Car Software - Dealer Update

[R.E92]

Recently had some warranty work done on the car. BMW has changed the way their computer system works and are using the ISTA software package so whenever the car is plugged in to their system for routine programming operations like registering new hardware fitted to the car the system will automatically update the software in every single module in the car.

This includes the engine management and the gearbox management.

My DCT gearbox now behaves very different. It's much improved in my opinion. Seems to be smoother at low speeds and much better while coming to a stop, the clutch pack will now disengage when coming to a stop in second gear so it no longer uses first gear while stopping and you aren't fighting the engine as much as you stop so it's a lot smoother. It was previously updated earlier on in the year so it's definitely a recent change.

The engine software on my car (N54 engine) was previously a version called IMC0S which was the latest software until 3 months ago. They have now flashed it up INA0S which again is a huge improvement. I have sent a copy of the INA0S software I uploaded from the car to a guy on E90post and he has taken it apart to look at what they changed.
He told me they have made the turbo waste-gate PID controller much more aggressive and adjusted the fueling tables along with many other modifications. This ties up with how the car feels when driving. Feels a lot more responsive at low revs with the boost coming in much harder and faster. I would say the car is certainly faster than before.

I'm not sure how much they charge to do the software update. If you take your car to the dealer for servicing I'm sure it would be possible for the to run the updates for free if you ask nicely. It's certainly worth doing for anyone with the 35i/is.

[TitanTim]

I thought software updates were only done to cars in Warranty, unsure what happens outside of warranty and if you have to pay for them.

When I took the Zed in for a service and they tried to do a software enhancement it kept crashing so they had to keep the car in for an extra day as it takes a good 3 hours, pain or what.

There will come a point where it won't be possible to run modern cars indefinitely.

Tim.

[R.E92]

I thought software updates were only done to cars in Warranty, unsure what happens outside of warranty and if you have to pay for them.

When I took the Zed in for a service and they tried to do a software enhancement it kept crashing so they had to keep the car in for an extra day as it takes a good 3 hours, pain or what.

There will come a point where it won't be possible to run modern cars indefinitely.

Tim.

I don't think it's even am option for the update. I think the BMW ISTA/P software package they use for programming things like new injectors, pumps, batteries and other items actually forces them to perform a full system update.

Warranty or no warranty they would be forced to update all modules.

[mwadZ4]

Could be a problem if your car has been remapped......

[Angie4m]

Could be a problem if your car has been remapped......

Which was always why I used to remap my car myself. I had a mini that was always in getting work done by bmw and I'd always remove any remap and return the ecu to stock before letting the garage loose on it. Remapping the 35is however is not something I have planned on doing.

[envy]

i might pop to my local stealer to see if i need the update on mine

[ronk]

Will it be able to see the smarttop module?

[Angie4m]

Will it be able to see the smarttop module?

I believe the smartTop stops it from being able to update. One of the guys not too long ago left his in and had to pay the dealer for the privilege of them removing it to do his update. I don't think he was too happy.

[ronk]

I am led to believe that if switched off, the unit is invisible. I just wondered if this is still the same ?

[ronk]

Oops!

[Angie4m]

I am led to believe that if switched off, the unit is invisible. I just wondered if this is still the same ?

If it's switched off then it's not a problem

[R.E92]

I have verified it myself. With SmartTop enabled you just cannot connect to the roof module. Which in the latest ISTA software dealers use will probably prevent them going any further.

Disabling it makes it transparent and will make it safe for a dealer visit.

[ronk]

I have verified it myself. With SmartTop enabled you just cannot connect to the roof module. Which in the latest ISTA software dealers use will probably prevent them going any further.

Disabling it makes it transparent and will make it safe for a dealer visit.

Mot and service in December

[InvisibleName]

I am led to believe that if switched off, the unit is invisible. I just wondered if this is still the same ?

You are correct (sort of) - You 'disable' the SmartTop from the indicator stalk and it is then 'invisible' to the car's ECU

[ronk]

I will have to look at the instructions!

Titan showed me at install but i can't remember now.

From memory it was something like ign on, push ind stalk down, one flash. then up .