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      11-09-2011, 01:36 PM   #1
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Factory BMW software update questions.

I'm having the toughest time in getting this done. I tried installing my ESS software, but when I sent the file over, they could not give me a successful tune to load onto my ECU because my car has not been updated to the newest software from BMW.

I called the dealers, and not only do they want to charge me to update my ECU to the newest factory software, but they don't see the need to update it. They don't want to take the risk of ruining the DME/modules during the programming which would NOT be warranted.

My question is, are the dealers allowed to just update the software? I would think BMW comes up with updates to do just that, update the car to newer settings. I can see in their eyes, there is no need to update if there is nothing wrong with the car, but at the same time, the update is there for a reason.

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      11-09-2011, 03:19 PM   #2
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Software updates are covered under warranty if there's reason to believe the update will fix an issue you're reporting, like an SIB for said issue. Otherwise you pay for it, and if you're outside of warranty you pay for it regardless. I understand the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality too, but I agree there must be some reason the software got updated, and I doubt it's always "just to support new models/options".

As far as dealers being reluctant to install updates, I understand the dealer's viewpoint that a botched update would be very bad, but if dealers are so worried about installing an update I think BMW needs to come up with a more reliable updating mechanism....

OP if you're loading ESS software (not sure whether you mean just a tune or the software for their supercharger) just tell them why you want the update and pay for it. The update isn't to fix an issue covered under warranty so even if you technically COULD lie and get it done for free, you're certainly not entitled to it given the reason you want it. And you're going to lose your warranty on that part of the car by going ESS anyway, so there's no point trying to be shady about the preparatory update. Unless you plan to try to bring everything back to stock later if something goes wrong and come to the dealer saying, "Yeah I don't know what happened, it just broke....", but we already had a thread about that a while ago: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=592140
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Last edited by jphughan; 11-09-2011 at 03:36 PM..
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      11-09-2011, 03:22 PM   #3
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In my experience, dealerships will want a valid reason to take your car in for service. Only as part of this work will the tech check to make sure your software is up to date. Updating our software is a long and finicky process, and there isn't incentive for the tech to do it otherwise.

When I brought my car in for service a couple of years ago, they fried my instrument cluster when they attempted to update my software. The piece was on national back order, and as a result, the dealership had to lend me a loaner for nearly a month and pay off that month's car payment on my behalf.

So it's understandable why your dealership is being a little resistant.
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      11-10-2011, 12:40 AM   #4
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I can update the software if you want. I promise not to void your warranty
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      11-10-2011, 01:42 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Benvo View Post
I can update the software if you want. I promise not to void your warranty
It's great that this service exists for those not wanting to dable in this themselves!

OP - they have to go through this extended process which will tie up one of their computers, and potentially service bays, for hours. My wife's car had to have the entire ECU reflashed for a headlight issue...took 2 hours, then failed, then took 5 hours and was done. So there is a resource that needs to be used and if BMW isn't reimbursing them, because there is no real issue, then who will pay?

The flash shouldn't take that long, the BMW system isn't efficient, unless there is something I'm missing. Mike probably knows more, and PG has posted on the topic as well...
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      11-13-2011, 08:41 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Singletrack View Post
It's great that this service exists for those not wanting to dable in this themselves!

OP - they have to go through this extended process which will tie up one of their computers, and potentially service bays, for hours. My wife's car had to have the entire ECU reflashed for a headlight issue...took 2 hours, then failed, then took 5 hours and was done. So there is a resource that needs to be used and if BMW isn't reimbursing them, because there is no real issue, then who will pay?

The flash shouldn't take that long, the BMW system isn't efficient, unless there is something I'm missing. Mike probably knows more, and PG has posted on the topic as well...
Depends what they use. The main issue with the dealer system is that when they perform any update, it flashes many modules and also recodes all of them. Meaning any coding is lost, including retrofits, etc..

The new ICOM systems are extremely fast compared to the stuff they had last year
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      09-25-2015, 07:23 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Benvo View Post
I can update the software if you want. I promise not to void your warranty
Hey I need a software DME update for my 2011 N55. Can you do it?
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      09-25-2015, 07:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshe92
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Benvo View Post
I can update the software if you want. I promise not to void your warranty
Hey I need a software DME update for my 2011 N55. Can you do it?
Yes, any BMW, any module.
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      09-26-2015, 06:26 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Benvo View Post
Yes, any BMW, any module.
I pm'ed you!
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