MINI2

kshapiro · Jul 18th, 2002, 10:13 PM

Took them long enough to give me an answer, but here it goes...

Hi Kenneth;

I apologize for the difficulties you have been having with your MINI. The good news that we have recently learned is that this can be corrected with a minor software update that will be available to your dealer early this fall. Under these conditions the reprogramming should only take a day or so. You have our promise that we'll do our best to make it as hassle-free as possible and get you back on the road mototring in no time flat. Otherwise, this reprogramming may be done before it is available to the dealership, but there will be a delay in turn around as the computer must be transported out for reprogramming. Again, I am sorry for thi inconvenience, and if there's anything else we can help with, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely
MINI Customer Relations
Robert Gross
__________________________________________________ _________

My question is..why would a reprograming take "a day or so"?
That seems long, although I'm admitidly techno-moronic.

Vicky · Jul 18th, 2002, 10:25 PM

Excellent! Thanks for posting that.

jtalarico · Jul 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM

They probably want to set expectations low because although the actual programming may take seconds, the service shop might have to hold the car for a day. You can't expect them to drop everything and fix YOUR computer when every other MINI owner is in line for the same fix.

WAY · Jul 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM

I wonder if the cold start problem is going to affect the Aussie cars. Seeing that there are only 2 MCS here from Australia, I don't think we will know the answer for a while yet. But good to know it's just a software problem.

ficcion · Jul 18th, 2002, 11:44 PM

Ken, I've been hearing the same thing from the techs here in Denver. Looks like we finally got a fix!

I will definitely wait for the "plug in" update, it will be much easier!

Going to miss that "cold start" problem

BruceK · Jul 19th, 2002, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kshapiro
..My question is..why would a reprograming take "a day or so"?
That seems long, although I'm admitidly techno-moronic.

I think the answer is buried in the text: "..there will be a delay in turn around as the computer must be transported out for reprogramming..."

Does "transported out" mean the computer must be physically removed from the MINI?

That's how I read it.

P.S. I'm really glad to hear there is a fix on the way. It now takes between 3 to 5 (!) attempts to start my Cooper S each time.

ficcion · Jul 19th, 2002, 12:29 AM

The delay is only if you do it before the techs have the software update (CD) in house. From what I hear it should be about a month or so to get it out in mass quantities to the techs.

I think patience will prevail here.

rich · Jul 19th, 2002, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WAY
I wonder if the cold start problem is going to affect the Aussie cars. Seeing that there are only 2 MCS here from Australia, I don't think we will know the answer for a while yet. But good to know it's just a software problem.

I was told by a Sydney dealer that his Feb built S demo car has the cold start problem (at about 1500km on odometer)

noahe · Jul 21st, 2002, 10:11 PM

Excellent news. So long as there's a fix before it gets really cold, I'm happy.

GMINI · Jul 22nd, 2002, 09:19 PM

I'd like to know they're fixing production line cars. I wonder if they are already.

Sashadog · Jul 25th, 2002, 04:02 PM

After pestering them some I got the following. This was after trying the boilerplate on me as above.

"Thanks for the reply.

Yes, you're more than welcome to call the dealer to discuss your options. If you chose to do it now you need to consider other transportation while your MINI is at the shop. The only other customer that I know of who has chosen to do this the repair, it took 10 days for the computer to be removed, shipped, reprogrammed, shipped back and installed. Since you live in Washington the shipping process may take even longer so my example of 10 may not be accurate.

I apologize for this inconvenience.

Sincerely,

MINI Division"

BruceK · Jul 26th, 2002, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sashadog
After pestering them some I got the following. This was after trying the boilerplate on me as above.

"Thanks for the reply.

Yes, you're more than welcome to call the dealer to discuss your options. If you chose to do it now you need to consider other transportation while your MINI is at the shop. The only other customer that I know of who has chosen to do this the repair, it took 10 days for the computer to be removed, shipped, reprogrammed, shipped back and installed. Since you live in Washington the shipping process may take even longer so my example of 10 may not be accurate.

I apologize for this inconvenience.

Sincerely,

MINI Division"

10 days!

So it does involve removal of the computer. But I wonder why can the software change be done more efficiently?

kshapiro · Jul 26th, 2002, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK

10 days! So it does involve removal of the computer. But I wonder why can the software change be done more efficiently?

I think you're confused. My understanding is that dealers will not have the software in hand until Fall. If you need to have the programming done before that, the computer needs to be removed in order to send it to New Jersey (where they DO have the software now) for reprogramming. Whe your dealer has the software, they'll be able to reprogram it withour removing it.

COOPERation · Jul 27th, 2002, 09:30 AM

I have been driving my MCS for 8 days and have had NO problem with cold starting.

Has anyone else who obtained their cars in the last few weeks had any problems?

Just wondering if the problem on the newer cars has already been rectified.

Keith · Jul 27th, 2002, 09:36 AM

The problem seems to start after 500 - 700 miles so you will not know that you don't have it until you have atleast 1000 miles on the car.

BruceK · Jul 27th, 2002, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kshapiro
I think you're confused. My understanding is that dealers will not have the software in hand until Fall. If you need to have the programming done before that, the computer needs to be removed in order to send it to New Jersey (where they DO have the software now) for reprogramming. Whe your dealer has the software, they'll be able to reprogram it withour removing it.

Ken, I'm sure I'm confused most of the time. But help me understand this: If the software exists now in NJ, why would it take months and months to distribute it to only about 60 different dealer locations within the US?

djafactor · Aug 9th, 2002, 10:54 AM

Just wanted to get on the record that I am also now having a cold start problem. it started at 675 miles. I picked up my car July 29th 2002.

I don't know if Dreyer has the software yet, i'm going to email Jim to find out.

Amit

Jul 18th, 2002, 10:13 PM	#1
kshapiro MINI2 Master Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Local Time: 05:22 PM Posts: 938 Offline	MINI USA Responds to Cold Start Problem !!! Took them long enough to give me an answer, but here it goes... Hi Kenneth; I apologize for the difficulties you have been having with your MINI. The good news that we have recently learned is that this can be corrected with a minor software update that will be available to your dealer early this fall. Under these conditions the reprogramming should only take a day or so. You have our promise that we'll do our best to make it as hassle-free as possible and get you back on the road mototring in no time flat. Otherwise, this reprogramming may be done before it is available to the dealership, but there will be a delay in turn around as the computer must be transported out for reprogramming. Again, I am sorry for thi inconvenience, and if there's anything else we can help with, please don't hesitate to ask. Sincerely MINI Customer Relations Robert Gross __________________________________________________ _________ My question is..why would a reprograming take "a day or so"? That seems long, although I'm admitidly techno-moronic. Ken Shapiro Electric Blue w/ Sport Package...first "S" delivered in Maryland (5/10/02) I've been everywhere but the electric chair...I've seen everything but the wind.

Jul 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
jtalarico MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Frozen Tundra Local Time: 12:22 PM Posts: 225 Offline	They probably want to set expectations low because although the actual programming may take seconds, the service shop might have to hold the car for a day. You can't expect them to drop everything and fix YOUR computer when every other MINI owner is in line for the same fix. PS/B MCS, bonnet stripes, everything but the satnav, 17" S-Lites

Jul 18th, 2002, 11:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
ficcion MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, CO Local Time: 10:22 AM Posts: 194 Offline	Ken, I've been hearing the same thing from the techs here in Denver. Looks like we finally got a fix! I will definitely wait for the "plug in" update, it will be much easier! Going to miss that "cold start" problem Chili Red S Borla exhaust Madness Intake 16x7 Rota Circuit 8 Falken Azenis

Jul 19th, 2002, 12:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 11:22 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Re: MINI USA Responds to Cold Start Problem !!! Quote: Originally posted by kshapiro ..My question is..why would a reprograming take "a day or so"? That seems long, although I'm admitidly techno-moronic. I think the answer is buried in the text: "..there will be a delay in turn around as the computer must be transported out for reprogramming..." Does "transported out" mean the computer must be physically removed from the MINI? That's how I read it. P.S. I'm really glad to hear there is a fix on the way. It now takes between 3 to 5 (!) attempts to start my Cooper S each time. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jul 19th, 2002, 12:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
ficcion MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, CO Local Time: 10:22 AM Posts: 194 Offline	The delay is only if you do it before the techs have the software update (CD) in house. From what I hear it should be about a month or so to get it out in mass quantities to the techs. I think patience will prevail here. Chili Red S Borla exhaust Madness Intake 16x7 Rota Circuit 8 Falken Azenis

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Jul 18th, 2002, 10:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Vicky MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chardon, Ohio Local Time: 05:22 PM Posts: 12 Offline	Excellent! Thanks for posting that.

Jul 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
WAY MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2002 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 03:22 AM Posts: 470 Offline	I wonder if the cold start problem is going to affect the Aussie cars. Seeing that there are only 2 MCS here from Australia, I don't think we will know the answer for a while yet. But good to know it's just a software problem.

Jul 19th, 2002, 03:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
rich MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Sydney, Australia Local Time: 03:22 AM Posts: 1,586 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by WAY I wonder if the cold start problem is going to affect the Aussie cars. Seeing that there are only 2 MCS here from Australia, I don't think we will know the answer for a while yet. But good to know it's just a software problem. I was told by a Sydney dealer that his Feb built S demo car has the cold start problem (at about 1500km on odometer) Cooper S, Jet Black w/ white roof, silver 16" X-Lite wheels, DSC, MFSW, dark tinted windows ...It's here & I love it!

Jul 21st, 2002, 10:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
noahe MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto Local Time: 12:22 PM Posts: 1,639 Offline	Excellent news. So long as there's a fix before it gets really cold, I'm happy. Chilli Red/White Cooper S, Sport Pack & Sunroof. Delivered June 12th, 2002! Now with MCS Winter Tire Package.

Jul 22nd, 2002, 09:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
GMINI MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Western Connecticut Local Time: 01:22 PM Posts: 7,187 Offline	What production date will have fix installed already? I'd like to know they're fixing production line cars. I wonder if they are already.

Jul 25th, 2002, 04:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
Sashadog MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Local Time: 10:22 AM Posts: 96 Offline	clarification from the source After pestering them some I got the following. This was after trying the boilerplate on me as above. "Thanks for the reply. Yes, you're more than welcome to call the dealer to discuss your options. If you chose to do it now you need to consider other transportation while your MINI is at the shop. The only other customer that I know of who has chosen to do this the repair, it took 10 days for the computer to be removed, shipped, reprogrammed, shipped back and installed. Since you live in Washington the shipping process may take even longer so my example of 10 may not be accurate. I apologize for this inconvenience. Sincerely, MINI Division" '02 MCS, Electric Blue/White Top, 17" S-Lites.

Jul 26th, 2002, 12:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 11:22 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Re: clarification from the source Quote: Originally posted by Sashadog After pestering them some I got the following. This was after trying the boilerplate on me as above. "Thanks for the reply. Yes, you're more than welcome to call the dealer to discuss your options. If you chose to do it now you need to consider other transportation while your MINI is at the shop. The only other customer that I know of who has chosen to do this the repair, it took 10 days for the computer to be removed, shipped, reprogrammed, shipped back and installed. Since you live in Washington the shipping process may take even longer so my example of 10 may not be accurate. I apologize for this inconvenience. Sincerely, MINI Division" 10 days! So it does involve removal of the computer. But I wonder why can the software change be done more efficiently? + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jul 26th, 2002, 08:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
kshapiro MINI2 Master Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Local Time: 05:22 PM Posts: 938 Offline	Re: Re: clarification from the source Quote: Originally posted by BruceK 10 days! So it does involve removal of the computer. But I wonder why can the software change be done more efficiently? I think you're confused. My understanding is that dealers will not have the software in hand until Fall. If you need to have the programming done before that, the computer needs to be removed in order to send it to New Jersey (where they DO have the software now) for reprogramming. Whe your dealer has the software, they'll be able to reprogram it withour removing it. Ken Shapiro Electric Blue w/ Sport Package...first "S" delivered in Maryland (5/10/02) I've been everywhere but the electric chair...I've seen everything but the wind.

Jul 27th, 2002, 09:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
COOPERation MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2001 Local Time: 01:22 PM Posts: 1,401 Offline	I have been driving my MCS for 8 days and have had NO problem with cold starting. Has anyone else who obtained their cars in the last few weeks had any problems? Just wondering if the problem on the newer cars has already been rectified.

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Jul 27th, 2002, 09:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
Keith MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SW Florida Local Time: 05:22 PM Posts: 687 Offline	The problem seems to start after 500 - 700 miles so you will not know that you don't have it until you have atleast 1000 miles on the car. 2007 DS/W MCS LSD, sport suspension, Enkei RPM2 wheels 2002 EB/W MCS Sport package, Rogue intake, Borla exhaust, 15% pulley & Madness sway bar

Jul 27th, 2002, 11:53 AM	#16 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 11:22 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Re: Re: Re: clarification from the source Quote: Originally posted by kshapiro I think you're confused. My understanding is that dealers will not have the software in hand until Fall. If you need to have the programming done before that, the computer needs to be removed in order to send it to New Jersey (where they DO have the software now) for reprogramming. Whe your dealer has the software, they'll be able to reprogram it withour removing it. Ken, I'm sure I'm confused most of the time. But help me understand this: If the software exists now in NJ, why would it take months and months to distribute it to only about 60 different dealer locations within the US? + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Aug 9th, 2002, 10:54 AM	#17 (permalink)
djafactor MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Montreal, Quebec Local Time: 01:22 PM Posts: 167 Offline	Just wanted to get on the record that I am also now having a cold start problem. it started at 675 miles. I picked up my car July 29th 2002. I don't know if Dreyer has the software yet, i'm going to email Jim to find out. Amit '05 MCS '78 MINI 1000 electricpixel.org

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