>>After I'm all done with that I'll get my pulley software updates redone.
>>
>>Graham
>>

OK I can anticipate the next question. How do I ensure I don't get the stumble back? The pulley software upgrades are based on the software that's in the ECU, not some master copy that EvoTech has. So I won't be getting pulley software based on the 33.2 that I had before. It'll be based on what I get from MINI.

Graham

 

>>OK I can anticipate the next question. How do I ensure I don't get the stumble back? The pulley software upgrades are based on the software that's in the ECU, not some master copy that EvoTech has. So I won't be getting pulley software based on the 33.2 that I had before. It'll be based on what I get from MINI.
>>

I understand what you're saying about the EvoTech software, but I don't see how this really makes sense. What exactly is the EvoTech software doing? If it bases itself on the MINI software, then how can EvoTech really achieve results that IT can control? Maybe I don't understand enough about how DME software works, but I'm not thinking that you can change one thing (in the area of engine and performance control) without changing something else. Thus, how do you KNOW that the EvoTech "additions" won't undermine the MINI changes?

 

This is really a question for Randy. However, the way Randy told me it works is that there are some parameters in the software (such as rpm limit, A/F ratios, etc) and these are mapped to new values. So the ECU file is downloaded to a laptop, emailed to Germany, remapped and emailed back. Randy then reloads the ECU.

I do know that my ECU EvoTech stuff is guaranteed and will be put back on free of charge if the remaps ever get overritten.

Graham

 

Hummm.

 

I for one would like to proclaim my ignorance: I have absolutely no idea how this whole ECU remapping thing works. Would anyone like to pass the week that we have to wait before our Guinea Pig reports by explaining how on earth this whole ECU thing works? Feel free to start a new thread. I would like to know:

a) What is an ECU? Is it a chip? Is it a memory device? A combination of both?

b) How is software loaded into the system?

c) Is a remapping an actual physical alteration of the ECU or is it simply an alteration of whatever software is currently loaded?

d) If one has an EVOTECH'ed ECU, and a dealer installs (?) fresh software, are your $$$ lost? Will you have to send the ECU back to EVO?

I'm sorry I just need a synopsis. Sorry to completely hijack things...like I said, feel free to start a new thread if we want to keep this stumble thread "pure."

 

>>a) What is an ECU? Is it a chip? Is it a memory device? A combination of both?
>>
It's a small computer under your hood that tells the engine when and how to do things. As an example, if it senses the wheels are slipping the DSC comes on and slows down the engine. In terms of fuel management, it sees that the throttle is at such a position and as a result gives so much fuel.

>>b) How is software loaded into the system?
>>
There is a little plug under the steering wheel that you plug a cable into. The MINI uses an ODBII conector.

>>c) Is a remapping an actual physical alteration of the ECU or is it simply an alteration of whatever software is currently loaded?
>>
From what I understand about the Evotech ECU, you download the "software" on your current ECU, send it to Evotech and they send a modified version back based on the software you send them

>>d) If one has an EVOTECH'ed ECU, and a dealer installs (?) fresh software, are your $$$ lost? Will you have to send the ECU back to EVO?
>>
You will have to send it back to Evotech to get the ECU reflashed but they do it either for free or at a discount (I can't remember what Evotech does)

>>I'm sorry I just need a synopsis. Sorry to completely hijack things...like I said, feel free to start a new thread if we want to keep this stumble thread "pure."
>>
no problem, now we can resume the stumble thread....

 

Thanks. That works for me!

***And now for something completely different***

 

Hey Graham... you rock! And thanks again for being a lab rat!

 

>>Hey Graham... you rock! And thanks again for being a lab rat!

Well today is very early Saturday and I left my car at the dealership on Wednesday morning. Three days and I am in total absolute withdrawal! Nobody, not one person even looks at this brand spanking new rental Sebring with dealer plates! And I get to drive this for a whole week! Not that I'm not grateful to MINI for the rental though!

Here's a secret. I took the Sebring through some of my favorite clover leafs today as an experiment. I'd say that at about 60% MINI speed in the turn there was this awfull screeching sound from the front tires and then the whole car began to lean over. Very, very disconcerting. I need sway bars real bad!

I'll check on the fuel consumption, but I've gotta tell you, I never get much above 22, but that's just me. Gotta love that supercharger noise in the higher RPMs!

Graham

 

Graham,
I have been following your lead with great interest. Marc at JRMini suggested that I meet you and told me what was going on. I have all the same problems and look forward to your results. I plan to make most of the mods that you have done as soon as we get this problem solved.
Jan

 

>>Graham,
>>I have been following your lead with great interest. Marc at JRMini suggested that I meet you and told me what was going on. I have all the same problems and look forward to your results. I plan to make most of the mods that you have done as soon as we get this problem solved.
>>Jan


Jan I sent you a PM.

Graham

 

Hey guys... someone posted about a 33.3 upgrade [either here or in "beneath the bonnet"]. Does this seem like something we should be looking into with our dealers, or do y'all think it best to wait n' see what happens with our favourite test monkey, Graham?

The post did mention that the stumble is still in effect (grrrrr...) but it's better, and the cold start and low RPM performance are cured and boosted, respectively.

 

No! 33.3 (and the short-lived, illfated 33.2) is the stumbling software!

I think it may have some benefits for CVTs, but it's no good for MCS's. It was the upgrade from 32.x to 33.3 that gave my car this problem. I think the same was true for DiD too.

 

k, thanks! Mine came from 33.2 and I wasn't aware they'd chucked another crap version into the mix after that. Do they not learn?

 

Update....

Reprogrammed ECU arrived at the dealership today. No stumble but my car won't start :smile:

I'll keep you posted!

Graham

 

my friend MeeneeCoopah just had his Cooper flashed with the NEW 33.3 software at the dealership today. His first reactions (after chatting with him on the phone) were that the stumble was dramatically reduced, and that the car felt "like it has an intake installed!" Smoothness is improved, and the car feels generally more graceful and refined.

This is excellent news for all us suffering with 33.2!
I plan on updating my ECU (and subsequently sending to Randy for Evotech reflashing) very soon!

Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>my friend MeeneeCoopah just had his Cooper flashed with the NEW 33.3 software at the dealership today. His first reactions (after chatting with him on the phone) were that the stumble was dramatically reduced, and that the car felt "like it has an intake installed!" Smoothness is improved, and the car feels generally more graceful and refined.
>>
>>This is excellent news for all us suffering with 33.2!
>>I plan on updating my ECU (and subsequently sending to Randy for Evotech reflashing) very soon!
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Ryan

Let's wait though before we declare 33.3 the answer. I have several stumble sufferers lined up to drive my car and I'd like to get a 100% stumble free car out of this and know which version of the software is best. More tomorrow...

Graham

 

Graham, you do know that the EVOtech remap is based on the Siemens ECU software, right? So if you have a 33.1 car, your remap is based on 33.1. EVOtech has the capability to rewrite certain chunks of code, not write whole new code!
In other words, 33.3+EVOtech will undoubtly be better than 33.2+EVOtech assuming what my friend has found is accurate and not him just getting excited.

Good luck,
Ryan

 

Ryan, I understand that totally. My point is that intalking with MINI, the dealership is always behind what they have in New Jersey, which is why I wanted to get in on this program to get the latest out of the lab. That's what I want to test.

What I don't want to do is go back and forth with EvoTech more than just once more to get this right. If I take 33.3, is this the best option or does the lab have a 100% stumble free version? That's what I'm trying to find out.

I hope that helps.

Graham

 

Graham-

What's the verdict? Stumble gone? Cold start gone?

We are all awaiting your findings

 

>>Update....
>>
>>Reprogrammed ECU arrived at the dealership today. No stumble but my car won't start

If your ECU is removed from the car and you lock the car, you're SOL. Had this happen to a customer's car. The ECU had to be completely reflashed at the dealer. It has something to do with the anti-theft deally-poo. Sounds like the ECU is back off to Jersey again. Do keep us updated.

R

 

>>>>Update....
>>>>
>>>>Reprogrammed ECU arrived at the dealership today. No stumble but my car won't start
>>
>>If your ECU is removed from the car and you lock the car, you're SOL. Had this happen to a customer's car. The ECU had to be completely reflashed at the dealer. It has something to do with the anti-theft deally-poo. Sounds like the ECU is back off to Jersey again. Do keep us updated.
>>
>>R

Wow, I bet that's what happened at the dealership! They locked the car with no ECU onboard. You'd think though that with no ECU there would be no "intelligence" left in the car such as anti-theft. Anyway, as you say, it's back to Jersey!

Graham

 

>>>>>>Update....
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Reprogrammed ECU arrived at the dealership today. No stumble but my car won't start
>>>>
>>>>If your ECU is removed from the car and you lock the car, you're SOL. Had this happen to a customer's car. The ECU had to be completely reflashed at the dealer. It has something to do with the anti-theft deally-poo. Sounds like the ECU is back off to Jersey again.

 

I bet the folks in NJ and the dealer were frustrated with the comedy of errors.

See ya,
JS

 

The engine stumble problem is really more of a warranty issue with the OE software. Thus, this thread has been moved to Beneath the Bonnet from Performance Mods.