I have seen scattered throughout various threads and posts that quite a few of you have had the latest software update to 36. I would like to know how many people that actually fixed the problem for.

I have a couple of questions re v36: Should everyone have v36 installed just because it is the latest version of the Mini’s operating software? In other words, does every car need the new software? Are there cars out there that are running just fine on older versions of the software? Are there any downsides to having the latest version installed just for the sake of having it? The reason I ask is that my 2004 CVT does not appear to be experiencing any of the problems I have read about which are associated with earlier software versions?

prs,

That would be my question also. My Aug '02 MCS runs great. No stumble or yoyoing. I sure don't plan on upgrading.

"Don't fix it if it ain't broken!" :cool:

prs,

That would be my question also. My Aug '02 MCS runs great. No stumble or yoyoing. I sure don't plan on upgrading.

"Don't fix it if it ain't broken!" :cool:

Hi Bilbo --

My thoughts exactly. But I hope someone out there can answer my questions.

prs,

That would be my question also. My Aug '02 MCS runs great. No stumble or yoyoing. I sure don't plan on upgrading.

"Don't fix it if it ain't broken!" :cool:

Theres the quandry, if it aint broke, then tell your dealer not to upgrade when the service call comes along, and make sure they understand. In all honesty the upgrade should only apply to a range of VIN numbers, those not in the range should not be changed. I hope the diagnostic software is aware of which VIN's are affected, and only applies the upgrade to these, it would make sense , and I think the BMW/MINI are switched on to the best practice , I'll check it out , if its not as it it should be I'll post a cautionary note here.

I have a couple of questions re v36: Should everyone have v36 installed just because it is the latest version of the Mini’s operating software? In other words, does every car need the new software? Are there cars out there that are running just fine on older versions of the software? Are there any downsides to having the latest version installed just for the sake of having it? The reason I ask is that my 2004 CVT does not appear to be experiencing any of the problems I have read about which are associated with earlier software versions?

Mini USA claim that the YoYo is a characteristic of the car - even after v36 - therefore ALL mini S models will exhibit step acceleration [yoyo] at 2800 - 4000 rpm - with a specific torque loading on the engine. [like when you are accelerating through the most useful part of the tourque curve in normal city driving]

Those who frequent these halls who claim that their S model cars don't have a problem, are either totally insensitive or in denial.

Or [and I think we all know the answer to this one] BMW are BSing us to save themselves a few bucks.

Those of us who got a bad one are screwed - and good for those who got a good one.

I don't want any assosciation with a company that will knowingly sell you a car with serious driveability issues and then turn their back on you. [to the extent of lies and deciet in Lemon Law proceedings under oath, to avoid having to do the right thing and delivery warantee]

This is one car they will get back.

Bustad Bavarian Thieves Not BMW

In my case, v.36 cured the stumble. (Car never had the yo-yo problem.)

Also, I would like the first answer shortened to: "Yes- it is completely cured" since the car had the stumble problem ON the day I drove it home...

My 9/03 build '04 MCS with 2,500 miles does not have any stumble or yo-yo. Its not denial, its reality...;)

My 9/03 build '04 MCS with 2,500 miles does not have any stumble or yo-yo. Its not denial, its reality...;)

So how is it BMW claim that the yoyo is a characteristic of the car even after v36?

Their handling of this software fiasco is nothing short of devious. :mad: :mad: :mad:

BMW are a pack of deceitful cheats who will stop at nothing to avoid making repairations to these cars with serious driveability issues. This is the reality!

What's your answer BMW ???- you are seeing it here in black and white - some cars do and some don't - characteristic or more BS from the bavarian thieves.

You will take this car back even if I have to turn it into a rectal suppository for Jack Pitney.

I think the Siemens sourced adaptive software is so complex that they can't even determine its behavior once downloaded to the car. It is pretty daunting as to why some cars have severe problems and others don't, using the same exact hardware and software.

Let's keep this poll alive as more of us get v36. Mine is scheduled for installation after the holidays. Harvey

Let's keep this poll alive as more of us get v36. Mine is scheduled for installation after the holidays. Harvey
Good idea... bringing it back to the top. :)

Had v36 installed today. No help. new MCS 2004 , now 1800 miles.

Just to repeat, yo-yo occurs at partial throttle 2500-3500 rpm, 2nd and 3rd gear only. More spirited driving and keeping your revs higher (or lower) avoids the problem. Most of the time it is just noticeable. For ex, yo-yo would not be easily detected on a bumpy road. Harvey

I had the the "stumble?" in 1st gear and very low idle with air condition on. May, 2003 Cooper. 36 upgrade last week. Both problems fixed.

MCS '02 - 13K miles. Stumble 100% fixed; Yo-Yo 100% fixed (both were very obvious before V36)

Note that i do have normal stick-shift mechanical "bucking" of the car when suddenly lifting off the throttle in 2nd and 3rd... but the weird partial throttle yo-yo, where it seemed like the engine SW was trying to compensate for something, is completely gone.

31% report no improvement; not a very good sign. What were the build dates, and/or what version was in place before v36 on those cars?
I have a 7/02 build S, and it hasn't had yo-yo since the 32 update, but I've been stumbling/hiccupping ever since. Have not had any updates since 32, as I felt that the 1st-gear stumble was tolerable until it was fixed, and I didn't want to introduce any new problems by "upgrading" to 33, 34, etc.
I'm waiting to hear from my dealer, as they've ordered a part to fix my fuel gauge, and I was going to wait until they coud do the v36, as well. Reports of any problems CAUSED by v36?

31% report no improvement; not a very good sign. What were the build dates, and/or what version was in place before v36 on those cars?
I have a 7/02 build S, and it hasn't had yo-yo since the 32 update, but I've been stumbling/hiccupping ever since. Have not had any updates since 32, as I felt that the 1st-gear stumble was tolerable until it was fixed, and I didn't want to introduce any new problems by "upgrading" to 33, 34, etc.
I'm waiting to hear from my dealer, as they've ordered a part to fix my fuel gauge, and I was going to wait until they coud do the v36, as well. Reports of any problems CAUSED by v36?

That's what gets me about how odd and inconsistent this is.
CD 32.1 FIXED my cold start and hesitation problem. Didn't phase the yoyo.
Mine's an '02 S.

31% report no improvement; not a very good sign. What were the build dates, and/or what version was in place before v36 on those cars?
I have a 7/02 build S, and it hasn't had yo-yo since the 32 update, but I've been stumbling/hiccupping ever since. Have not had any updates since 32, as I felt that the 1st-gear stumble was tolerable until it was fixed, and I didn't want to introduce any new problems by "upgrading" to 33, 34, etc.
I'm waiting to hear from my dealer, as they've ordered a part to fix my fuel gauge, and I was going to wait until they coud do the v36, as well. Reports of any problems CAUSED by v36?

If 31% reported no improvement then almost 70% did report improvement. Isn't that good? (And there are exactly 0 reports of new problems...)

I suppose it is something of a glass half-full/half-empty, but I'm used to mechanical devices being either fixed or broken, and without variations according to peculiarities of individual examples. I mean, all U.S.-market '02 Cooper Ss were built with essnetially the same components, so why do they act and react so differently? How can v36 fix one car, and not fix another? Some steadfastly claim that their yo-yo remains, when I can just as certainly report that mine went away with v32. My car has the stumble/hiccup, but even after driving a car at the dealer that didn't have it, and letting a service rep drive them both, the guy wouldn't admit he could tell the difference. I guess no reports of new problems is the thing I should be happy about, and just hope my car is in the 70% group.

at 70/30, the odds are better than half/full/half empty ;)

Did v36 help me? No. My new MCS had 1800 miles on it when we had v36 loaded this week. Never had 1st gear stumble, but did have the "bucking/yo-yo" at 2500-4000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd gear. Still there but not a major problem. Altering accelerator and shift points avoids/reduces it.

But the DSC is a problem if you are in a hurry:
example 1 - Stomp on the gas, at 6000 shift medium fast into 2nd and no problem. But shift quickly and all you get is a brief tire chirp, then serious engine power cut-off. Do this again with the DSC turned out and you will scorch the tires and keep on accelerating.

example 2 - ascending S curves in second gear at 4000 rpm. Floor it exiting the curve and the DSC will "smooth" out the power way too much. (Only time I can see this helping might be on snow, but only a moron would floor it then anyway.)Turn off DSC, and you will launch out of the curve as desired.

These are quirks that an observant driver can (will have to) work around. Harvey

I'm going in, next Friday, for the v36 update. Right now, my only driveability complaint is the first-gear hiccup/stumble from standing starts. No yo-yo, no nothing; should I do it?
I'm concerned that a new bug will be introduced, while nothing is fixed. The dealer said they've done five or six already, with positive feedback on all of them (NW Mini, in Fife, WA - anyone want to confirm that?). Still, I'm nervous.

I'm going in, next Friday, for the v36 update. Right now, my only driveability complaint is the first-gear hiccup/stumble from standing starts. No yo-yo, no nothing; should I do it?
I'm concerned that a new bug will be introduced, while nothing is fixed. The dealer said they've done five or six already, with positive feedback on all of them (NW Mini, in Fife, WA - anyone want to confirm that?). Still, I'm nervous.

Month ago I had the same problem - now the stumble is but a distant memory... :)

Just had V36.0 loaded on my MCS yesterday after suffering from both stumble & yoyo from new(July 03 build).The car is now 95% perfect. Stumble totally gone & yoyo almost totally gone(very difficult to notice any at all,only because I'm looking for it).
Have done almost 100 miles now on country roads & city center driving. I feel like I've been given a new car!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :) :) :) :) :)
Have been using BP Ultimate for the last couple of months which has also helped.Improves the economy by almost 4 miles to the gallon but is 5p dearer but haven't worked out yet which is better.I don't care.Stuff the expense!!! :) :) :)
Full marks to the John Clark Mini Dealer in Aberdeen.
I'm one happy Scotsman

My car never had the Yo-Yo problem. I had the latest software version loaded today. It seems to have solved the stumble though completely and has smoothed the throttle response at low speeds significantly. Also seems a bit faster, but that could just be down to the cold evening today :)

Got v.36 loaded beginning of December and it did wonders for my car!

I had a bad stumble and yoyo...Now drives smooth, improved gas mileage...

Before my car was very twitchy, now it is very smooth....definitely a FIX in my book!

Got v.36 loaded beginning of December and it did wonders for my car!

I had a bad stumble and yoyo...Now drives smooth, improved gas mileage...

Before my car was very twitchy, now it is very smooth....definitely a FIX in my book!

Are people just asking the dealer for v36 when they're in for a service etc, or booking in specifically to get it done? Do they charge you for it (or just labour costs)??

And by the way, I've noticed most stumbles seem to be MCS - I've got it on my Cooper, is this unusual?

Graham

I specifically sought out a dealer who was loading v.36, because I had heard that it was working...my local dealer didn't start loading it until January, so I drove 90 minutes to a dealer that was doing it.
No charge--if you say you have a stumble, they'll do it upon request. ITs considered a manufacturers' fix of a software problem. I have heard some MC owners complain of the problem.
Most people say "if its not broken, don't fix it!", but if you have a stumble its worth getting.
Good luck!

Feb '03 build Cooper S had the stumble. V36 made it as smooth as silk. It was a "joy with a jerk" with the stumble. It's now just a joy.

OK, here's another one: Some have reported that their car has better preformance for having been driven hard right after a computer update. The car adapts to that style, and then (hopefully?) retains that learned behavior. Is this true? How long does the car have to be driven hard, in order for the car to remember? Will it later forget?