Throttle software changes between 2015 and 2017 models?

_ts · 04-01-2023, 12:15 AM

I am considering purchasing an F82 M4 and have had the opportunity to test drive both a 2015 and 2017 model. During these test drives, I noticed that the 2017 version seemed smoother with reduced wheel spin during acceleration. I recall reading about BMW implementing software updates for power delivery improvements after 2015. Can anyone provide further details regarding these updates? Also, would it be possible for a dealer to upgrade the software on a 2015 model to match the performance of a 2017 version?

slowturbo · 04-01-2023, 05:51 AM

I think I recall reading that 2015 models were tuned to have more torque in lower gear RPMs than later models. This is why they have more wheel spin. I am not sure if you can upgrade to later OEM programming though. Worth asking one of the folks who offer coding services.

spidy512 · 04-01-2023, 08:47 AM

Howdy,

I will back slowturbo on this. When I got my 2015 F80, through research here, I discovered there were incremental changes for the factory tune. When I flashed to the GTS+ tune, the car was way smoother and much easier to daily around. Same with the GTS DCT and diff tune.

The original tune was just a bit "raw" IMO. Especially if it is a daily. It is easy to remedy with a flash tune or having the dealer update to the latest OEM tune.

good luck either way!

josh

Blocke · 04-01-2023, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidy512

Howdy,

I will back slowturbo on this. When I got my 2015 F80, through research here, I discovered there were incremental changes for the factory tune. When I flashed to the GTS+ tune, the car was way smoother and much easier to daily around. Same with the GTS DCT and diff tune.

The original tune was just a bit "raw" IMO. Especially if it is a daily. It is easy to remedy with a flash tune or having the dealer update to the latest OEM tune.

good luck either way!

josh

Josh did you need to update your I-step to get the GTS tunes? I’ve considered doing the same to my 2015, but curious how many hoops I’d have to jump through.

spidy512 · 04-01-2023, 09:59 AM

No, I did not.

It is a pretty long provess. Like a couple hours if I remember correctly. I got what I wanted out the BM3 tune, so I don't intend to update the I-step anytime soon.

If you are trying to stay stock, then I would get the update.

I will assume the 15 is a more desirable build. Keep in the mind the 15's are the least updatable year for a multitude of things other than the tune of the car. Thay suffer from the sunsetting of 3g and there is no work around other than aftgermarket or costly addons. Just thinking out loud, but I recommend 2017 or newer F82's if you have the patience...

josh

_ts · 04-01-2023, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidy512

No, I did not.

It is a pretty long provess. Like a couple hours if I remember correctly. I got what I wanted out the BM3 tune, so I don't intend to update the I-step anytime soon.

If you are trying to stay stock, then I would get the update.

I will assume the 15 is a more desirable build. Keep in the mind the 15's are the least updatable year for a multitude of things other than the tune of the car. Thay suffer from the sunsetting of 3g and there is no work around other than aftgermarket or costly addons. Just thinking out loud, but I recommend 2017 or newer F82's if you have the patience...

josh

Hey Josh -

Can you expand on this please? What do you mean "least updatable" and what "multitude of other things"? Thank you!

SYT_Shadow · 04-01-2023, 02:03 PM

You can update a 2015 to have the same car software for suspension, throttle etc as the later cars. The dealer can do this, or a coder.

spidy512 · 04-01-2023, 08:27 PM

^This.

As well as Idrive was updated signifigantly in 2016. There may be other things, but I cannot recall at the moment. There are a bunch of smarter than me folks around here, hopefully theyh will chime in as well.

josh

_ts · 04-04-2023, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

You can update a 2015 to have the same car software for suspension, throttle etc as the later cars. The dealer can do this, or a coder.

If the dealer can update the software on the vehicle to a newer version, can the dealer also update the Base software to the Comp package software? Are any dealers willing to do that?

SYT_Shadow · 04-04-2023, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _ts

If the dealer can update the software on the vehicle to a newer version, can the dealer also update the Base software to the Comp package software? Are any dealers willing to do that?

No. No one is able to do that as far as I'm concerned, including coders. But you can get a 'stage 0' tune which is the CS or GTS map from BM3 and is pretty much the same thing.

c99782 · 04-06-2023, 12:40 PM

Not sure how relevant this is, but I've noticed that most (if not all) base cars sound very different - much quieter - when doing stationary revs. Whereas ZCP cars (or even later base models) have more raspy, aggressive notes, 2015s with the same setups seem to have an exhaust note that tapers off in sound at the high end.

As for the torque curve, I can't launch my ST2 2015 M4 for my life even on 295/35 PS4S. In fact I've roasted tires through 6th gear WOT. The later models definitely had some kind of revision.

04-01-2023, 12:15 AM	#1
_ts Private 33 Rep 62 Posts Drives: E46 M3/F82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Throttle software changes between 2015 and 2017 models? I am considering purchasing an F82 M4 and have had the opportunity to test drive both a 2015 and 2017 model. During these test drives, I noticed that the 2017 version seemed smoother with reduced wheel spin during acceleration. I recall reading about BMW implementing software updates for power delivery improvements after 2015. Can anyone provide further details regarding these updates? Also, would it be possible for a dealer to upgrade the software on a 2015 model to match the performance of a 2017 version?
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04-01-2023, 05:51 AM	#2
slowturbo Second Lieutenant 121 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (1)	I think I recall reading that 2015 models were tuned to have more torque in lower gear RPMs than later models. This is why they have more wheel spin. I am not sure if you can upgrade to later OEM programming though. Worth asking one of the folks who offer coding services. __________________ 2017 M3 ZCP Mineral Grey/Black DCT
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04-01-2023, 08:47 AM	#3
spidy512 Captain 492 Rep 688 Posts Drives: 2015 f80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: East Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	Howdy, I will back slowturbo on this. When I got my 2015 F80, through research here, I discovered there were incremental changes for the factory tune. When I flashed to the GTS+ tune, the car was way smoother and much easier to daily around. Same with the GTS DCT and diff tune. The original tune was just a bit "raw" IMO. Especially if it is a daily. It is easy to remedy with a flash tune or having the dealer update to the latest OEM tune. good luck either way! josh
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04-01-2023, 09:59 AM	#5
spidy512 Captain 492 Rep 688 Posts Drives: 2015 f80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: East Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	No, I did not. It is a pretty long provess. Like a couple hours if I remember correctly. I got what I wanted out the BM3 tune, so I don't intend to update the I-step anytime soon. If you are trying to stay stock, then I would get the update. I will assume the 15 is a more desirable build. Keep in the mind the 15's are the least updatable year for a multitude of things other than the tune of the car. Thay suffer from the sunsetting of 3g and there is no work around other than aftgermarket or costly addons. Just thinking out loud, but I recommend 2017 or newer F82's if you have the patience... josh
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04-01-2023, 02:03 PM	#7
SYT_Shadow ///M Powered for Life 11469 Rep 10,328 Posts Drives: E90M/E92M/M4GTS/M4GT4/X5M Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Greenwich, CT iTrader: (2)	You can update a 2015 to have the same car software for suspension, throttle etc as the later cars. The dealer can do this, or a coder. __________________ DIY: S65 Rod Bearings E9X PFC Z54 BBK on F8X BK harness bar + seats: fit 6 tires in an M3 do88 Cooling Goodies GTS Twins: GTMore project
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04-01-2023, 08:27 PM	#8
spidy512 Captain 492 Rep 688 Posts Drives: 2015 f80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: East Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	^This. As well as Idrive was updated signifigantly in 2016. There may be other things, but I cannot recall at the moment. There are a bunch of smarter than me folks around here, hopefully theyh will chime in as well. josh
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04-06-2023, 12:40 PM	#11
c99782 Private 70 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 997 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Not sure how relevant this is, but I've noticed that most (if not all) base cars sound very different - much quieter - when doing stationary revs. Whereas ZCP cars (or even later base models) have more raspy, aggressive notes, 2015s with the same setups seem to have an exhaust note that tapers off in sound at the high end. As for the torque curve, I can't launch my ST2 2015 M4 for my life even on 295/35 PS4S. In fact I've roasted tires through 6th gear WOT. The later models definitely had some kind of revision.
	Appreciate 0 Quote