Flashing updated software on 2015 M4

[_ts]

I recently picked up a 2015 M4 and I've had the opportunity to test drive some post LCI models. I've noticed that these later models seem to offer improved off-the-line torque. From my research, I understand this is due to an upgrade in the software.

I recently stumbled upon this and it piqued my interest.

However, my reservations stem from the fact that I have a stock base 2015 M4. I've read that the CS EDC coding doesn't vibe well with the base non-ZCP suspension that my car is equipped with.

I'm seeking guidance on where I can have the 2015 original equipment (OE) software updated to the latest version. My aim is to enhance my 2015 base model to provide a performance experience akin to a 2019 base model. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Can this be done remotely? I'm in the Los Angeles area.

[ethompson6]

I had this done yesterday at the dealer. It was around $300. It made a huge difference.

[alex2364]

That same company should also be able to upgrade your firmware (ISTEP), which is what you're looking for. The dealer can also do this by asking for the latest ISTEP.

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by alex2364

That same company should also be able to upgrade your firmware (ISTEP), which is what you're looking for. The dealer can also do this by asking for the latest ISTEP.

I just called my dealer to ask about an ISTEP update, and my service writer (who is awesome) told me that they do not perform a firmware update on a car unless there is a repair that needs the update. Sounds to me like they just don't want to do it. Has anyone else had this response and overcome it?

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

I just called my dealer to ask about an ISTEP update, and my service writer (who is awesome) told me that they do not perform a firmware update on a car unless there is a repair that needs the update. Sounds to me like they just don't want to do it. Has anyone else had this response and overcome it?

Did you ask them to do it for free or offer to pay for it? They won’t do it for free unless there’s something wrong with the car and you’re under warranty. Otherwise you need to pay or just go through one of the coding vendors on the forum.

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by alex2364

Did you ask them to do it for free or offer to pay for it? They won’t do it for free unless there’s something wrong with the car and you’re under warranty. Otherwise you need to pay or just go through one of the coding vendors on the forum.

I did offer to pay. His replied that the shop foreman decided against providing firmware updates because it is common for control units to fail during the update process, which then becomes an issue for the dealership. That's a new one to me--it's a computer after all--but that's what he said. Thoughts?

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

I did offer to pay. His replied that the shop foreman decided against providing firmware updates because it is common for control units to fail during the update process, which then becomes an issue for the dealership. That's a new one to me--it's a computer after all--but that's what he said. Thoughts?

Ive been considering updating mine and it does seem to be a fairly common sentiment. id check a different dealer. Remote would be hard because you need a PSU for the process and can't use a regular charger.

[_ts]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

I did offer to pay. His replied that the shop foreman decided against providing firmware updates because it is common for control units to fail during the update process, which then becomes an issue for the dealership. That's a new one to me--it's a computer after all--but that's what he said. Thoughts?

The same information was relayed to me by my service manager. However, I doubt the accuracy of the claim that units tend to fail during the update process. If that were the case, there should be numerous forum discussions related to failures carried out by remote coders for GTS and Euro MDM updates.

I think the real issue is the potential financial loss the dealer might incur if something were to go wrong during the update. They'd have to bear the cost of replacing the module, which doesn't make sense for just a few hundred bucks.

[spidy512]

Heya!

I have heard that the older (read: 2015s) have had failures when updating ISTEP. My understannding (which may be off) is that the ISTEP update is massive and takes a long time to complete. Like hours. The few sotries I have read that when the ISTEP bricks, it does indeed cost the dealership a bunch of meny to remove and replace electrical hardware.

I would be interested to hear what the process is if anyone is familiar with it.

josh

[hC1001]

Originally Posted by spidy512

Heya!

I have heard that the older (read: 2015s) have had failures when updating ISTEP. My understannding (which may be off) is that the ISTEP update is massive and takes a long time to complete. Like hours. The few sotries I have read that when the ISTEP bricks, it does indeed cost the dealership a bunch of meny to remove and replace electrical hardware.

I would be interested to hear what the process is if anyone is familiar with it.

josh

I did it myself using E-SYS in 2020. The car had late 2016 istep. Takes around an hour for the flashing and updating process. I hooked the F80 to a running car during the process and flashed mid 2020 istep.

My idrive istep update failed during the process. Kinda freaked me out because the display remained on with an error msg even after turning off the car and locking it. I redid the flashing/update again and only targeted the idrive module and it was successful the second time. After the process, you have to do some initializing because everything is defaulted, takes about 10-15 mins.

I actually missed the extra torque the early version of istep had. Went with BM3 stage 1 tune to fix that. The power steering feel improved. Cant really notice a difference with the diff but having the latest software was good for peace of mind... I dont have EDC, so i cant comment on that.

You can hook it up to a running car for the PSU requirement and get someone to update remotely.

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by hC1001

I did it myself using E-SYS in 2020. The car had late 2016 istep. Takes around an hour for the flashing and updating process. I hooked the F80 to a running car during the process and flashed mid 2020 istep.

My idrive istep update failed during the process. Kinda freaked me out because the display remained on with an error msg even after turning off the car and locking it. I redid the flashing/update again and only targeted the idrive module and it was successful the second time. After the process, you have to do some initializing because everything is defaulted, takes about 10-15 mins.

I actually missed the extra torque the early version of istep had. Went with BM3 stage 1 tune to fix that. The power steering feel improved. Cant really notice a difference with the diff but having the latest software was good for peace of mind... I dont have EDC, so i cant comment on that.

You can hook it up to a running car for the PSU requirement and get someone to update remotely.

Would you say the car feels more civilized? I want to flash mine but I dont want to lose the low end, Im still on 2015 software.

[hC1001]

Originally Posted by theweebabySeamus

Would you say the car feels more civilized? I want to flash mine but I dont want to lose the low end, Im still on 2015 software.

Civilized in what way?

The car felt dull after updating in terms of power. I liked the low end torque on the early istep but after flashing to 2020 istep, it felt like there was a dead spot in the power band until you pass 3300 rpm.

I had to go with a BM3 stage 1 tune otherwise the car was not enjoyable with the stock tune.