Can you put newer ECU or ZKE in older MINI's?
 

Does anyone know if you can swap a newer ECU into an older MINI?

I have this hankering to put an '04 ECU into my '03 to get the upgraded comptuer functions like digital speedo and real time mpg.

Or are these functions provided by ZKE Electronic Body Module?

Or maybe I have to swap both. :eek2:

I know there is the ECU in the engine bay next to air filter and the ZKE is on right hand side footwell. Maybe that computer is all the user interface functions.

And then if the swap did occur, are there things like a coded ingnition key that would keep engine from starting?

The ECU is coded to the VIN of the vehicle. Dealers somehow get around that when they install a new ECU but I imagine whatever does that is only available to them.