[stevesingo]

I just thought I would share my experience of a software integration level update I had recently.

Background:

When I first purchased my F11 535d I had my local dealer read the key for service history. All was good, but I noticed on the printout there was a software integration level update available. I enquired about having it done and was informed that it is not something which is normally undertaken at the request of a customer and is only normally done when there is reprogramming required when a major component is replaced. When said component is replaced the ISTA unit is connected for reprogramming the new component, all software is updated at the same time. The dealer did say that if I wanted it doing, they would oblige, the labour charge being approx 1hr, but they would need the car all day as it takes some time.

Fast forward to last week, due to an accident I needed to have the steering rack replaced, which would require reprograming and therefore a software integration level update.

Well, what a difference. Throttle response is better. Shift quality on the auto box is better in normal mode. The shifts in Sport mode are much sharper. There is less engine torque applied in over run and at creep, so braking to a stop is much smoother requiring less pedal pressure and therefore easier to modulate. Steering weight seems more natural, although this might be due to the new rack and geo being reset.

All in all, if you can get your dealer to carry out a software integration level update, I would suggest you do it.

HTH

[xenon]

Could just be that the adaptations were reset too.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by xenon

Could just be that the adaptations were reset too.

That's what I was thinking, you can reset the gearbox manually if your driving style is steady most of the time.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by stevesingo

I just thought I would share my experience of a software integration level update I had recently.

Background:

When I first purchased my F11 535d I had my local dealer read the key for service history. All was good, but I noticed on the printout there was a software integration level update available. I enquired about having it done and was informed that it is not something which is normally undertaken at the request of a customer and is only normally done when there is reprogramming required when a major component is replaced. When said component is replaced the ISTA unit is connected for reprogramming the new component, all software is updated at the same time. The dealer did say that if I wanted it doing, they would oblige, the labour charge being approx 1hr, but they would need the car all day as it takes some time.

Fast forward to last week, due to an accident I needed to have the steering rack replaced, which would require reprograming and therefore a software integration level update.

Well, what a difference. Throttle response is better. Shift quality on the auto box is better in normal mode. The shifts in Sport mode are much sharper. There is less engine torque applied in over run and at creep, so braking to a stop is much smoother requiring less pedal pressure and therefore easier to modulate. Steering weight seems more natural, although this might be due to the new rack and geo being reset.

All in all, if you can get your dealer to carry out a software integration level update, I would suggest you do it.

HTH

I have heard of some issues where MPG drops as the new software has been applied to manage emissions in light of the VW scandal.

Might not be the same but I would prefer not to have an update

[stevesingo]

I have done the manual adaptation reset in the past and it is not as great a difference as this change.

Regarding the MPG, I have a 190mile trip tomorrow, 230 on Friday and returning 65miles on Saturday so I will report back.

[stevesingo]

Having done over 650miles in the past 3days, I can confirm that the economy is unchanged.

Now time and miles have passed for adaptation to take place, the shift quality has also improved.

[andyrp]

Just had my EGR cooler changed and technician couldn’t code the replacement without getting an error. He then did a full update to the latest I step / ISTA integration software to try and get around the error, the update fixed the error. When they had finished I had lost the coding I had performed but the car was definitely more responsive than before.

[bfleming]

I'll add my 2p here - I had the software updated on my E90 LCI last year, and the dealer was completely fine about it. It's a fixed price no matter how long it takes them (£120 IIRC). They asked me why I wanted it updating, and they warned me that some modules might brick themselves (covering themselves) but everything went fine as you'd expect.
I'm about to take delivery of a used F11, and inputting the VIN here has brought me to the link to the immediate infotainment (mobile) updates that are available to download & install myself: https://www.bmw.co.uk/bmw-ownership/...ftware-updates

[andyrp]

That’s the software update for the Bluetooth connectivity rather than a full update of the cars main software that this thread refers to.

Edit: although reading your post again I suspect you knew that anyway!

Originally Posted by bfleming

I'll add my 2p here - I had the software updated on my E90 LCI last year, and the dealer was completely fine about it. It's a fixed price no matter how long it takes them (£120 IIRC). They asked me why I wanted it updating, and they warned me that some modules might brick themselves (covering themselves) but everything went fine as you'd expect.
I'm about to take delivery of a used F11, and inputting the VIN here has brought me to the link to the immediate infotainment (mobile) updates that are available to download & install myself: https://www.bmw.co.uk/bmw-ownership/...ftware-updates

[dewana421]

Originally Posted by xenon

Could just be that the adaptations were reset too.

Agree. Resetting adaptations makes a hell lot of difference. A must to do if you buy a used car.
Here is a good video on how it’s done.

BMW Reset Adaptation Values

https://youtu.be/zzX0VXcMR3Q