[kriation]

Folks,

I currently own a 2001 S4, and am in the process of deciding to order an MCS. I've been doing a bit of research lately to discover the tuning potential of the MCS from all perspectives. It seems like there's quite an aftermarket for the MCS. However, through my research, I haven't found a tool like the one from Ross-Tech that the VW/Audi owners use for diagnostics. Also, the S4 owners use a software tool provided by Revo to make changes to the ECU through the OBD port with. This tool does not directly effect the fuel/load tables, but enable us to make percentage changes based on the tables.

I understand that the MCS uses a Siemens based ECU. The S4 uses the Bosch M7.1, which may/may not be considerably different. Has anyone performed this level of research, or developed tools that enable this type of modification to the ECU within the MCS?

Any information would be much appreciated.

TIA!

-- Armen

[Madeira Jon]

In brief, the BLUEFIN makes changes to the ECU through the port under the steering wheel (Well on right hand cars anyway) I cannot state what it will do to MCS but on the ONE, which I know isnt available in the USA, it gives an extra 30bhp or thereabouts. BLUEFIN is a hand held gizmo which also allows you to return the ECU to the manufactures specs.

[kriation]

Quote: Originally Posted by Madeira Jon (original)

In brief, the BLUEFIN makes changes to the ECU through the port under the steering wheel (Well on right hand cars anyway) I cannot state what it will do to MCS but on the ONE, which I know isnt available in the USA, it gives an extra 30bhp or thereabouts. BLUEFIN is a hand held gizmo which also allows you to return the ECU to the manufactures specs.

Thanks for the note! It seems that the BLUEFIN is built by Superchips in the UK, and that they do have an application for the MCS. However, I'm looking for more of a software solution much like the product provided by Revo, without having to swap out the factory ignition control system with an aftermarket one.

[Root Ginger]

Currently I'm not aware of any such application like the one you are looking for.

[Blusox]

have you tried Carsoft Mercedes,BMW Diagnostic,Scan,Repair Tools,Carsoft BMW,Mercedes Diagnostic,BMW Scan Tools,BMW Diagnostic Tools,Mercedes Repair Tools,BMW Repair Tools they might meet your needs

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Blusox (original)

have you tried Carsoft Mercedes,BMW Diagnostic,Scan,Repair Tools,Carsoft BMW,Mercedes Diagnostic,BMW Scan Tools,BMW Diagnostic Tools,Mercedes Repair Tools,BMW Repair Tools they might meet your needs

That looks pretty good Blusox. I emailed them to see what is covered for the MINI as looking at the coverage document it doesn't list any MINI R codes in it even though it mentions MINI at the top of the BMW software page. Could be limited coverage for MINI.

[Capsaisin]

Looks really interesting, however when I read this:

http://www.carsoftsales.com/dloads/Fly%20&%20Buy.doc

I get the impression it's perhaps not cheap to buy

[MartinSullivan]

Andy at RossTech used to be a regular on here (might still be I just havent seen his name pop up) and they were working on a tool for the mini, but never seen a final copy of it.

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Capsaisin (original)

Looks really interesting, however when I read this:

http://www.carsoftsales.com/dloads/Fly%20&%20Buy.doc

I get the impression it's perhaps not cheap to buy

Well I've requested a price guide

[Ryephile]

There aren't any good ECU solutions on the market if you need to do an actual custom tune. Piggyback solutions like UNIchip, Shark, Apexi, or anything that plugs into the OBDII port all work for basic tweaking if your engine just has basic bolt ons, but lack the real flexibility to do hardcore tuning for esoteric applications.

I wouldn't expect anything from Ross Tech, they've just been blowing hot air for the MINI market.

[MINIMANIAUK]

both DTA and motec have ecus with the capability you desire, both will cost ££££ and not necessary unless you are looking at seriously modded engines,both have been used on the MINI with success but still too early in the tuning scene with the MINI, There has to be demand for these things first,there have been so many projects shelved due to lack of interest but things are changing fast,

[Root Ginger]

Got a mail back from carsoft to say the price is £2,129.00 + VAT (although that does include two free yearly upgrades at £300 each ). However on the question of what is covered on the MINI it just says they have extensive coverage of this model but looking through the specs it looks like the only coverage they have is the manuals and workshop guides and you can't do anything with the MINI ECU and BCU with their product.

[Capsaisin]

Thought it must be expensive if they ofer free flights to Brussels. Ironically I'll be over there in 2 weeks time, but I won't have time to investigate their fine ECU software, only their fine Belgian beers.

[blalor]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the MTH product. It's essentially a reflash of the ECU, done through the ODBII port. It's not something where you can make changes yourself, but if you buy the "tuner" product, you get a number (perhaps unlimited) of updated programs over the course of a year. Probably not worth it until you start adding an exhaust, pulley, and intake, however.

[kriation]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the MTH product. It's essentially a reflash of the ECU, done through the ODBII port. It's not something where you can make changes yourself, but if you buy the "tuner" product, you get a number (perhaps unlimited) of updated programs over the course of a year. Probably not worth it until you start adding an exhaust, pulley, and intake, however.

Sweet! Thanks Brian! I actually have the OBD-II connector from RossTech that I had bought for the S4 a long time ago, and I'm glad it will still be useful on the MINI. Hmm... speaking of which, I might plug in with the RossTech software running just to see what I can get out of the MINI ecu. Regardless, thanks for the link. I'll try to do some more digging around, but it seems like right now, the price for ECU tuning on the MINIs is a bit more than what the regulars are willing to spend (including myself).

After a discussion that Adam and I had over lunch today at the BBQ meet, it seems like fuel mapping and ignition timing are the potential changes that one can make with ECU tuning. Boost pressure control is clearly done via the reduction pulleys. I'm sure with all the gearheads around, we can find ways to squeeze more power out of these engines.

[blalor]

One of the biggest benefits to the MTH software, in my opinion, is the ability to dial back the amount of torque DSC removes when it kicks in (less of that sitting duck feeling when trying to pull out into traffic) and also being able to greatly reduce the "throttle hold" the ECU does for you between gears, where it keeps the revs artificially high when shifting. Both of those will improve the overall drivability of the car. I must note that I haven't purchased this mod for myself, yet, but my understanding is that it's a more approachable solution compared to something like the Unichip which, while supremely configurable, really requires working with a seasoned tech with access to a dyno (on top of the acquisition cost). So, from what I've heard, you get many of the benefits of the Unichip with about a quarter of the cost.

The dealer network for MTH is growing; my buddy Waylen of Way Motor Works has recently become a dealer. He's (currently) in Indianapolis, but he's one of the more knowledgeable MINI mechanics I've dealt with. He'll be happy to talk to you!