Fellow members,

Several months ago my local Mini Service Center informed me my SZL Module needed to be replaced. Of course I have had intermittent issues with the Amber Warning Light and Brake Light, which eventually became constant.

Anyway......

I wanted to ask if SZL can be programmed by Mini out of the car?

If not, can I replace it myself then bring the car to Mini Service for programming later?

Lastly, Does the removal and replacement of the SZL Module require anything more than basic hand tools? Any threads on here related to the removal/replacement of the SZL Module?


Let me know....

 

Programmed... as in? After the steering switch cluster (SZL) has been installed, and if the car has DSC, a MINI scan tool must be used to carry out the steering angle sensor adjustment system function and calibration.

After looking through the Bentley service manual, no, there's nothing specific on special tools required.

- Erik

 

bluefox280, thanks for your comments. based on your quoted comments it appears i will have to install it (myself), then drive my car to mini for system function and calibration.

Is it safe to drivethe vehicle with an untested and calibrated SZL?

Is there a good place to get a bentley manual at a reasonable price?

 

No it will have to be installed first. as bluefox said for the steering angle stuff.

As for repalcement only regular hand tools are needed. But you MUST make sure that if you are purchasing a USED one that you get the correct one for the car. Over the years there have been a number of different revisions and those are dependant on the options the car has like Multi Function Steering Wheel, and others. IF you search here you will find that some people have tried to upgrade their cars and had problems getting the correct SLZ Module. But if you are buyig NEW then i believe they have gone to just using the top module that will cover all possibilities but i could be wrong on that. Check with the dealers parts department.

 

Old post, but maybe someone will know? Where exactly is the SLZ module located? I'm exhibiting some of the same warnings after messing around.... I'm thinking I may have accidently unplugged something, perhaps? DSC, brake light warnings in yellow. I get airbag and seatbelt also.

 

This is what you are looking for.

 

Ah! Thanks so much. Funny name for a column switch! Fortunately I do not need one!

 

I summon this thread to come out of its slumberrrrr!

I'm about to install a new SZL unit. I have calibration software. Is there any special programming that needs to happen other than recalibration of the steering angle relative to the wheel angle with a new unit?

Bentley Manual (far cry from a proper factory service manual) doesn't say anything about it.

...thanks.

 

The Bentley manual says to "reset the steering angle sensor" (page 612-8).

This BMW web (http://www.bimmerscan.com/bmw-steering-angle-sensor/) page says :"After replacing the steering-angle sensor, it must first be coded and then calibrated. In order to perform its internal calculations, the steering angle sensor requires model-specific data which has to be loaded onto it by means of coding."

This primer (http://www.kneb.net/bmw/F01-02/05.13...%20Cluster.pdf) says to "intialize" the SZL....whatever that means.

 

Did you ever find an answer to this question? Can this be done in NCS Expert?

I'm trying to add cruise to my Mini and getting disappointed at just how deep this rabbit hole goes...

 

Also, I am a little desperate to find the Part # for the SKL. RealOEM Lists part numbers for brand new ones. I was hoping to grab one off of a used Mini for less. Apparently the part numbers are different.

 

You need BMW specific software. SZL cannot be programmed to the car with any old software. My AutoEnginuity could not do it. I had to have a BMW specialist shop program it to the car.

 

I dont know what youre getting at nomar116. Whats a SKL? Why cant you just find a used SZL with a part # that matches your car's SZL?

 

Sorry for the typo, I have been referring to this thing as an SKL when it is actually an SZL. My mistake.

The only part numbers I have come across are on RealOEM and they correspond to the newer part, not a number that was used on the original Mini.

While I still wish I had the part number, I went ahead and purchased a used SZL from a forum member. He has the same year, and a car with both DSC and rain sensors, plus the wheel had multi-function steering. SO hopefully it will work!

Per your suggestion I will take the car to Mini and hope they can calibrate this thing in around 1 hour of labor or so...?

 

Ok i understand better now.

Yes they charged me one hour. I'm sure it takes 15 minutes.

I never ever use cruise control.

 

I just got my SZL in the mail. It is a used one off another 2009 like mine. I have a MINI dealership in the area that is capable of doing the work. They said that if its just the steering wheel angle it'll be $104, other reprogramming would likely cost more and they want me to leave the car with them for the day.

Can I replace the SZL myself first, then drive it to the dealer to have it reprogrammed? How will I know that/if it needs to be reprogrammed??

 

Absolutely you can drive it after changing the SZL. Your DSC wont work and the wipers and turn signals wont turn off by themselves but other than that it will drive normally.

$104 is what I paid at a BMW specialty shop.

Did they send you the SZL with a RED PLUG IN IT or TAPED into the centered position?

IF NOT, you must center it before re-installing the steering wheel AND the front wheels must be straight when you take the steering wheel off so that when you put the steering wheel back on, with the SZL centered, you don't tear the ribbon cable inside when you turn the steering wheel!

 

Oh boy...

I just read a post from you back in January about not spinning the disc, and rotating it all the way around in one direction until it stops and then unwinding 2.5 turns...

I started spinning it because I noticed that the disc is not level. The disc I'm referring to is the one that has the electrical connectors the steering wheel plugs into. Instead it is sitting up on one side and flush on the other so the whole disc is not level with the rest of the SZL. I can look inside the gap that is formed on one side and see the ribbon cable you are referring to (the passenger, or right side). It doesn't look right.

I bought this SZL off of another forum member and I suspect he did not know what he was doing when he removed it. I asked him and he has no idea what position the wheel was in when it was removed.

 

ok so this is what you do. GENTLY spin the disc until you feel it resists. Then spin it completely the other way until it resists (fully wound).

Do this a few times until you have a feel for how many total rotations its takes to reach resistance to spinning (fully wound).

Now, when fully wound in one direction or the other, unwind 2.5 times. That's the center. TAPE IT IN THAT POSITION.

 

LIFE SAVER!!!

So I rotated it both ways, it revolves a total of 5.5 times. I then went 2.75 turns back to find the exact middle!

More importantly, the first time I hit the extreme on one of the sides it made a loud snapping sound and the whole disc fell back into place level across the SZL. It seems the ribbon was slightly misaligned somehow, perhaps during removal or delivery. Now it rotates smoothly and looks the way I would have expected. The ribbon seems fine as it still tracks smoothly and stops on both sides.

I'm going to go try and install it. Maybe it doesn't need to be calibrated since it is also off a 2009 S with the same features as mine??

 

ok good! you found the center position for the ribbon cable.

hmm...my understanding is your PCM wont know its even there until its programmed, but then again, like you said, maybe it is already programmed? I dont know.

Once you install and turn the car on, you'll know!

Keep us posted hommie.

 

But it may need steering wheel to wheel position calibration....that is a different programming procedure.

My AUTOENGINUITY software can calibrate steering angle but it cannot program a new SZL.

When they programmed my new SZL they surely had to calibrate the steering angles as part of the procedure. Wish I was there when they did it.

 

I installed the replacement SZL. I ended up matching the disc's rotations to the SZL I removed exactly, that was about 180 degrees out from the exact middle position of the SZL's ribbon. That gives 2.5 turns in both directions and I was hoping that might allow me to get away without the alignment...?

I briefly fired up the car to see the effect.

The good news... the Radio AND Cruise Control Functions WORK!!! I did it (with everyone's help of course)!!!

The bad news... The windshield wipers are going none stop! In fact, as I accelerated to 5 mph they sped up even faster! I could not figure out a way to turn them off. Kind of a funny side note as I'm sure this will be an easy fix... somehow. I also don't know how else to check the programming and if calibration is needed, perhaps for the DSC.

 

So your DSC light ISNT on?

Looks like the programming of the SZL needs to happen regardless if only for the windshield wiper function. Ask MINI before they start programming what their take is.

 

I was able to get the wipers to stop by pulling the wiper fuse, F9, in the engine compartment. That allowed my wife to drive the car to work today.

I took it around the block and did not see any indications popping up for any other errors. Anything else I should be looking for?