Fixing fog lights - help!

[Morri7]

Hello to all at Mini2

This is my first post on any forum so I hope I am doing it correctly!

I have a 2003 Cooper S which I have had from new. It was recently in for a service at around 47000 miles and it was found that my front fog lights were not working. The problem was found to be with the BC1 modul and this would cost me £441.20 to fix!!
Can anyone tell me what the BC1 module is? Where it is?. Could I source and fix it myself? Why does it cost so much?
Also at the service it was noted that I need to replace my front discs and pads soon. I have been thinking of upgrading the pads to Green Stuff pads but am not sure if they would be any better. My Dad has them and tells me they are only any good when they get hot and as the majority if my driving is done commuting to work in heavy traffic this would not be any good. Also is there any point in upgrading the pads and not the discs? Cash is tight so any hints or suggestions would be helpful.

[Widgey]

Morri 7, welcome to the site.

To answer your Q.s about the BC1:

What is it?
- It's the car's "brain"

Where is it?
- Under the bonnet

Could I source & fix it myself?
- Source it...Yes. Just buy it from a BMW parts dept.
- Fix it...NO (it requires re-programming)

Why does it cost so much?
- The cost quoted by your dealer is for the fitting time (simple, doesn't take long) and the time it takes to re-program a new BC1 for your car (takes a few hours).

I'm a bit surprised that a fog light failure would require a replacement BC1
Did your car have any other electrical "gremlins"?
I had a new BC1 fitted in my car in 2003 (admittedly I don't drive a MCS) under warranty.
There was an early fault with the unit that dealers (should've) took care of during a routine service (ie. replace & recode).
Has your car always been serviced by the same dealer?

Any owners of early MCS got anything to help Morri 7 out ?

With regard to brakes, do a forum search with something like "EBC" as your search term.

[Morri7]

Thanks for the answers. I have had the car serviced by 3 different dealers since buying the car because of changind jobs etc. and in that time had a new Xenon light fitted and the power steering pump failed and was replaced. Also have had problems with the electric windows not operating intermitantly (although nothing was done as the dealer could not find fault with them) and th electric boot release has had to be replaced. Could this be the same problem? I did asked if BMW could do a good will repair as the car is only 6 months out of warrenty but am still waiting for a response.

[Paul]

Just to let you know I've moved the thread into "Faults & Fixes" forum. Welcome to MINI2, sorry it's because of a problem you've arrived, but glad you've arrived anyway!

[Widgey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Morri7 (original)

Thanks for the answers. I have had the car serviced by 3 different dealers since buying the car because of changind jobs etc. and in that time had a new Xenon light fitted and the power steering pump failed and was replaced. Also have had problems with the electric windows not operating intermitantly (although nothing was done as the dealer could not find fault with them) and th electric boot release has had to be replaced. Could this be the same problem? I did asked if BMW could do a good will repair as the car is only 6 months out of warrenty but am still waiting for a response.

Requesting a "goodwill" repair is a good route to pursue. If it were me, I'd only accept BMW's decision if it was for parts plus a substantial contribution towards the labour costs (they are only going to plug a replacement BC1 into a computer to re-programme it after all). If your car does require a new BC1 then I'd haggle and settle on £150 (absolute tops). Let us know how you get on.

[rkw]

Quote: Originally Posted by Widgey (original)

To answer your Q.s about the BC1:

What is it?
- It's the car's "brain"

Where is it?
- Under the bonnet

The BC1 (Body Control unit) is behind the side kick panel in the right side footwell. It is a computer that controls lights, locks, and many of the controls and displays on the dashboard and center console.

The ECU (Engine Control Unit) is under the bonnet and is another computer that controls the engine.

[Morri7]

Have just had my car into the my local dealer to have its new BC1 fitted (£154 on 'goodwill' from BMW) and they have not been able fit it as they say that I have some water ingress which has caused the damage. The car has to back in to have the body shop fix the leak before the BC1 can be fixed. I have read on Mini2 that this has not been an uncommon problem and told the dealer that I knew this (knowledge is power! ) and they indicated that they would probably be able to this on 'goodwill' as well. I do have a couple of questions that I am hoping someone can answer though.

They said they need to keep the car for at least 3 days to dry the carpets and foam backing out, but my carpet is not wet and I am not aware of it ever being wet. Considering the truly awful weather that we have had in the last month or so surely I would have noticed it? Can the leak be so small and still damage the BC1 or can the problem resolve itself? In case I don't get the goodwill, how much is this likely to cost?