OBC Retrofit

[reidu]

Just got my Cooper S - fabulous! However I found out that the OBC is not included I would have bought it had I realised so I asked dealer about retrofit to be told it could not be done. I then found this site and an official BMW set of instuctions for retro-fitting the OBC. Showed them to the dealer who then said that the instructions and kit were for a left hand drive car and would require modification for my car. I checked the instuctions and found the kit consists of a indicator stalk replacement to add the OBC pushbutton, a external temperature sensor and wiring harness. My Cooper has all of these fitted already so I assume that all that is needed is a software uprade to enable the computer. Am I correct? Is my dealer stupid?

[S1.6 BJD]

do a forum search, i'm sure someone found a way of enabling OBC functions earlier in the year

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by reidu

Just got my Cooper S - fabulous! However I found out that the OBC is not included I would have bought it had I realised so I asked dealer about retrofit to be told it could not be done. I then found this site and an official BMW set of instuctions for retro-fitting the OBC. Showed them to the dealer who then said that the instructions and kit were for a left hand drive car and would require modification for my car. I checked the instuctions and found the kit consists of a indicator stalk replacement to add the OBC pushbutton, a external temperature sensor and wiring harness. My Cooper has all of these fitted already so I assume that all that is needed is a software uprade to enable the computer. Am I correct? Is my dealer stupid?

I got the same response from my dealer when I asked about a retro OBC on my July 03 S. I believe an extension is required to the part of the already installed wire loom because the retro kit is designed for a LHD vehicle. This applies to vehicles with the temperature sensor already fitted as well. When I went to order the OBC retro kit a warning message came up on the order system so I have put this on hold until I can find out more details. I also wanted to know if when fitting the OBC would this pick up the lasted functions even though my build is July 03 (I am sure this is just a software matter). The dealer could not confirm if the new features would be available (not sure how else you are supposed to find out about this !!)

.

[euan]

Am I having a mental block - OBC stands for?

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by euan

Am I having a mental block - OBC stands for?

OBC = OnBoard Computer I think....

[monsta]

I retro fitted the OBC to my 2001 Cooper by just purchasing the indicator stalk with the control button then running two wires, one from the speedo to the switch and one from the switch to the 12v feed from the fuse box.

There are instructions on here which I used to complete the work, all in all about a couple of hours work but then you have to get your dealer to enable the software. Mine charged me as it was a special appointment, best to get it done during other work.

If you car already has the correct stalk - strange if it does - get them to switch it on.

Try the official instructions:
http://www.mini2.com/guides/pdf/OBC.PDF

Or the DIY ones:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-generation-interior-ice/25472-how-retro-fit-onboard-computer.html

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by monsta

I retro fitted the OBC to my 2001 Cooper by just purchasing the indicator stalk with the control button then running two wires, one from the speedo to the switch and one from the switch to the 12v feed from the fuse box.

There are instructions on here which I used to complete the work, all in all about a couple of hours work but then you have to get your dealer to enable the software. Mine charged me as it was a special appointment, best to get it done during other work.

If you car already has the correct stalk - strange if it does - get them to switch it on.

Try the official instructions:
http://www.mini2.com/guides/pdf/OBC.PDF

Or the DIY ones:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-generation-interior-ice/25472-how-retro-fit-onboard-computer.html

When you did your retro fit and the dealer enabled it, what functions did it add, did it include the latest i.e speed, instant milage ? Or did you do the update before the later OBC features ?

Cheers.

[monsta]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ratty

When you did your retro fit and the dealer enabled it, what functions did it add, did it include the latest i.e speed, instant milage ? Or did you do the update before the later OBC features ?

Cheers.

It was at the beginning of the summer last year so it was before that instant speed bit, might ask about having my software updated....

[reidu]

Thanks for the responses to my original post. Although I'm still getting no-where with dealer I'm convinced that the retrofit of the OBC is only a software upgrade in my case. My Cooper S as delivered has a button on the direction indicator control stalk which selects between speed in mph as shown on the speedometer and outside temperature. From this I deduce that all the wiring and temperature sensor are already in place. Hence I'm (almost) sure that all that is required is the softwre mod. Can anyone confirm this?

[monsta]

Quote: Originally Posted by reidu

Thanks for the responses to my original post. Although I'm still getting no-where with dealer I'm convinced that the retrofit of the OBC is only a software upgrade in my case. My Cooper S as delivered has a button on the direction indicator control stalk which selects between speed in mph as shown on the speedometer and outside temperature. From this I deduce that all the wiring and temperature sensor are already in place. Hence I'm (almost) sure that all that is required is the softwre mod. Can anyone confirm this?

Sounds right to me, the way to check would be to remove the steering column surrounds and check whether there is a wire connected to the right pin on the stalk.

You can find details about this on those links I posted earlier.