MINI Ends Aftermarket Coding—While Introducing Its Own Customization Options

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Say goodbye to aftermarket coding and apps Bimmercode. MINI has shut down the popular coding loophole on its latest models—but there’s a twist. With the introduction of MINI OS9, new built-in customization options bring some of those tweaks to the masses. Here’s everything you need to know.

Aftermarket coding has been popular for years, fueled by a new wave of apps that connect to MINIs via the OBD-II port, enabling quick and easy changes to various settings. BimmerCode has long been a favorite among enthusiasts, unlocking European-specific features unavailable in North America or making tweaks like setting Sport Mode as the default driving mode.

While MINI has shut down almost all of this app-based customization (there are a small number of tweaks still possible), they’ve also introduced built-in options that offer some of these features as standard. For example, drivers can now select a default Drive/Experience mode for their MINI. However, there’s one glaring omission—Go-Kart mode. Why? We suspect it’s tied to efficiency ratings, though MINI has yet to formally confirm this.

App-Based Coding Explained

BimmerCode and similar apps are specifically designed for BMW Group vehicles that share a common software platform, including BMW, MINI, and even Rolls-Royce models. These apps allow users to unlock hidden features, personalize vehicle settings, and make coding changes directly from a smartphone or tablet. By connecting to the car’s OBD-II port using a compatible adapter (like the Veepeak or OBDLink adapters), they provide access to a range of options often unavailable in certain markets or locked by default.

Many enthusiasts use these apps to enable European-specific features, such as disabling seatbelt chimes, activating rear fog lights, or customizing turn signal behaviors. They also allow adjustments to headlight settings, like activating “welcome lights” or customizing DRL (daytime running light) configurations. Beyond that, users can fine-tune interior and exterior lighting, sound system preferences, and even the display options for the instrument cluster—and that’s just scratching the surface.

MotoringFile Take

It’s important to recognize that this move isn’t simply MINI trying to eliminate customization. For any automaker, leaving these kinds of loopholes open poses a real risk. While we’ve always appreciated what apps like BimmerCode offer, we also understand that things can go wrong—especially in expert mode.

Even though it’s relatively simple to reset a MINI’s coding to its factory default, the potential for errors creates a liability for MINI, particularly when it comes to warranty claims. From that perspective, it’s understandable why MINI would take steps to close the door on this type of aftermarket customization. Still there will surely be some that miss the unfettered access to the system that Bimmercode brought.

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