Latest Software Flash / DCT Issues?

[Faceman]

Took my car in for its first "official" service yesterday. SA tells me that there is a software upgrade...yada yada ya. I had remembered seeing something on the boards about this software flash so I questioned the SA about what the flash entailed. He basically tells me that the upgrade is required due to some sort of recall.

Anyway, long story short...I pick up the car today and notice that there are several changes in the iDrive/Navi screens...bascially new menus and such. Then and most importantly, I realized that the RPM's seem to be significantly high. For example, 7th gear, 70 MPH, RPM's around 3500 or higher. Standard idle hovers slightly above 1500.

Is something wrong? The car seems really jumpy, not really in a bad way....but seems ready to go....but should I be concerned about the high RPM's?

Has anyone else had the software flash? Any input would be appreciated.

[hjhgj]

Originally Posted by Faceman

Took my car in for its first "official" service yesterday. SA tells me that there is a software upgrade...yada yada ya. I had remembered seeing something on the boards about this software flash so I questioned the SA about what the flash entailed. He basically tells me that the upgrade is required due to some sort of recall.

Anyway, long story short...I pick up the car today and notice that there are several changes in the iDrive/Navi screens...bascially new menus and such. Then and most importantly, I realized that the RPM's seem to be significantly high. For example, 7th gear, 70 MPH, RPM's around 3500 or higher. Standard idle hovers slightly above 1500.

Is something wrong? The car seems really jumpy, not really in a bad way....but seems ready to go....but should I be concerned about the high RPM's?

Has anyone else had the software flash? Any input would be appreciated.

Mine is 3500rpm at 80mph

[Radiation Joe]

Let me know if I got this right.

Your car got a software update and now your cruising RPM in 7th gear are higher at 70 MPH than they were previously?

Just want to make sure I read that correctly before I provide advice.

[Frozen Black Panther]

its all in your head

[pride355]

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

Let me know if I got this right.

Your car got a software update and now your cruising RPM in 7th gear are higher at 70 MPH than they were previously?

Just want to make sure I read that correctly before I provide advice.

This is not possible.
Idle may increase but cruising speed has nothing to do with the software.

[FStop7]

it's possible if the instrument cluster was flashed and there was a problem leading to the tachometer displaying incorrectly. never heard of such a problem but i do know the cluster can be updated via flashing.

[Radiation Joe]

^^^^ Interesting ^^^^

[808MGuy]

I had the flash done about 2 weeks ago and notice the idle is slightly higher but not 1500RPM. I also noticed that DCT shifts are much smoother than before. I haven't noticed any difference in cruising RPM. I don't particularly care for some of the new iDrive menus though especially the display for the phone. I liked the old layout better.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Faceman

Is something wrong? The car seems really jumpy, not really in a bad way....but seems ready to go....but should I be concerned about the high RPM's?

As mentioned above by others, it is literally impossible for software to alter the RPM for a given speed and given gear ratio. The reason is that these things are dictated solely by the mechanical properties of the drivetrain.

Now, the possibility of a tach glitch, also mentioned above, caused by a software bug is much more believable. I'd like to say that BMW would never let such a bug get into the final release of the software but unfortunately they don't really have a good track record as far as software is concerned.

[Faceman]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the RPM's are higher...I can hear them. Down shifting sounds and feels different as well. I mean, not in a bad way, but there is an obvious change.

I talked to the dealership today and they said the "flash" had something to do with an emissions recall...which leads me further to the belief that the RPM's are different. Who really knows if that is accurate.

I don't know much about car details, engines, drivetrains and so on...but I know there is a difference.

I am taking it back in on the 4th because they damaged my bumper...so I should have more info by then.

[kpneverdies]

when was this software released? cuz i think i got the software that was released in july/2010.

[Faceman]

Not sure when it was released, but it was not long ago.

[saurabbhatia]

If this is the Sept 17 release date s/w got that about 3 weeks ago and have not seen any jump on RPM during Cruising speed 80mph right around 3000 3100 rpm.



http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B280110g.htm


SI B28 01 10
Double-clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
September 2010
Technical Service

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS AND PRIOR TO RETAIL DELIVERY.

SUBJECT
Service Action: Program Control Units (DCT)

MODEL
E82, E88, E89, E90, E92, E93 vehicles with DCT transmission produced from 1/08/2008 to 8/31/2010

SITUATION
Due to errors in the diagnostic software of the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) module, the "Freeze frame data" of the DCT memory can not be read out when using aftermarket scan tools.

CAUSE
DCT software error

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves E90, E92, E93 M3 vehicles with the S65 engine and DCT transmission and E82, E88, E89, E92, E93 vehicles with N54/N54T engine and DCT transmission which were produced from 01/08/2008 up to 08/31/2010.

In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 575. If code number 575 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 575 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

PROCEDURE
Program the vehicle using ISTA/P 2.39.0 or a more recent version.
E8x/E9x – Integration level (new): E89x-10-09-501 or higher.
Note that ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software.
For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to Centernet / Aftersales Portal / Service / Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.

[ChrisK]

Just got off the phone with my Dealer, and they said my car got the DCT update at port before it was released on 9/19.

However, my car drives exactly the same as it did when I did ED on 8/6. So I figure my car came from the factory with a newer version of software and the recent DCT patch didn't do much.

All I can say is my DCT is smooth as butter and works flawlessly.

BTW: I will check later today, but I believe my idle is at 600 rpm when warm.

[Faceman]

Again, thanks for all the feedback. So being at 1500 RPM at idle is a problem?

[Frozen Black Panther]

just dropped my car off for the update i will let you know whats up when i get it back from these mooks

[pride355]

Originally Posted by saurabbhatia

If this is the Sept 17 release date s/w got that about 3 weeks ago and have not seen any jump on RPM during Cruising speed 80mph right around 3000 3100 rpm.



http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B280110g.htm


SI B28 01 10
Double-clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
September 2010
Technical Service

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS AND PRIOR TO RETAIL DELIVERY.

SUBJECT
Service Action: Program Control Units (DCT)

MODEL
E82, E88, E89, E90, E92, E93 vehicles with DCT transmission produced from 1/08/2008 to 8/31/2010

SITUATION
Due to errors in the diagnostic software of the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) module, the "Freeze frame data" of the DCT memory can not be read out when using aftermarket scan tools.

CAUSE
DCT software error

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves E90, E92, E93 M3 vehicles with the S65 engine and DCT transmission and E82, E88, E89, E92, E93 vehicles with N54/N54T engine and DCT transmission which were produced from 01/08/2008 up to 08/31/2010.

In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 575. If code number 575 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 575 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

PROCEDURE
Program the vehicle using ISTA/P 2.39.0 or a more recent version.
E8x/E9x – Integration level (new): E89x-10-09-501 or higher.
Note that ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software.
For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to Centernet / Aftersales Portal / Service / Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.

I thought my M3 had the latest software which is July built.
I have no problem with the DCT software, no lag, no error what so ever.
I'm not sure if I shall take the car to the service for the update.

[saurabbhatia]

Originally Posted by pride355

I thought my M3 had the latest software which is July built.
I have no problem with the DCT software, no lag, no error what so ever.
I'm not sure if I shall take the car to the service for the update.

I didn't have any issues as well.. but just went and got the update anywayz..

[saurabbhatia]

Originally Posted by Faceman

Again, thanks for all the feedback. So being at 1500 RPM at idle is a problem?

I would think so...

[saurabbhatia]

Originally Posted by That Nice Guy Beck!

just dropped my car off for the update i will let you know whats up when i get it back from these mooks

keep us posted..

[mrkbbd]

you guys mention a "smoother" shift, does that mean in s5 and s6 the shifts are actually slower? mine goes in on Friday for the 1 year oil change and if that's the case I'll tell them not to update it

[kaykay]

SITUATION
Due to errors in the diagnostic software of the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) module, the "Freeze frame data" of the DCT memory can not be read out when using aftermarket scan tools.

This update only addresses a kind of software error when using diagnostic aftermarket scan equipment - it has nothing to do with RPMs, the way the car shifts or how it behaves on the road

The RPM's and smoother shifts are all in your head. Or are they?

Probably, since they would list other changes for the mechanics in the report.

My car runs great, I'm sure all of yours do and I don't think this software update directly benefits the driver.

Let's see...