Visited MINI Peabody this morning for GBMINIs first “half way” oil change (at about 5500 miles); I was asked about the “recall” software update for the SES issue – the automatic transmission highlighted a spurious problem lighting the “SES” light.
I refused the update – I have not read much about it yet, and I am not convinced there are no down sides … also, since the original two “SES” light incidents I have had no problems with GBMINI.
Plus I have not actually received any recall paperwork yet – I would be interested to read the “official story”!
Actually I am surprised that there is a RECALL for this issue; presumably it is because owners will otherwise get used to simply ignoring the “SES” light, and one day it might come on for a real reason.
Meanwhile I continue to wait for the JCW upgrade for the automatic transmission, which is still reported to have emissions issues – if that ever gets released I will have to accept the engine update then!
UPDATE: Coincidentally, just tonight I read this post on MINI2 from CSM3:
… I was treated to a new version per the pollution tech bulletin … I’ve driven several hundred miles since and found:
2) Stumble in 1st has reappeared, though far less severe and frequent. Still VERY bothersome to me.
3) Bothersome lurch on accelerator release introduced.
4) “I’m about to kill” occaisional idle replaced by permanent “I’m out of tune” rough idle
…
– Glad I waited!
M&I / GBMINI 
Just as a note, remember not to take those notes as all they’re worth. It sounds like he had a number of those problems before the update as well…you don’t seem to.
Also, when most cars’ ECUs are reset, they spend a while relearning things, so they should wait a few weeks before they evaluate what changes are permanent.
I’m curious…does the auto transmission also produce a ‘stumble’? I’m not as current on that as I should be
On GBMINI#3 at least, there is no “stumble” that I have noticed.
Take the Service Engine Light seriously! What eventually will happen is your Mini will not go over 5 mph until you turn it off and start it back up again. I took it to my local Mini Dealer and was told the software problem has an effect on the transmission coverter. They fixing the software problem and REPLACING the transmission converter. This is a known issue with Mini. I noticed on mini2.com alot of people were chatting about this problem which causes lack of power, shifting is irregular, and service engine light comes on. I could not reply to any of the posting b/c I am not a member so you may want to forward this info to others on that site.
Thanks for this, Nick … I have to think there is more than one “SES” issue at the moment; I saw the original internal memo related to GBMINIs problem and it was clearly a spurious indication – no real problem.
Has anyone experienced accelorator sticking issues with any recent year models of automatic transmission equiped mini coopers?