[Vanwall]

Here in the States, there has been a recall for some MINIs regarding emissions sensing problems. The DME is reprogrammed with the latest version, V.39.2, which seem to be the only rectification required for this recall. I had been resisting most of the updates up until this point, as they didn't directly address the few issues that my CVT had. Now Past Tense!! ;-) V.39.2 is the real deal for me! Altho I always had the CVT lag slightly on take-off, I wasn't having any other real problems - or so I thought. It's amazing after 52,000 some miles, how you adapt to the subtleties of your car, whether you realize it or not. This version has given me a totally new and improved driving experience! The lag is almost non-existent, the transitions from reverse to "D" are butter smooth, and the lower and mid range acceleration is way improved. My revs at 75 MPH are now a steady 3,000 RPM on level ground, and going uphill is easier in both SD, and D. D is now much improved, with much better throttle response. If this was a regular geared box and I had done these changes myself, it would have required replacement of all the gears and prolly the final drive to reach the same results. Amazing. The only change that I'm still getting used to is the Steptronic changes. One of the things I liked B4 this version was the quick change between gears when done manually - it is now just a hair slower, but oh-so-more smoothly done. I have to adjust myself to the new parameters, I guess. ;-) I hope this version helps others as much as it helped me, and I didn't even know I needed it!

As added bonuses, my driver's side window motor was acting balky, and they had on record a number of minor adjustments to that window over the last two years, so they said what the heck we'll swap it out for free as a goodwill gesture - !!! - plus, I was just starting to hear the dreaded steering click that seems to pop up in some MINIs, and even tho I had passed the warranty and I was pretty sure I was screwed, they replaced the the whole column and spindle and split the cost, also as a goodwill gesture! They could've stuck to the letter of the warranty, and said sorry, pal, but they just went up a helluva lotta notches in my book. Brooksie is now like a new car, and I'm glad I just got my new Yokos on!

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[jazmini]

Yes, I just had my emissions re-call done a week ago, and they put in that new ECU version. I thought it was quicker off the line because it had almost no lag. Reverse is smoother too, and also initial takeoff after starting the engine. I've only driven in D mode so far so can't say about the other modes. It's unfortunate that steptronic shifts will be a little slower, as those quick shifts were one of my biggest thrills with the CVT.

[Paul!]

Were ya both running v. 39.1 before this latest upgrade? I noticed a lot of what was mentioned above when going from 36 to 39.1. It'll be great if 39.2 improved upon 39.1!!

-Paul!

[Vanwall]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul!

Were ya both running v. 39.1 before this latest upgrade? I noticed a lot of what was mentioned above when going from 36 to 39.1. It'll be great if 39.2 improved upon 39.1!!

-Paul!

To be honest, I had lost track of which version was actually there B4 this last upgrade. ;-) it was a 36 series, AFAIK. This latest was the one version I was going to insist upon, however, due to the positive feedback on the various boards. Looks like it cured what ailed her, and Brooksie is a much peppier beasty, now.

Jazmini - the shifts are really smoother, rather than slower, and the engine braking is more in line with the rev range now. It's still a blast to shift, and is still much more controllable in the twisties in manual. The real benefit is the oomph in the lower revs, it's like adding boost or "camming" earlier, all done with programming, amazingly.

Heading over to Flagstaff, Arizona this New Years, and this will be a test of the latest & greatest. Can't wait - snow! (yeah, I know, how weird izzat?) I knew I was hanging around the Canadian MINI site for some reason! ;-)

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[mataku]

how do you find out what version you have? Mine was built in October and delivered late november.

Also, is this something for everybody or just for those who have problems?

[tchangmo]

Rob,
Where did you get your service done? We got both of ours at Brecht. Only had the CVT in for the first service which went fine, but I've heard good and bad about Brecht's service department.

Ted
'04 MC CVT CR/B, '05 MCS LY/W

[Vanwall]

Quote: Originally Posted by mataku

how do you find out what version you have? Mine was built in October and delivered late november.

Also, is this something for everybody or just for those who have problems?

I'm not sure how to find out, but there's gotta a be thread on this board somewhere. ;-)
Worse comes to worse, call the dealer where you last had any service done.
The recall notice came in the mail, for my Cooper and the 'S', so it's prolly by chassis number or build date. Not everyone seems to be getting it.
Good luck,

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[jazmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul!

Were ya both running v. 39.1 before this latest upgrade? I noticed a lot of what was mentioned above when going from 36 to 39.1. It'll be great if 39.2 improved upon 39.1!!

-Paul!

Paul -- I have not had any upgrades before this new version was installed, and don't know what version it was -- my car was an early 2004 model. The Service Advisor at Sterling MINI told me that when they release a new version it includes all prior upgrades. So, 39.2 will include the improvements in 39.1, however, I think 39.2 is really just the recall on emissions added to 39.1, so if you don't need the recall I don't think you need to get 39.2.

I'm a believer as it works much better now. On take off, D seems like SD used to be. On takeoff, the car goes right away, but not really fast but it goes, then the engine spools up as before (but you are moving while it is doing that) and then you get a big rush of power a second later. I really think they do this on purpose as perhaps the CVT transmission is not designed to be able to handle a big surge in off the line power. It's great though. Reverse is smoother and takeoffs going slow are smoother too. When I put it in reverse before I always used my left foot on the brake and right foot on the gas in combination to keep it fairly smooth, but now I don't use my brake as it goes slow enough to not need that. Big improvement!

[jazmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vanwall

Jazmini - the shifts are really smoother, rather than slower, and the engine braking is more in line with the rev range now. It's still a blast to shift, and is still much more controllable in the twisties in manual. The real benefit is the oomph in the lower revs, it's like adding boost or "camming" earlier, all done with programming, amazingly.

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

Rob -- Glad to hear it! Sounds fun! Enjoy your trip to Flag. I've lived in both San Diego and Phoenix and been to Flag a few times. It's great to visit.