Firmware/Software Versions

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by C43

Has anyone experienced a module failure during software update? I ask because my dealer has refused to update the original software in my 2015 F80 M3 DCT so I am considering having it done at an independent BMW shop.

You mean refused to update for free? I’m guessing if you pay they will play.

[F90-EOP]

Originally Posted by shortseller

You mean refused to update for free? I’m guessing if you pay they will play.

Paying was not discussed. SA read my key and said "no faults, no update" then added that the update may cause other problems. Present i-level of my M3 is F020-14-07-503.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by C43

Paying was not discussed. SA read my key and said "no faults, no update" then added that the update may cause other problems. Present i-level of my M3 is F020-14-07-503.

There’s always a chance newer software will not working perfectly written over old, and in your case it’s pretty old generation but in most cases it’s not a concern. BMW Dealers cover themselves with what they told you, especially if you are out of warranty as they don’t want to pay either. But in any event if you want newer software and are willing to pay, they will update at your own risk. If you are out of warranty then you can find better pricing with other shops but again the risk still remains that it won’t work perfectly. I think most cases here most would say it worked out fine.

[Cub3F82]

Originally Posted by MRCUR

Read the thread and you'll find this answered a few times.

did not feel like going through 40 pages

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by Cub3F82

did not feel like going through 40 pages

So.... You decided to watch TV instead?

[Jce469]

Just updated from F020-14-11-502 to F020-18-07-531 many revisions behind and what a huge difference! It definitely feels like a new car, smooth power throughout, steering and damper improved in Sports+. My car was drifting to the right but the software update corrected this. SA Said that it made an adjustment in steering column. Car feels more planted and enjoying the new HUD. Well worth it!

[instarand]

There's another thread talking about auto rev match (for 6MT) being active even while in sport + throttle mode. It seems that builds after June or July of 2018 all seem to have this - while the rest of us lose auto rev match once you move into sport + throttle. Ok All the auto rev match haters... relax!!!

Has anybody here done a DME upgrade and found auto rev match enabled? Wondering if there's anyway to see firmware update features to see if an update like this is even possible. Or what version first contained this feature? Thoughts?

[maniz]

My ISTEP was just updated to the latest version. Several nice GUI upgrades but no changes with the rev-match.

[instarand]

Originally Posted by maniz

My ISTEP was just updated to the latest version. Several nice GUI upgrades but no changes with the rev-match.

Sorry for my ignorance - what is istep? Do we know which software component controls rev matching? I realize there are several different "computers" within the car that controls various components.

GUI upgrade seems like an iDrive controller?

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by instarand

Sorry for my ignorance - what is istep? Do we know which software component controls rev matching? I realize there are several different "computers" within the car that controls various components.

GUI upgrade seems like an iDrive controller?

The I-Step is the firmware version for the car, similar to the software on your phone. The I-Step is actually a group of firmware updates to update the individual modules in the car. Every few months, BMW updates the firmware to address bugs or other issues that come up (such as emissions requirement changes for example). Each I-Step update does not necessarily update every module, however. Most of the changes that are affected by I-Step updates are not noticable to the consumer. However, some are and have included: adjusting the tune for better torque delivery (helping to prevent wheelspin), updating the look of the HUD, and new automatic suspension (EDC) tweaks, to name a few.

However, some feature changes are not covered by I-Step updates, the rev matching in Sport+ is one of them. I could not tell you BMW's methodology for what is included or not included in an I-Step update when it comes to a feature like rev matching vs other tweaks they have made.

Typically the dealer will not udate your I-Step unless you report a problem that may be resolved by an I-Step update. If addressing a warranty issue, the I-Step update will be covered (i.e. free). But if you are out of warranty, or you just want the latest firmware for your car, you will have to pay. Some dealers will not update your I-Step if you request it (even if you are willing to pay) as they say the update may not work correctly and even make things worse (i.e. break something). That is BS IMHO as updating the software in these cars is no different than updating the software in just about any type of computer, cell phone or other electronic device - if you follow the procedure to do it correctly, it will be fine. The ECUs in these cars are pretty robust as they are required to operate in the harsh electronic environment of a car.

[jfritz27]

Also, to throw out for completeness sake, a couple other components that can potentially be upgraded, independent of the ISTEP (as I understand it):

1. The iDrive software, which is doable by anyone in a legit capacity by visiting https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html
If you're having phone/app connectivity issues with your current software, you can give this a try on your own and see if it helps. No need for dealer visit.

2. Navigation maps - searching around the forums will yield unofficial methods for obtaining and installing the latest maps, as many of us have found that, despite being correctly authorized & set up for the OTA updates, they don't work well.

[gman_newyork]

Hi my ISTEP version is F020-15-03-504. I have a custom E85 tune and would like to get updated to the latest ISTEP before my warranty runs out. I would assume I need to do a flash back to stock/pump gas prior getting the ISTEP updated. Can anyone please confirm? Thanks

[ssgm1x]

Originally Posted by gman_newyork

Hi my ISTEP version is F020-15-03-504. I have a custom E85 tune and would like to get updated to the latest ISTEP before my warranty runs out. I would assume I need to do a flash back to stock/pump gas prior getting the ISTEP updated. Can anyone please confirm? Thanks

Pretty sure u have to flash back to stock and lock before iStep update. I also don't think u can flash same map after update. Tuner has to update map for new iStep i believe....think that's the process i went through myself but not 100% sure...

[gman_newyork]

Originally Posted by ssgm1x

Pretty sure u have to flash back to stock and lock before iStep update. I also don't think u can flash same map after update. Tuner has to update map for new iStep i believe....think that's the process i went through myself but not 100% sure...

I appreciate your input. Definitely didn't think about the tuning files not working. I will check with my tuner prior to updating.

[///M///]

So test drove a stock 2015 M4 and a 2017 M3 back to back. Both have the latest software and now I am 100% convinced NEVER to the latest IStep . The lack of torque low down was very evident. Yes, it's easier to put the power down but the violent push in the back in sport plus that I get in my car with gears 1, 2 and 3 is all but lost with the new software. Some folks prefer the smoother rise in power but personally i prefer to control it with my foot

Cheers

[m_michael]

I think I feel the same way. Also have a 2015 M3 with the older software. Really on the fence about having the newest software installed. Holding off for now. There's no going back once you update.

[mfurse]

Originally Posted by m_michael

I think I feel the same way. Also have a 2015 M3 with the older software. Really on the fence about having the newest software installed. Holding off for now. There's no going back once you update.

Each to their own but the way TC interfered and the "instant" torque in anything but bone dry conditions made driving the car a little difficult and unpredictable. The new software for me meant my 2016 can be driven hard now and feels like it's with me not against me. I wouldn't go back.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by mfurse

Each to their own but the way TC interfered and the "instant" torque in anything but bone dry conditions made driving the car a little difficult and unpredictable. The new software for me meant my 2016 can be driven hard now and feels like it's with me not against me. I wouldn't go back.

I didn’t feel that way either till my 2018 CP, obviously with the newest sf, the power plants much better to the rear wheels and is much more confidence building on the backroads. Before sport+ was very hard to handle where as now sport+ sticks the car to the road without fear of ditching it sideways eveytime out, unless I want to be stupid!

[Dr._Who]

Hey,

Sub'd.


Cheers!

[Dr._Who]

Hey,

So How/Where can you find out what's the latest Firmware update and
what does it entail - upgrade/change??

Is there a BMW site?

Inquiring minds...


Cheers!

[FTP20]

I assume the original software (is this called I-STEP ?) in my 06/2016 ZCP has been superceded and that an update would be beneficial. Are there any common complaints that will cause the dealer to update the software under warranty without a ton of arm wrestling? Somewhere I read the latest I-STEP reduced the time it takes for the DCT to shift into reverse and smooths out the 3rd to 2nd downshift.

[daytonaviolet]

not sure if this question is in the correct place, sorry in advance.

how can i updated my idrive firmware version and not idrive software version. my current idrive firmware is NBTevo_J16383I.

the dealer quoted me $200 to update to the latest. is there a way we can update it ourselves?

Originally Posted by jfritz27

Also, to throw out for completeness sake, a couple other components that can potentially be upgraded, independent of the ISTEP (as I understand it):

1. The iDrive software, which is doable by anyone in a legit capacity by visiting https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html
If you're having phone/app connectivity issues with your current software, you can give this a try on your own and see if it helps. No need for dealer visit.