this now.

Take it for what it is... Basically strong-arming you..

 

So if my local BMW expert hacker erases the VIN and existing coding in the used BC1 that BC1 can be recoded and used again for the same model year Mini??

 

It's my understanding that most modules are a one time VIN flash.

But I guess anything can be hacked...

 

Have you switched any used BC1 modules yet?
Realoem.com shows 11 unique BC1 modules with
each model year having 2 or 3 modules assigned to it.
I found a posting that said it was possible to install a used BC1 in a different car and have the BC1 function and only give fault codes that the VIN and
coding were incorrect for that car.