OK.....I've read all the posts regarding adding a MFSW to an R56, but I'm still not sure if this is an easy upgrade or not. I own a 2008 MCSa and have already installed the MFSW so I'm hoping all that needs to be done is reprograming the system to turn this function on. But after talking to two different dealers one said it can't be done if I don't have the 'convenience package' installed, the other said I will need some module that costs $1200.00.

My question is..... has anybody just installed the MFSW and had it reprogramed and thats it?

Hoopty

 

My service department just did this yesterday on a friend of mines' '08 R56 MCSa w/paddles.
He bought his car right off the lot and it didn't have cruise, now he decides he wants cruise. I ordered him the MFSW w/paddles and the steering column switch. About an hour or so of re-programming and he's all set.
Your parts department has to make sure they order the correct steering column switch to match the options on your car...xenons, rain sensor, ASC, DSC, etc.

So to answer your question...you can't just install the MFSW and have it programmed to work. You also need to change the steering column switch as well. Then have it programmed.

 

I too bought mine off the lot. How much would it run me to add the mfsw? I have just a base cooper, no xenon, dsc, or anything fancy. I just really want cruise control

 

It would run you roughly $1100.00 for the parts...I looked them up with no paddles on the steering wheel, and with ASC, no xenons, etc.

 

K, ill start saving. Its sad that a 250 factory option baloons to 1100 if you don't do it right away.

 

Whaddya expect?

 

Bump.........

 

I saw a used wheel going for $150. Are you saying the programming adds $950? I have heard that the cars (at least some of them) are pre-wired, so do you really need to buy this $1200 module?

 

A MFSW steering wheel from the dealer will run about $600-$700...the steering column switch(which is required to complete the retrofit) is about $500-$600. Then programming on top of that.

 

just get the parts from a wrecked mini

 

I just had this done a week ago...

I bought my car off the lot and...no MFSW, ugh.

I wont bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, I had to get a little "ugly" to get them to install it at a reasonable cost.

Bottom line: they had to install the button kits, a steering angle module and labor. Total cost was around $1k.

 

WOW WTF IS WFSW?

 

MFSW: Multi-Function Steering Wheel

It adds Cruise Control & Radio Controls.

 

Thanks

 

Hi guys, do you have a part number for this steering column switch.

Thanks,
MiniS2008

 

After many months of trying to get a dealer to help me with my MFSW install….it is now working perfectly! I heard everything from ‘It can’t be done’ to ‘You need the convenience package first’ to ‘It’s never been done’ ect. The dealer where I purchased my car (Irvine) was worthless and never any help. They quoted over $1000.00 in parts and service. Well….today while I was in for my first service at another local dealer (Crevier) they programmed my car for the MFSW I installed months ago. For anyone considering this mod, my car is a 2008 MCSa and was built in Dec of 2007. The only part it needed was the MFSW and programming. I picked up a used steering wheel months ago for $100.00, but you could purchase just the buttons and achive the same result.

Good Luck

Hoopty

 

So, no steering column switch?

Is it possible to have the correct switch even without having ordered the MFSW in the first place?

We ordered our MINI with the MFSW, but I'm just interested... and trying to figure this out for future retro-fitters.

 

Hoopty any chance you could PM me your service advisors name and number?? I've been trying to do this to my Clubman since I bought it but my local dealer is giving me some BS about Mini doesn't want the liability. I know he's just being lazy and doesn't want to look up the programming retrofit.

 

Uh, wrecked 2nd gen MINI. First gen mfsw is incompatible.

 

Plus Bluetooth controls

 

I have looked into this quite a lot..

There seems to be 3 things needed to do this retrofit to a 3 spoke R56

1. The switches around $135 (Item2)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...74&hg=32&fg=35



2. The CORRECT SZL, sometimes called a steering angle sensor but it is in fact contained in the steering column switches. If you are lucky your existing one is a MFSW version, if not then $495 Unfortunately the only way to find out is to have the dealer check it on the computer...
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...00&hg=61&fg=35

3. Programming, I have seen 2 hours quoted.

In the parts links above make sure you select the correct year etc as the part numbers vary, esp the switch unit, it depends on what options you have.. best bet is to get your dealer to give you the correct part number

 

I just had my '06 in for her second service this past week, and asked the guys at the dealership if it could be done. They said it could be, but depending on what is already in your car is how much it might cost. If it isn't prewired and you need to start from scratch its about $1200. BUT if you are already prewired, all you need is the switches, and maybe one other piece for inside your existing steering wheel. If that is the case they said it is about $150. I got some switches off of ebay for $40, and all I need is one additional part for inside the steering wheel, and voila I'll have functions.

So, yes it can be done, and the newer your mini, the easier it will be according to the guys at my dealership.

 

The one other piece inside the steering wheel is the $495 SZL (column switches) ... and that adds a couple of hours labor... hopefully you wont need it..

Terry

 

I succesfully retrofitted the MFSW myself, It was a marathon and cost as much as if I had the dealer do it but along the way I got some experience and some tools that will come in useful in the years to come..

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...2534-tool.html

Basically, I bought the switches, SZL (paddle switches) installed them calibrated them and programmed the car with a retrofit.

Not for the faint hearted...



Terry

 

Well I've been wondering about something along the same lines as this...

I have the MFSW in my '08 JustaCooper. Cruise and radio controls work great. But I did NOT order the bluetooth, so I have the BT buttons on my wheel, but they don't do anything.

Any way to economically enable just that feature? Seems to me it's probably already there and just needs to be "turned on".

Anyone??


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