Firmware/Software Versions

[mfurse]

Originally Posted by trey100

So I'm handing in my '16 M3 and hopefully will take possession of a '18 M3 ZCP. I haven't driven one yet but I'm confident I'll like it as much as my '16 if not more.

I recall back when I got my '16 there was a lot of people updating their firmware to get improvements to traction, ride, etc. That coincided with the introduction of the ZCP which seemed to improve things, at least from what the road tests said. Did anyone ever determine if the later model 16's actually got the same improvements that the ZCPs were getting? In the back of my mind, I always thought that the ZCP improvements could have simply been the same firmware updates that were given to all newer models.

Has there been any definitive answer?

Lots has been written when the ZCP came out, most in the press releases. The ZCP has mechanical differences (roll bars, springs, wheels) but the rest was mostly software (dampers, engine map, gearbox, diff, TC).

Some improvements in newer firmware applied to an early Civic M3 would make it feel better (steering, gearbox, throttle response, TC definitely improved in my 2016 updated) but it won't feel like a ZCP because of the mechanical differences.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by mfurse

Lots has been written when the ZCP came out, most in the press releases. The ZCP has mechanical differences (roll bars, springs, wheels) but the rest was mostly software (dampers, engine map, gearbox, diff, TC).

Some improvements in newer firmware applied to an early Civic M3 would make it feel better (steering, gearbox, throttle response, TC definitely improved in my 2016 updated) but it won't feel like a ZCP because of the mechanical differences.

This is what i thought. I'm looking forward to seeing any noticeable improvements when I pick up my car.

[JoeKixxon]

Originally Posted by Shadow2

My 2016 F80, build date 5/16, was on F020-16-03-504.
Dealer updated yesterday to F020-18-11-531.
Feels good, all 3 steering settings and EDC settings are now usable, before could only use comfort for each. Power feels really strong throughout the powerband. I was just getting used to the car so hard to tell exactly how different everything is.

How did you get them to upgrade? I've asked in the past with my E90 and my F80 and the dealer always declines to do it. I can't remember the exact reason, but they basically claim it could mess up the car and then they're not responsible for getting it running correctly with the new software when it was already running good with the installed software...

Edit: they also say I can buy a 3rd party tune but that's about it. No OEM (they say).

[Alpine_F82]

Yes dealer wanted 250$ plus tax for the new software update for me. I think I’m gonna get it. I have a 2015 M4 and can’t stand the software I’m hoping for the update to make at least a noticeable difference in the traction control setting and first gear jerkyness

[mfurse]

Originally Posted by M4BimmerChris

Yes dealer wanted 250$ plus tax for the new software update for me. I think I'm gonna get it. I have a 2015 M4 and can't stand the software I'm hoping for the update to make at least a noticeable difference in the traction control setting and first gear jerkyness

It's definitely easier to modulate and drive hard after the software update as torque is moved slightly up the rev range and the TC less on/off.

As for the 1st gear jerking that's still there as it's geared so short in 1st and any rough piece of road or lack of attentiveness on the drivers part will result in your foot bouncing slightly on the throttle pedal and the car kangarooing forward.

[mfurse]

Originally Posted by JoeKixxon

How did you get them to upgrade? I've asked in the past with my E90 and my F80 and the dealer always declines to do it. I can't remember the exact reason, but they basically claim it could mess up the car and then they're not responsible for getting it running correctly with the new software when it was already running good with the installed software...

Edit: they also say I can buy a 3rd party tune but that's about it. No OEM (they say).

I'd go to another dealer. Mine warned me abuut module failure and I had to sign a disclaimer that I'd pick up the tab if the upgrade failed but it was something they were happy to take my money to do.

They often do it for free to cure some common issues but I don't think there was anything notable on the F8X like on the E9X.

[Rhd-jon]

Originally Posted by mfurse

That's just an update for the iDrive and Bluetooth etc. ISTEP is the whole car's software and can only be done by dealer or at home using by specialist software.

Ahhhhhhh ok thanks.

[alfonseexists]

Originally Posted by Rhd-jon

I actually went to www.bmw.com/update and updated my 2015 F80

Did the same thing for my early 18 m4 zcp. ridiculously easy thing to do yourself.

[Trevorstein]

Bump... Keep me posted!

[Trevorstein]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

That's the idrive electronics only.

The istep is what most are talking about.

However, the isteps updates as of the last several months lock the ECU meaning you cannot have a custom tune (like BM3) etc.

Hey!

I believe that a work around has already been established for this, as it doesn't actually, "lock" the ECU.

Is this so?


Cheers!

[MthreeComp]

Hey I just purchased my first m3, it's a 2018 an I was wondering if that version or year idrive has apple CarPlay.

[SenorFunkyPants]

In the UK you have to pay to have Apple car play added via the connecteddrive website...and I did and it works fine on my early 2017 car with an iphone X.

[///Gunner]

Software got updated, and wow! What a difference..... no more jerkiness is the biggest win of the update..... driven on D3/+sport for the last 2 days to try to get it to jerk and nothing! Also notice that the ASD is not as loud anymore, and my MPE sound way better.... this is all coming from a 2016 (10/15 built) with no update ever done since now...... Got the Dealer to do the update for free as I kept complaining about the jerkiness... (F020-19-07-539)

[cryan]

I looked through a lot of the pages, but didn't see this question asked. Has anyone had any luck having the dealer update the istep from a base M to a zcp or cs, with associated tq/hp increases?

[secretanchitman]

Originally Posted by cryan

I looked through a lot of the pages, but didn't see this question asked. Has anyone had any luck having the dealer update the istep from a base M to a zcp or cs, with associated tq/hp increases?

You're betting off getting the car flashed by Alex@Alpine or one of the various tuners here if you'd want the ZCP, CS or GTS hp/torque increase.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by cryan

I looked through a lot of the pages, but didn't see this question asked. Has anyone had any luck having the dealer update the istep from a base M to a zcp or cs, with associated tq/hp increases?

Bootmod3 will get you all this, and more.

[cryan]

Thanks for the responses. That's kind of what I figured. I'm going enjoy the car and the warranty as-is for now...but trying to form some opinions and plans.

[anderson87]

Car is still on warranty and thinking of pushing dealer for an update. Car is a 2016. No issues really other than maybe transmission a little jerky (haven't driven another M3 so could be just the way DCT is). For guys that have got the update covered under warranty is there anything you specifically told the deal which pushed them to cover it without having to push them too much?

[mfurse]

Originally Posted by anderson87

Car is still on warranty and thinking of pushing dealer for an update. Car is a 2016. No issues really other than maybe transmission a little jerky (haven't driven another M3 so could be just the way DCT is). For guys that have got the update covered under warranty is there anything you specifically told the deal which pushed them to cover it without having to push them too much?

Reversing camera in sunlight / jerky gearbox / iDrive rebooting - there's a few 😊

[TanzaniteBlue]

As far as I can tell the latest software also fixed DSC freaking out if you lifted off on a freeway offramp.

[JeffB-M3]

After putting on Eibach V1 springs the dealer was having a hard time getting the alignment right. It keeps pulling barely right but also doesn't track straight on long sweeping turns. Anyways..... the tech came out to speak with me and the tech wanted to try a few things but then offered a software upgrade. I didn't have the time to do it right then but will drop it off in the AM to have it done. Will share my impressions.

[Shawn_M3 2023]

Originally Posted by JeffB-M3

After putting on Eibach V1 springs the dealer was having a hard time getting the alignment right. It keeps pulling barely right but also doesn't track straight on long sweeping turns. Anyways..... the tech came out to speak with me and the tech wanted to try a few things but then offered a software upgrade. I didn't have the time to do it right then but will drop it off in the AM to have it done. Will share my impressions.

Do you have a manual transmission? I'm curious to see if the software update would make the rev matching available in sport plus as well