MINI ECU Reset: R50 / R52 / R53

This procedure is intended for a basic "reset" of the ECU. It is not for clearing error codes or turning off CEL (check engine lights). Proceed at your own risk!


Intended for use with the following models:

  • 2002-2006 R50 MINI Cooper and R53 MINI Cooper S Hatchback
  • 2005-2008 R52 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Convertibles

How to Reset the ECU:

  1. With the key in the ignition, but in the off position, press and hold down the odometer reset button with one hand.
  2. While holding the button down, switch the key in the ignition to position 1 (first click) with the other hand. The screen will have a number and the word “TEST”.
  3. Scroll through the numbers by pressing the odometer rest button, through to 19 and wait a moment. (Note: the number order is: 1, 2, 10, 19)
  4. The message will say 19 "L i-off", flash to "L i-on", and back to "L i-off" again. When "log i-off" appears, press the odometer rest button again.
  5. You are now in the system. Scroll through to 21.  TEST and wait a moment. 21.0 RESET will come up. Press the button once.
  6. Your gauges will now make some sounds and movements.
  7. Once the lights come back on start your car. You have now reset your ECU and your MINI is now ready to relearn the new mods and your driving style.

Here is a list of all the tests on your MINI:

  • 1.0  Chassis number
    • 1.1  Kilometer count
    • 1.2  Parts number
    • 1.3  Coding-, Diagnostic- and Bus-index
    • 1.4  Production Date (Calendar week/year)
    • 1.5  Hard- and Software status
    • 1.6  Injector status, Cylinder count, Engine factor
  • 2.0  Comb system Test
  • 3.0  Service interval counter
  • 4.0  Actual fuel consumption in l/100km. eg .0154 = 15,4 liters/100kms
    • 4.1  Consumption in liters/100kms
  • 5.0  Distance consumption in l/100kms
    • 5.1  Actual rest distance with available fuel in Kms
  • 6.0  Actual amount of fuel in tank. eg. 123321 =12,3liters left 32,1 liters right
    • 6.1  Total amount of fuel in tank
    • 6.2  Show value of Fuel gauge
    • 1= both senders OK, 2= sender failure, 3=ti signal implausible (no reading)
  • 7.0  Actual coolant temp
    • 7.1  Actual outside temp
    • 7.2  Actual engine revs
    • 7.3  Actual speed
  • 8.0  Hexadecimal readings of menu 7.0 to 7.3
  • 9.0  Actual on board voltage (Battery)
  • 10.0  Land codes
  • 11.0  Unit codes
  • 12.0  No function
  • 13.0  Gong test
  • 14.0 - 14.4  Onboard diagnostic codes. eg 000000 = no failures
  • 15.0 - 18.0  No function
  • 19.0  On/Off for Test menu
  • 20.0  Correction factor for Fuel consumption Formula for correction:
    • Shown consumption x 1000 / user defined consumption
    • Push the trip reset button to begin the correction. Numbers count up from 0-9, when correct number shows push trip reset button
    • 20.1  Sets 10ths. for consumption factor
    • 20.2  Sets 100ths. and 1000ths. For consumption factor
    • 20.3  Saves the new consumption factor and shows new value
    • 21.0  Software reset. (Same as disconnecting battery)