MINI2

medazza · Apr 9th, 2002, 12:50 PM

Excuse the daft question...but...

If you don't get your MINI with the factory installed Onboard Computer, is it possible to get it added as a dealer-installed option later???

BruceK · Apr 9th, 2002, 01:11 PM

I asked MINIUSA about this and the answer I got was that the software is already present in the car, but the Onboard Computer only available by installation at the factory.

I was told there are no plans to evaluate whether it is worth it to try to supply necessary parts and instructions to the dealers so they can install it.

medazza · Apr 9th, 2002, 01:19 PM

I feared that would be the answer...it's the only think about the 'S' I have on order that I'm not happy with. It doesn't come with the OBC and I can't get it with one either. It's been pre-speced that way and even though it's not built yet, I was told I can't order it separately as a stand-alone option...

batemano · Apr 9th, 2002, 04:27 PM

It's in the UK accessories brochure, so you must be able to get it fitted. I asked my dealer about this and they said it would cost about £340.

medazza · Apr 9th, 2002, 04:31 PM

Was that 340 pounds just for the device itself, or did that include installation? You wouldn't happen to have a part for it by chance or where I can find it in the accessories brochure?

Thanks

AidenL · Apr 9th, 2002, 04:42 PM

IMO, the OBC has very limited use, and after playing with it for the first week, you might rarely check it, the average MPG doesnt update that often, nor does the average speed, and the miles remaining in the tank is the most useful feature I find when fuel is getting low. Of course, its nice to have all the gadgets, but it may not be the most useful option.

Only my opinion mind.......

groovy_jr · Apr 9th, 2002, 06:51 PM

I was told that the MPG is measured along with all the other figures every 30 metres and updated instantaniously if req!

scott · Apr 9th, 2002, 08:56 PM

I might seem a bit thick but could someone tell me everything that the on board computer does for the money we pay for it

Fallschirmjeager · Apr 9th, 2002, 09:37 PM

My favorite was always to get my old GTI up to about 100mph on the autobahn and then reset the trip computer. Found out that averaging a hundred mph gave me Better gas milage that my old CJ-8 did around town. (about 14.7 mpg @ 100mph if I remember right that far back)

Sealevel · Apr 10th, 2002, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by medazza
I feared that would be the answer...it's the only think about the 'S' I have on order that I'm not happy with. It doesn't come with the OBC and I can't get it with one either. It's been pre-speced that way and even though it's not built yet, I was told I can't order it separately as a stand-alone option...

You might ask about this again, it was recently announced that for the US it was now available as a stand alone factory option ($200 USD). Hopefully that's the case for Canada too.

lightbody · Apr 10th, 2002, 04:43 AM

I find the trip computer VERY useful. The Range facility on its own makes it worthwhile, and if you're on a long trip lets you get the most out of your tankful - its very accurate.

The MPG function is average-since-reset which is fine - the instant MPG are fun but not terrible useful (IMHO). It means you can get your MPG for a journey or for a bit of a journey. I use this mainly on my long motorway journeys to make me behave!

Van Cooper · Apr 10th, 2002, 04:46 AM

I ordered OBC for my Mini as I found it very practical especially for range and gas consumption. I also find it interesting for having average speed on a road trip. I think it is a $350 CAD option here.

AidenL · Apr 10th, 2002, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by groovy_jr
I was told that the MPG is measured along with all the other figures every 30 metres and updated instantaniously if req!

True possibly, but as the total mileage increases, if the OBC is not reset, the average MPG changes less frequently. It will update very frequently initially, sure, but much slower as miles travelled increases.......sorry for the confusion.......

RedShift42 · Apr 10th, 2002, 12:22 PM

Too bad MINI didn't take some cues from VW on the function of their OBC...

VW allows you to toggle between 2 parallel-running OBCs:
The first keeps calculating indefinitely since-last-reset (good for calculating a month's commute, for example).
The other resets itself automatically each time the car has been shut down more than 2 hrs (good for keeping calculations on a day trip, for example).

Another nice feature that you really appreciate once you've used it is the rocker-style selector button, allowing you to click up and down through the different calculation displays. This saves you having to click all the way back through the sequence if you accidently pass what you were looking for.

Very thoughtful touches that tell you the engineers are driving the cars they build.

spindoc · Apr 10th, 2002, 08:40 PM

Trip computers are also great when running TSD (time-speed-distance) rallies, where directions tell you to average speed x over distance y, etc.

batemano · Apr 11th, 2002, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by medazza
Was that 340 pounds just for the device itself, or did that include installation? You wouldn't happen to have a part for it by chance or where I can find it in the accessories brochure?

Thanks

Sorry I haven't got a part number, but the £340 was for parts and installation.

Apr 9th, 2002, 12:50 PM	#1
medazza MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toronto CANADA Local Time: 09:08 PM Posts: 42 Offline	Onboard Computer Excuse the daft question...but... If you don't get your MINI with the factory installed Onboard Computer, is it possible to get it added as a dealer-installed option later???

Apr 9th, 2002, 01:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 07:08 PM Posts: 3,758 Offline	I asked MINIUSA about this and the answer I got was that the software is already present in the car, but the Onboard Computer only available by installation at the factory. I was told there are no plans to evaluate whether it is worth it to try to supply necessary parts and instructions to the dealers so they can install it. + 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

Apr 9th, 2002, 04:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 40,988 Offline	IMO, the OBC has very limited use, and after playing with it for the first week, you might rarely check it, the average MPG doesnt update that often, nor does the average speed, and the miles remaining in the tank is the most useful feature I find when fuel is getting low. Of course, its nice to have all the gadgets, but it may not be the most useful option. Only my opinion mind....... *Global Moderator*

Apr 9th, 2002, 09:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
Fallschirmjeager MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: USA Local Time: 08:08 PM Posts: 76 Offline	Suggested use for the OBC My favorite was always to get my old GTI up to about 100mph on the autobahn and then reset the trip computer. Found out that averaging a hundred mph gave me Better gas milage that my old CJ-8 did around town. (about 14.7 mpg @ 100mph if I remember right that far back) "Yield to Temptation, it may not pass your way again." R.A.Heinlein

Apr 10th, 2002, 04:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
lightbody MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Local Time: 02:08 AM Posts: 888 Offline	I find the trip computer VERY useful. The Range facility on its own makes it worthwhile, and if you're on a long trip lets you get the most out of your tankful - its very accurate. The MPG function is average-since-reset which is fine - the instant MPG are fun but not terrible useful (IMHO). It means you can get your MPG for a journey or for a bit of a journey. I use this mainly on my long motorway journeys to make me behave! Rob Lightbody - http://www.roblightbody.com 2004 Red/Black Cooper replaced a 2001 BRG/White Cooper

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Apr 9th, 2002, 01:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
medazza MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toronto CANADA Local Time: 09:08 PM Posts: 42 Offline	I feared that would be the answer...it's the only think about the 'S' I have on order that I'm not happy with. It doesn't come with the OBC and I can't get it with one either. It's been pre-speced that way and even though it's not built yet, I was told I can't order it separately as a stand-alone option...

Apr 9th, 2002, 04:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
batemano MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 123 Offline	It's in the UK accessories brochure, so you must be able to get it fitted. I asked my dealer about this and they said it would cost about £340.

Apr 9th, 2002, 04:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
medazza MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toronto CANADA Local Time: 09:08 PM Posts: 42 Offline	Was that 340 pounds just for the device itself, or did that include installation? You wouldn't happen to have a part for it by chance or where I can find it in the accessories brochure? Thanks

Apr 9th, 2002, 06:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
groovy_jr MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Lincolnshire, UK Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 524 Offline	I was told that the MPG is measured along with all the other figures every 30 metres and updated instantaniously if req!

Apr 9th, 2002, 08:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
scott MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: fife, scotland Local Time: 02:08 AM Posts: 15 Offline	I might seem a bit thick but could someone tell me everything that the on board computer does for the money we pay for it

Apr 10th, 2002, 03:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
Sealevel MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Local Time: 08:08 PM Posts: 281 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by medazza I feared that would be the answer...it's the only think about the 'S' I have on order that I'm not happy with. It doesn't come with the OBC and I can't get it with one either. It's been pre-speced that way and even though it's not built yet, I was told I can't order it separately as a stand-alone option... You might ask about this again, it was recently announced that for the US it was now available as a stand alone factory option ($200 USD). Hopefully that's the case for Canada too.

Apr 10th, 2002, 04:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
Van Cooper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Local Time: 05:08 PM Posts: 47 Offline	I ordered OBC for my Mini as I found it very practical especially for range and gas consumption. I also find it interesting for having average speed on a road trip. I think it is a $350 CAD option here. Guillaume 2002 Mini Cooper Launch edition #250/500 - Red/white roof - SOLD 2003 Mini Cooper S red/white - Mine 2004 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG -black/black - father's

Apr 10th, 2002, 05:08 AM	#13 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 40,988 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by groovy_jr I was told that the MPG is measured along with all the other figures every 30 metres and updated instantaniously if req! True possibly, but as the total mileage increases, if the OBC is not reset, the average MPG changes less frequently. It will update very frequently initially, sure, but much slower as miles travelled increases.......sorry for the confusion....... *Global Moderator*

Apr 10th, 2002, 12:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
RedShift42 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Boston, MA Local Time: 08:08 PM Posts: 52 Offline	Too bad MINI didn't take some cues from VW on the function of their OBC... VW allows you to toggle between 2 parallel-running OBCs: The first keeps calculating indefinitely since-last-reset (good for calculating a month's commute, for example). The other resets itself automatically each time the car has been shut down more than 2 hrs (good for keeping calculations on a day trip, for example). Another nice feature that you really appreciate once you've used it is the rocker-style selector button, allowing you to click up and down through the different calculation displays. This saves you having to click all the way back through the sequence if you accidently pass what you were looking for. Very thoughtful touches that tell you the engineers are driving the cars they build. -Eric. Current Bad Ride: VW Passat VR6 and no motorcycle. <sigh>

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Apr 10th, 2002, 08:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
spindoc MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: us Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 120 Offline	Trip computers are also great when running TSD (time-speed-distance) rallies, where directions tell you to average speed x over distance y, etc.

Apr 11th, 2002, 06:36 AM	#16 (permalink)
batemano MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 01:08 AM Posts: 123 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by medazza Was that 340 pounds just for the device itself, or did that include installation? You wouldn't happen to have a part for it by chance or where I can find it in the accessories brochure? Thanks Sorry I haven't got a part number, but the £340 was for parts and installation.

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