Does anyone out there have the codes for activating the DRLs and auto-lock? I want to activate these features but the dealer wants to charge me big bucks to "reprogram" the system. I watched a guy do it once and all it involved was turning the key and hitting some switches in a specific pattern which they had in a nice manual.

Also if anyone can hook me up for the same codes for my 03 BMW 325i. I want to have these "passive" safety features on so they lower my insurance a little. (and obviously for safety!)

 

Never heard of such a thing. I believe this can only be done by the dealer. This is all stuff that should have been done for you when you first picked up the car...

 

It takes less than 5 minutes to change one or all the features.My dealer tech. does changes for me when ever I ask for free.

 

Back in 2000 when I got my first 3 series I bought one that was on the lot so there was no wait and when I took delivery of the car they simply sat down and did this little deal where you turn the key to pos.1 and hit the lock button 2x then pos.2 and lock 1x then back to pos.1 etc... the whole thing to max 5 min.

I doubt they have changed that functionality and I was hoping to find someone out there who knows of/has a copy of those codes. I didn't think to get my Mini set before I brought it home and my current 3 series was a CPO and again I didn't think about it until we got it home.

The last time I asked the service tech about activating the DRLs they said it would be $50 since they had to "reprogram" the computer and since it was being done after the fact.

 

The only thing I am aware of that the owner can change with the key and holding the trip button on the odometer is the "miles before next oil change" and "miles before next service" readouts. That's what I believe you saw the guy change.


All of the rest of the computer changes have to be made by the dealer. There is NO "reprograming" of the computer. lot15 is right - takes all of ~5 minutes to change the features...

This smells of a dealer rip-off.

 

Most US dealers charge you to go back. And it does appear that the functionality has changed, owner's have been searching for something like this since the car was released in 2002.

 

From what I have seen done on my car,the tech.hooks the car up to his computer,a screen comes up with options,and he turns them on or off.
DRL is not on the list up here,they must be on,period.
Now if you just wanted an option changed,no other work being done,why wouldn't they charge you.I mean if you asked them to tighten your valve caps,they would do it and charge you the minimum service charge,which is about $50 for the first 15 minutes.They don't charge by the minute.

 

BTW the computer they use is about $17,000 and isn't water resistant. I know this because due to some major screwups with the delivery of my car not the least of which was the failure to program the car for us AT ALL! My dealer's service manager will be coming TO MY HOUSE to program my car.

But he cancelled today because it was pouring out and he was concerned about the computer's ability to get wet. He did come by anyway to drop off some items that were supposed to be with the car when it was delivered...

 

My dealer has not offered to come to my house,but they have treated me very well.

 

Having both a 2000 328i and a 2004 MCS, I can assure you that the features you wish to change can only be done via the GT1 or MoDIC systems in the dealer's shop. These are full-fledged computers that also download the various ECU versions and assist in performing diagnostic activities.

I had my MCS programmed before delivery at no charge. If you have a good relationship with your MINI SA, you should be able to get him/her to toggle these functions for free the next time you are in for a service.

Theo

 

They only reason they're making "house calls" for me is because:
1. The Service Manager lives 30 minutes away from me despite the fact that the dealer is 90 minutes away.
2. As you read in the thread in MINI talk, they were so thorough in screwing up our delivery experience, this is the least they can do...

 

Koopah... Have you ever had the DRL or auto-lock options changed on your 328? I swear when I picked up my 323 in (march?) 2000 the guy asked me how I wanted it when I went to pick it up and he sat down and programmed it using the key and the lock button right there in front of me.

I had my MC in for oil change and tune up and a list of little rattles and stuff to be fixed and the guy wanted to charge me $50 to do the reprogram.

 

jebernauer --

Yes. I bought the 328i with 12,000 miles on it and had the DRLs, auto-lock and "unlock all doors" turned on. This was done with the GT1/MoDIC hooked-up as I viewed it through the service window. The only thing I can think of that may have been done by the service person working in your car would be to reset the door locking "synchronization"; I think I remember reading something about that procedure in the Bentley 3-Series manual.

Remember, also, that your 3-Series has key memory features. Each key can be programmed for different settings of the seats, climate control, etc. The service person may have been doing something with the key memory settings.

There have been a number of contributors to the various message boards that have been in the employ of MINIUSA and have been of great help to our community (whether secretly or overtly). The regularity of this question being asked combined with the knowledge of those "in the know" responding to this question always yields the same answer.

That being said, we have just identified the next (BMW/MINI) killer app: The Palm/Pocket PC based GT1 emulator .

Theo

 

Can anyone point me toward a list of what features or option choices are available? My MA says he will program the DRLs on or off, whatever I want, but are there other things I have a choice over?

When I pass MINIs on the street, none of them have their DRLs on. Is this unusual or the norm?

YD

 

The list is in your manual. If you dont have one, go to motoringfile.com and download one.

As to DRLs, I always had them on.

 

From mini2.com:
Updated July '03.

• Different activating signals to confirm that the vehicle has been locked/unlocked. (Seems on early builds only)
• Deactivating the headlight courtesy delay function (AKA 'Follow me home lights'). With 40, 90, 150, 240 second delay options.
• Switching on the inside light via the remote control. (Unconfirmed as an option, standard on unlock via remote).
• Activating / deactivating the interior movement detector/tilt alarm sensor via the remote control. (Available by 'double locking' but not recommended for insurance and security purposes).
• Automatically locking the vehicle after setting off.
• Stop function of window lifts when opening/closing.
• Selective central locking where the first press unlocks only the drivers door, then the second press unlocks the remainder of the vehicle./Selective Central Locking with key in door lock.
• Holding RC down options: Unlock Boot, Comfort Opening, or nothing. (Remote comfort opening, not on all vehicles).
• Windscreen Wipers. Switch back when stationary, active or not active.
• Automatic door unlock with ignition off.
• Speed sensing wipers (n/a with rain sensitive wipers factory option).
• Locking when engine is running (with
  second key) .
• Activating/deactivating daytime driving
  lamps.
• Power sunroof - 1 touch open and/or close.
• Power sunroof - 1 touch raise
• Park Distance Control Loudness in back
• Park Distance Control System OK signal on every activation
• Rain sensor Threshold settings

The main thing to do here is ask your dealer for a list of options for YOUR car, they can plug it in and tell you in a matter of minutes.

I drive at lot of commuter highway miles so I had the DRL turned on for mine but my wife left it off on hers.

 

Take this with you to your dealer. The most important info is the bold print under procedure.

Steve

 

Thats just a guideline ... not a mandate. They do not have to follow it.

 

Right, I know. However with that in hand, it may give you a little more leverage, to get it done free of charge.

Steve

 

True. Best of luck. Is that bulletin for internal use only or freely available to the public?

 

Obviously, has anyone ever actually had an opportunity to "customise" their car prior to delivery without initiating the discussion with their dealer?