Hey Guys, Knowing that different dealers handle MINI rules and reg's differently I asked my SA about the JCW Tune kit (new air box, reprogram the ECU and a new Exhaust) I have a CAI, think I can do better on the catback, but do want the reprogram of the ECU. SA told me that it comes as a CDROM with the kit and that it is VIN specific. I'd like the ECU tuned but choice of having ECU flashed by a modder, which is going to be lost next time a MINI tech hooks Augie up to the MINI diagnostic computer, or having reprogrammed by MINI makes some sense. But not for $2000 some odd dollars which is just the kit cost not installed Anybody find a dealer willing to work with you on just the ECU MINI approved re-program?
If I were you I would spend that money on an intercooler and and custom tune, and next time you go in to your dealership ask them not to mess with the ecu. Everytime I go into the dealership I just tell them not to reflash the ecu.
the intercooler is after the exhaust on my mod list. Waiting on a R56 Air/Water from Defenders of Speed. Looks like the 3rd party tune is going to be the route to get more out of the ECU. Way has already downloaded my current config and more than willing to tune it! Thanks
I have a friend that told me his friend got the JCW ecu (nothing else) on his mini and it caused the engine to run extremely rich.
I'd heard that on the first gen some dealers would do it... but I've never heard of it on the 2nd gen MINIs.... I'm doubting that adding an intake and exhaust without any more work would really result in much change to A/F ratios... Matt
I have the JCW files avail. as an alternative to a full custom tune. You can't buy just the JCW ECU tune from the dealer without buying the entire stage 1 JCW package. I haven't had people run too rich with the JCW file, usually they tell me they gain MPG with it.
Having had a Stage I JCW kit on my '08, an '09 JCW factory tune and now a JCW tuned by RMW, I'd say don't waste your money on the JCW tune UNLESS you are interested in the car being covered under warranty. I'm not sure if Jan at RMW has it out yet (it was discussed before, just don't know if they got released) but they are getting ready to sell a OBDII standalone unit to install your tune. Point is, as long as you have it in your possession, you can reinstall the tune at any point with the OBDII unit. Mark
I have a personal tune module that should be coming avail. in December. But with an R56 you have to be careful if you go to reflash your car with your tune file after the dealer reflashes. I've found that alot of times the ECU coding changes when they do an update that won't match your old file. So if you where to reupload your old file you'll crash your ECU. When end user modules are avail we'll be able to test and see if you'll be able to verify the files before flashing. Also don't get too excited yet. The personal tuning modules right now have the pricing putting them about $500+ the tune. But we'll get actually pricing when we have them avail.
I finally got the Stage 1 Tune done last week. Woohoo. As others have indicated, I stuck with the JCW tune in order to maintain my warranty, not necessarily because I was trying to eek out every last drop of performance. The exhaust note is rather nice (although at first when I was driving around with the rear seats down and the boot cover off, the drone was too loud). Its much deeper and more aggressive sounding. At home I was unloading our other vehicle when my wife pulled into the driveway with the MINI, wow did it sound nice. Rarely do I get a chance to hear the exhaust other than from within the cabin of the car. Took Spike for a couple of spirited drives and really noticed the difference, especially pulling away up a long stretch of the highway. Two minor tweaks as a result of the software updates that preceed the ECU tune: 1) My doors autolock when I start the car 2) When I partially depress (tap) the turn signals they hold for exactly 3 blips, previously I had to hold it down for 2 or 3 seconds 3) Car is quieter when I start. I had the "Death Rattle" that was fixed last spring but after the tune it sounds even quieter. Maybe everybody's had these on their MINI already but those were minor 'updates' on mine.
On the R50/R53, you could get that autolock disabled at the dealer. Not sure if the R56 works the same way.
I believe those functions can be changed via the "Set/Info" part of the on-board computer. See page 20 --> http://www.motoringfile.com/files/2007_MINI_Hardtop.pdf
Random Noob question. Does the stage 1 tune add "the burble" to an R56 or is that a feature only given to factory JCW's? I think I read somewhere that the burble had to with back pressure and the ECU, but don't quote me on it. Thanks!