MFSW not MFing?

inkey$

Lifer
 Sevenoaks & Suffolk
Still no joy with my newly purchased MFSW and its functionality. Decided to speak to my local BMW service dept and they've told me that it's not as simple as just plug and play. They need my chassis number and the part number of the wheel in order to see what software updates are needed?

Anybody else had this issue? From the forum threads and the fact that my car was manufactured late 2004 I'd have thought it would have been a breeze.
 
I think you have answered your own question if you have done a search. It should be and as you say as simple as plug and play.
 
Never heard of anyone needing any coding and I bet 10 members here have done it (including me)

Just BMW speak for charging £50 to stick it on a machine and see if any code is thrown up. After that when none is, they'll tell you it's not wired correctly and charge another £50 to £100 to check that.

My advice would be to check the wiring at both ends to ensure it's correctly done and plugs connected.

There's a retrofit pdf file, but I can't send it as I'm in sunny Spain
 
cj10jeeper said:
Never heard of anyone needing any coding and I bet 10 members here have done it (including me)

Just BMW speak for charging £50 to stick it on a machine and see if any code is thrown up. After that when none is, they'll tell you it's not wired correctly and charge another £50 to £100 to check that.

My advice would be to check the wiring at both ends to ensure it's correctly done and plugs connected.

There's a retrofit pdf file, but I can't send it as I'm in sunny Spain

Appreciate it CJ and I suspect that, unfortunately you're probably right. Why can't they just be honest and exhibit some knowledge on the subject rather than treat customers who appreciate the brand like tw*ts.

Enjoy the sunshine in Espana and if you get a chance to send over that retrofit PDF when you return that would be very cool :thumbsup:
 
Or PM me your email address and I'll send you a copy.

Thoughts on diagnosis were the same as CJ's, check the head unit next to make sure everything is okay, which I guess leaves something in the middle.

I think its right, BMW dealers' default line is it may need something reprogramming -certainly had reports of that for the MFSW (experienced first hand) and also for any cruise control. Actually, also when I enquire about the heated seat panel IIRC.
 
did you buy a new wheel or 2nd hand?

i fitted a MFSW into my 03 model myself, there was definetly no software updates required, it was basically plug and play except i had to make a retrofit cable (but thats only an issue for 03 models)

i would be checking the wires/plugs are all connected properly if I was you, cant really see how anything else could go wrong, except maybe someone was selling it 2nd hand because the buttons dont actually work anymore...
 
I still have this problem too, all connections checked, def not always plug and play despite that being the case for many.
 
Many thanks Pawn; will PM you in a second for that PDF.

Hotride - yeah, its a brand new wheel bought a couple of weeks ago so should be fine. V. confusing!.
 
Seems the programming is not a simple default response, this is from BMW's instructions:

Z4_Multi-Function_Button_Retrofit_Kit.pdf said:
Installation information
Ensure that the cables/lines are not kinked or damaged as you install them in the car. The costs incurred
as a result of this will not be reimbursed by BMW AG.

Additional cables/lines that you install must be secured with cable ties.

After the installation work the retrofit kit must be programmed / coded using DISPlus or GT-1 via the
Retrofit/CIP path.

Special tools required
None

Guess most of us have been lucky!
 
PawnSacrifice said:
Additional cables/lines that you install must be secured with cable ties.

After the installation work the retrofit kit must be programmed / coded using DISPlus or GT-1 via the
Retrofit/CIP path.

Guess most of us have been lucky![/quote]

Not lucky - this is just standard BMW stuff on all their retrofits.....
 
inkey$ said:
Just BMW speak for charging £50 to stick it on a machine and see if any code is thrown up. After that when none is, they'll tell you it's not wired correctly and charge another £50 to £100 to check that.

Why can't they just be honest and exhibit some knowledge on the subject rather than treat customers who appreciate the brand like tw*ts.

Were talking about a BMW dealer here who sells a kit with specific instalation instructions. Product liability law requires the dealer to follow the instructions - if they don't and it goes wrong who are the first ones to complain; WE DO and then take it out on the dealer. If as an owner you choose to carry out a mod yourself and it goes wrong then dont blame the dealer when you ask them to fix it. They are obliged to follow the agreed procedures to protect themselves from Joe Public (that's us) who are so quick to criticise and sometimes take them to court when it all goes wrong. And as usual some of us are quick to blame the whole BMW empire when one thing goes wrong.......
 
As usual AlanJ, your overseas sage like advice makes sense :wink:

What also bugs me about dealers is the ridiculous price differences and customer service levels. take Sopers for instance. Now there's a place that values customer loyalty, passion for the brand they work for and we are rewarded with both advice and better than standard prices. Joe there probably gets 'best employee' status on a regular occurrence because of all the business he does, and as a customer (something often ignored by many brands), I get the best deal. Consider also that just because I live and work in London, BMW think its okay to charge me an additional £100 for a service compared to one in the Shires.

But then who am I right? Answer: just another capital city, Bavarian driving stubby convert thats who :lol:
 
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