Updating the ECU / etc firmware - worth it?

[Braveatom]

My car is a mid 2009 model, and appears to not had any updates to the ECU firmware or other inbuilt systems since manufacture (ignoring the iDrive, as I have an MMI box).

It kinda bothers me it’s not had any of these internal firmware upgrades. On one hand, it drives fine, it’s has no problems. Some advice suggests if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I get that.

However, I can’t believe that over the last decade all the firmware upgrades were pointless and didn’t improve anything - the internet suggests improvements to throttle response, gear changing (it’s an automatic), and fuel efficiency. No idea if this is the case.

My question is, is it worth finding someone to do it? Have you noticed any notable improvements?

Lastly, can anyone recommend someone West London (ish, happy to drive somewhere) that can do it?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[B21]

Welcome..I’m not aware of any significant revisions in N20 firmware…the biggest would have been the move from PWG to EWG in 2013..

Any BMW approved service centre can update the ECU and TCU firmware..it does require semi manual intervention with jumper cables on ECU pins..

I had mine re-done following a Celtic tune debacle to the last version prior to then being re-mapped..

 

[Braveatom]

Thanks! I should have said it’s the N54 engine - 23i sDrive, but guessing the info still stands.

 

[B21]

Thanks! I should have said it’s the N54 engine - 23i sDrive, but guessing the info still stands.

23i has an N52 not N54….

I doubt even less use for a firmware change.

 

[Braveatom]

Ha, thanks, fairly new to this so finding my way! Sounds like it's something to not worry about - saves some money for other things on the car