[Wentworth]

I have a 2002 Cooper. It runs ok, but never as well and smooth as I'd like. I get a little stumble starting out, and sometime it revs really low and almost dies. I also get a little knocking sound, almost like a quiet backfire, when I am idling in traffic. I currently have ver32.1 installed in my car. I am wondering if people with a newer software version can tell me their impressions and why they got it and what it fixed.

I have my first inspection next week, and I think I should ask them to upgrade the software while they are working on the car.

Thanks,
Wentworth

[sjbartnik]

I just got 37.1 installed on my '03 MCS. It took care of the stumble when starting from a stop. I never really had the yo-yo that other MCS owners have reported, but then I drive with the traction control turned off all the time so maybe that has something to do with it.

I think you should definitely get 37 installed, it would probably take care of that stumble and they have fixed a lot of driveability issues as the engine controller software has matured. So give it a try, you shouldn't come out any worse off at the very least

[wow]

I have a 2002 MC build and in the morning I am gettin ver 37.1. I will report back then

[Wentworth]

Wow, thanks! It will be great to hear your early impressions on the new software. Why are you getting the upgrade? What issues are you hoping to improve?

[ditc]

My dealer mentioned some problems (was not more specific) with v37 so they put in V36 on my 03 MCS. Is there any more info regarding this?

[wow]

Well i got the upgrade from 32 to ver 37. I am impressed!

I a theory that proves that the upgrade has worked for me:
Before Upgrade
Turn the car on with the aircon off and switch the air fan to 1.
The car idled smoothly with no hassle.

Switch the aircon on,
I noticed my rev counter would drop to around 1000rpm and the car would vibrate as if it was going to stall.

My car was really weak with the aircon on. Now there is no diffrence with the aircon on or off. The car feels strong and much smoother.

PS no stumble now what so ever!

[Wentworth]

Thanks wow,

That is good news. I'm going to call my dealer back today and request some new software to go along with my other requests.

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by sjbartnik

I just got 37.1 installed on my '03 MCS. It took care of the stumble when starting from a stop. I never really had the yo-yo that other MCS owners have reported, but then I drive with the traction control turned off all the time so maybe that has something to do with it.

I think you should definitely get 37 installed, it would probably take care of that stumble and they have fixed a lot of driveability issues as the engine controller software has matured. So give it a try, you shouldn't come out any worse off at the very least

I keep reading about problems with cars loaded with V37, specifically the MCS. There are reports of cold start issues and cold engine stalls.

I am still running on V36 and all is well. I think I'll wait for V38.

[cristo]

I have a 2/03 build MC, and just had v37 installed a couple hundred miles ago for stumble.
The stumble is better, but not gone...much less frequent (almost never unless hot outside
and a/c on) and much shorter duration (less than a second rather than 2-3 seconds).
Also, seems a little smoother in the lower rpm ranges.
Not perfect, but better. I'm happy with it.

[Wentworth]

Thanks everyone. My car is going in tonight for work tomorrow. Hopefully they won't give me too much trouble about requesting my 3rd software upgrade. I just figured if they got it right the first time there wouldn't be new software, and I wouldn't need it.

[Wentworth]

OK, I got my car back. They changed the oil, did the first inspection, replaced the CD player, fixed some rattles, ordered me a new steering column and steering spindle, and programmed the DME with 37.2. So far the car seems to ride/operate more smoothly. I've only driven a little since collecting the car (who can afford fuel anymore?) but so far so good.

The one problem I have is that this will be the second time they've replaced the steering column and spindle. What is up with that?

[kyriian]

i had my v37 for a month now and i can report now

stumbling is gone... yoyo is now getting worse and worse... when i first picked up the car there was zero yoyo, but as it gained some mileage..... it became worse and worse.. thankfully it's quite limited to second gear... before yoyo happens thru all 4 lower gears

as for cold start... it's also worse than before.. i once had to wait about a 3-4 seconds before the car would be willing to start!

anyone with v38 can tell me if these problems are fixed?

[eddieboyII]

just a question, my MCS is 12/02 built and im wondering if what software version am i running... tnx...

[Wentworth]

You can't really tell what software version you have. If it is a 12-2002 production and the software was never updated it is probably pretty old. My Cooper is a 8-2002 build and I've had my software updated 3 times. I just went to 37.2, and before that I had 32.1. I don't know the previous version numbers, and I only know these numbers because I requested that information from the dealer when they did the update.

[eddieboyII]

tnx for the reply... do i need a software upgrade even if i dont have any problems with it?

[kyriian]

Quote: Originally Posted by eddieboyII

tnx for the reply... do i need a software upgrade even if i dont have any problems with it?

if you dont have a problem! don't fix it! unless stumbling and yoyo is really bad... i would defenitely advise against it... someone i know had his early 02 build MCS without a problem.. hv not updated any software either

if it aint broke.. dont fix it.. chance are it might even make it worse

[BartMack]

Quote: Originally Posted by cristo

I have a 2/03 build MC, and just had v37 installed a couple hundred miles ago for stumble.
The stumble is better, but not gone...much less frequent (almost never unless hot outside
and a/c on) and much shorter duration (less than a second rather than 2-3 seconds).
Also, seems a little smoother in the lower rpm ranges.
Not perfect, but better. I'm happy with it.

Hey Cristo
did you ever get any resolution or info on that whistle/high pitched whirring noise?
my MC is back in for 3rd time, mainly for rough idle/sputtering when cold, but the whistle
never went completely away, tho it did diminish. They replaced the ignition coils and wires last time (2-3 weeks ago), the belt (I was also having belt screech, it was a like sound fx shop!!) and updated the software. this time they are updating the software again (37.1) don't remember what he said the ver was last time (37?)

[Ultramacho]

What's the latest version of software for the Mini one?

I want to upgrade it before I chiptune the car.

[jonturner]

Quote: Originally Posted by Wentworth

You can't really tell what software version you have.

Actually, you can! I'm working from memory here... I haven't done this in a couple years but I believe you hold the trip odometer button in and turn the ignition on. Continue to hold the btn and it will show you the firmware version # on the speedo face. (You may have to repeat this cycle twice). This is the "hidden" status menu.

[robertjoy]

yo-yo cured by v.38 ?? : read this (www.motoringfile.com).