Software Update needed?

cholowiski · 05-07-2024, 11:19 AM

I had my 2020 X3 in for an oil change at 42K miles and they recommended a software update for $342. Is this needed? The service manager said not required but recommended to keep it running well. Cant find any information about it online.

Keefy · 05-07-2024, 11:24 AM

You have to pay for a software update? Unbelievable!

ContactPatch · 05-07-2024, 11:52 AM

Got a '23 M40i and I turned the updates off, not really needed in my opinion, especially if you've done some coding.

Keefy · 05-07-2024, 11:57 AM

MY22 updates are OTA but are free, unless it’s certain connected drive subscriptions.

bocabimmer · 05-07-2024, 12:11 PM

That’s about as necessary as paying to have your gas tank drained and refreshed with new fuel by the dealer.

mcdanielvzw · 05-07-2024, 12:46 PM

I actually asked my SA about doing an upgrade on my wife's 2021 while it was in shop, he recommended against them unless there was something specific not working.

Coming from IT, it's not my usual shtick to just leave it alone if I've got a "firmware" upgrade.

lfdal54 · 05-07-2024, 01:12 PM

If the vehicle is out of warranty, charging for software updates is at the dealer's discretion. Unless there's a compelling reason to get one, I'd leave well enough alone.

Ravenous666 · 05-07-2024, 01:26 PM

For my 2020 with iDrive 7 I got free updates the first three years when the car was in for service.

Last year I paid 100€, which was ok for me.

342$ while the car is in the workshop for maintenance is a ripoff.

If the car is still running 2019 or 2020 iStep version I can highly recommend the update as it includes a lot of changes and improvements including android auto.

To find out your iStep version, you can check the imprint for the online user manual in the car.

Chitown_vroom · 05-09-2024, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cholowiski

I had my 2020 X3 in for an oil change at 42K miles and they recommended a software update for $342. Is this needed? The service manager said not required but recommended to keep it running well. Cant find any information about it online.

At a bare minimum I would make the dealer furnish detailed release notes for the software so you could evaluate what benefits you might be getting for your investment. I’d also force them to show me how the update would “keep [the vehicle] running well” which sounds like a general BS statement to me.

05-07-2024, 11:19 AM	#1
cholowiski New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2020 X3, 2021 330e Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Software Update needed? I had my 2020 X3 in for an oil change at 42K miles and they recommended a software update for $342. Is this needed? The service manager said not required but recommended to keep it running well. Cant find any information about it online.
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05-07-2024, 11:24 AM	#2
Keefy Lieutenant Colonel 1656 Rep 1,573 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40d LCI Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 M40d LCI [8.92]	You have to pay for a software update? Unbelievable! __________________ Current - 2022 X3 M40d LCI in Brooklyn Grey. Modifications - AutoID Front Splitter. DTUK Pedalbox Plus. Gloss Black M Badges. 3d Maxpider Kuga Floor Matts & Cargo liner. BMW M-Performance Flow Through Spoiler. Mid-Trunk Spoiler. 15mm Spacers all round. AP Arch Guards. X3M Side Vents. 699M Wheels Gloss Black
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05-07-2024, 11:52 AM	#3
ContactPatch Major 2208 Rep 1,367 Posts Drives: It's Quick! Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	Got a '23 M40i and I turned the updates off, not really needed in my opinion, especially if you've done some coding.
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05-07-2024, 11:57 AM	#4
Keefy Lieutenant Colonel 1656 Rep 1,573 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40d LCI Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 M40d LCI [8.92]	MY22 updates are OTA but are free, unless it’s certain connected drive subscriptions. __________________ Current - 2022 X3 M40d LCI in Brooklyn Grey. Modifications - AutoID Front Splitter. DTUK Pedalbox Plus. Gloss Black M Badges. 3d Maxpider Kuga Floor Matts & Cargo liner. BMW M-Performance Flow Through Spoiler. Mid-Trunk Spoiler. 15mm Spacers all round. AP Arch Guards. X3M Side Vents. 699M Wheels Gloss Black
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05-07-2024, 12:11 PM	#5
bocabimmer Found the Search Button 1663 Rep 1,217 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 30i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 30i xDrive [10.00]	That’s about as necessary as paying to have your gas tank drained and refreshed with new fuel by the dealer. __________________ 2022 X3 xDrive 30i M Sport, Brooklyn Grey / Cognac Previous BMWs: 2018 330i (F30), 2014 i3 BEV, 2007 328i (E92), 2013 X5 35i (E70), 2014 i3 BEV, 2006 325i (E90)
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05-07-2024, 12:46 PM	#6
mcdanielvzw Lieutenant 167 Rep 443 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i (times 2) Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 (Me) [10.00] 2021 BMW X3 (Wife) [10.00]	I actually asked my SA about doing an upgrade on my wife's 2021 while it was in shop, he recommended against them unless there was something specific not working. Coming from IT, it's not my usual shtick to just leave it alone if I've got a "firmware" upgrade. __________________ 2021 X3 M40i Sonnenstein metallic - JB4, LCI lights, 50th anniv badges Wifey - 2021 X3 M40i Phytonic Blue - JB4, LCI lights Selling - 2014 X1 xDrive 35i - JB4, VRSF DP / Charge Pipe https://shorturl.at/cerxH About to sell 2016 550i M Sport - Arm DP, Arm Front-Facing Intake Sold - 2009 328i - Stock, 195,000 running strong.
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05-07-2024, 01:12 PM	#7
lfdal54 Major 1063 Rep 1,234 Posts Drives: G01 2023 X3 M40i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eastern MA iTrader: (0)	If the vehicle is out of warranty, charging for software updates is at the dealer's discretion. Unless there's a compelling reason to get one, I'd leave well enough alone.
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05-07-2024, 01:26 PM	#8
Ravenous666 Captain 538 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 & 2024 BMW X3 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Hamburg iTrader: (0)	For my 2020 with iDrive 7 I got free updates the first three years when the car was in for service. Last year I paid 100€, which was ok for me. 342$ while the car is in the workshop for maintenance is a ripoff. If the car is still running 2019 or 2020 iStep version I can highly recommend the update as it includes a lot of changes and improvements including android auto. To find out your iStep version, you can check the imprint for the online user manual in the car.
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