Firmware/Software Versions

[tcharged]

Originally Posted by rk604

Same response from my BMW dealer. Got it updated in the end and paid for it ($240CAD).

Version shows F020-17-11-540.

What difference did it make??

[SenorFunkyPants]

Some interesting dyno plots of earlier vrs later software.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showth...ghlight=evolve

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Some interesting dyno plots of earlier vrs later software.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showth...ghlight=evolve

Why go so far http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1454386

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

Why go so far http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1454386

Ha good spot

[rk604]

Originally Posted by tcharged

What difference did it make??

Car never been updated since 2015.
- Most immediate differences is that the throttle response is better (more sensitive) in all modes.
- Less jerky // traction control much better at putting power down


I was away on vacation for a month and got the update done right when i returned, so i couldn't tell on the minuscule differences.

[ZoneLaps]

On Friday I purchased a used 2015 M4 with 29k miles. I’m trying to decide whether to pay for this firmware update. Updated features (like on the heads up display) have huge appeal to me, but losing early TQ does not. On the one hand, I can’t put the power down without spinning my tires, but on the other, I have to think that “upgrading” to 285 or 295 rears will fix that.

So, I guess my question is — how extensive are the other firmware updates since 2015 to idrive, heads up display, cameras, etc., and is it worth the trade off in losing so much early torque?

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by isaywhateveryo

...Updated features (like on the heads up display) have huge appeal to me, but losing early TQ does not....

You or someone can update only KOMBI to get the new HU colour scheme, if you like the older behaviour of the car, then not worth to update. I recall she was twitchy, now she is civil!

[ZoneLaps]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

You or someone can update only KOMBI to get the new HU colour scheme, if you like the older behaviour of the car, then not worth to update. I recall she was twitchy, now she is civil!

Thanks! Given that I have no idea what KOMBI is, can you tell me how I would update the HUD and the iDrive? Just ask the dealer to do so but not the other firmware portions?

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by isaywhateveryo

Thanks! Given that I have no idea what KOMBI is, can you tell me how I would update the HUD and the iDrive? Just ask the dealer to do so but not the other firmware portions?

Dealer will not selectively update an ECU, for such jobs find a bimmerpost sponsor that will remotely assist you. (KOMBI is the instrumentation cluster module)

[silverstar335]

I had my car updated to F020-17-11-540 from F020-16-11-503 (3.60.4) and there is a noticeable difference in 4 areas: steering, suspension, power band/traction and exhaust note. I need couple of more days before I am able to provide more accurate feedback as to how it is different.

[georgere]

Originally Posted by silverstar335

I had my car updated to F020-17-11-540 from F020-16-11-503 (3.60.4) and there is a noticeable difference in 4 areas: steering, suspension, power band/traction and exhaust note. I need couple of more days before I am able to provide more accurate feedback as to how it is different.

Is it better different or worse?

[NCThreePedals]

So the dealership will update the software or how is this done?

[MRCUR]

Originally Posted by NCThreePedals

So the dealership will update the software or how is this done?

Your dealer can update the software. They will generally charge for labor unless it's related to an issue.

[NCThreePedals]

Originally Posted by MRCUR

Your dealer can update the software. They will generally charge for labor unless it's related to an issue.

How do I check what version I have? I feel like ever since I went in for my service last time the valves act different

[MRCUR]

Originally Posted by NCThreePedals

How do I check what version I have? I feel like ever since I went in for my service last time the valves act different

Look through the thread. It's all in here.

[Super Spartan]

My DME version on my 2018 M4 ZCP is F020-17-07-507

Is there a newer one?

[DanMpower]

Just had my car updated to F020-17-11-540.

Quick review:

Steering: Steering feels more natural, it got lighter for sure. Sport+ feels like Sport and Sport feels like Efficient ect. Steering also feels more direct and feedback has improved. I love the steering feel now. Reminds me a bit of my BRZ, which I think has one of the best steering feel of any recent car I've driven.

Power/Throttle: This is one area I was afraid the update will mess up. I loved how beastly the car felt. Happy to report power comes on just as strong but much smoother and controlled. The on/off throttle is now more linear, before I would be blasting away at every intersection because 1/4 throttle on this beast felt like a space shuttle launch in Sport+. Now I can have it in the most aggressive setting, Sport+/D3 and it will still be able to smoothly take off.

Exhaust: I can't believe a software update can improve the sound but it sure did! I had an MPE exhaust installed recently and never really liked the way it sounded, it was raspy and tinny up top. For some magical reason after the software update, it sounds great! Unbelievable, I don't hear the tinny raspiness up top, just a nice beautiful growl now! Wow! There is a nice mild burble to the system as well, sounds very cool.

Suspension: Honestly, I haven't noticed much difference in the suspension. It honestly feels the same to me, maybe a tiny bit softer in Comfort.

DCT: Up shifts just as quick as before but the real difference is downshifting, butter smooth now, I can do 3-2-1 and it will be seamless. Before the update a 3-2-1 shift like that would result in a small bucking sensation sometimes. Now it will rev-match and downshift without any jerky feel.

Overall I am extremely satisfied with the update, my SA did it for free but I would have gladly paid for it now that I have experienced it. Good job BMW.

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by DanIAM3

Just had my car updated to F020-17-11-540.

Quick review:

Steering: Steering feels more natural, it got lighter for sure. Sport+ feels like Sport and Sport feels like Efficient ect. Steering also feels more direct and feedback has improved. I love the steering feel now. Reminds me a bit of my BRZ, which I think has one of the best steering feel of any recent car I've driven.

Power/Throttle: This is one area I was afraid the update will mess up. I loved how beastly the car felt. Happy to report power comes on just as strong but much smoother and controlled. The on/off throttle is now more linear, before I would be blasting away at every intersection because 1/4 throttle on this beast felt like a space shuttle launch in Sport+. Now I can have it in the most aggressive setting, Sport+/D3 and it will still be able to smoothly take off.

Exhaust: I can't believe a software update can improve the sound but it sure did! I had an MPE exhaust installed recently and never really liked the way it sounded, it was raspy and tinny up top. For some magical reason after the software update, it sounds great! Unbelievable, I don't hear the tinny raspiness up top, just a nice beautiful growl now! Wow! There is a nice mild burble to the system as well, sounds very cool.

Suspension: Honestly, I haven't noticed much difference in the suspension. It honestly feels the same to me, maybe a tiny bit softer in Comfort.

DCT: Up shifts just as quick as before but the real difference is downshifting, butter smooth now, I can do 3-2-1 and it will be seamless. Before the update a 3-2-1 shift like that would result in a small bucking sensation sometimes. Now it will rev-match and downshift without any jerky feel.

Overall I am extremely satisfied with the update, my SA did it for free but I would have gladly paid for it now that I have experienced it. Good job BMW.

I have an MPE as well on my 2018 ZCP M4, you got me excited so I booked an appointment to take the car in tomorrow to see if they have this update here in Dubai.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

I have an MPE as well on my 2018 ZCP M4, you got me excited so I booked an appointment to take the car in tomorrow to see if they have this update here in Dubai.

In all honesty, I would not get your hopes up that you will see a big difference, at least in the butt dyno. As your car is a 2018, your current software is probably very close to that version as far as any updated features and/or bug fixes are concerned. My car is a 2017 ZCP with a build date of 11/2016. It came with I-step F020-16-11-502 and I recently upgraded to 17-11-540, which is a year after original purchase. But the butt dyno did not feel anything new (including in the steering and exhaust note as well) as the ZCP is very refined now, especially when compared to the older base M3/M4 from 2016 and older.

That said, there is nothing wrong with having current software in the car, especially if you can get it done for free, like I did .

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by jmciver

In all honesty, I would not get your hopes up that you will see a big difference, at least in the butt dyno. As your car is a 2018, your current software is probably very close to that version as far as any updated features and/or bug fixes are concerned. My car is a 2017 ZCP with a build date of 11/2016. It came with I-step F020-16-11-502 and I recently upgraded to 17-11-540, which is a year after original purchase. But the butt dyno did not feel anything new (including in the steering and exhaust note as well) as the ZCP is very refined now, especially when compared to the older base M3/M4 from 2016 and older.

That said, there is nothing wrong with having current software in the car, especially if you can get it done for free, like I did .

Took the car in today, they are gonna update the DME. Had to leave the car with them though as they need 1 day to do this to get the latest DME from BMW Germany.

[Super Spartan]

Just got the car back from the dealership. They said they upgraded the DME.

So I went home and plugged in a blank USB Flash Disk into the car, then exported my driver profile then opened it using Notepad on my computer and it indeed shows:

<i-step>F020-17-11-540</i-step>

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Just got the car back from the dealership. They said they upgraded the DME.

So I went home and plugged in a blank USB Flash Disk into the car, then exported my driver profile then opened it using Notepad on my computer and it indeed shows:

<i-step>F020-17-11-540</i-step>

So what did you notice different about the car with the new software considering your car is still relatively new? Keep in mind when the dealer does a software update, all of the ECUs in the car are updated, not just the DME, if there is an update available for an ECU.

The only confirmed changes I noticed was a minor tweak to the HUD and that the frontal collision avoidance does not default to always on, but remembers the last setting (off or on) when the car was last shut down. Also, it appears that the ASD (i.e. fake engine noise) was toned down a bit, but it is difficult for me to confirm - it is just a feeling (but then I think I am one of the rare enthusiasts that does not mind the ASD in this car )