[Bestle]

You can't export driver profiles on the newer iDrive as it's all cloud based, but the imprint search of the manual worked great.

[RoWoX3M]

Originally Posted by new2the3

Is there any objective data that confirms the update actually changes the suspension programming? As of now I don't recall seeing anything objectively verifiable, only subjective owner comments.

I asked my SA for any bulletin or info related to the software upgrade and was told he didn't have anything from BMW NA. Says they don't give out a spec sheet with their software updates. He couldn't even say for sure what was updated

[Parnishka]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Well considering there are a ton of comments in the psa thread saying it makes a big difference, I would say that carries some weight. My fiancé took it out after I brought it home. Came home and said it's so much less jerky and bouncy.

I don't think you're going to get any objective data from bmw....

Regardless, even if they didn't change the suspension. The changes to transmission and auto start stop made a huge difference. Plus the driver assistance upgrades.

you have to marry her asap if she can feel the difference and make a comments on suspension lol. should be proud of her of course as well

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by Parnishka

you have to marry her asap if she can feel the difference and make a comments on suspension lol. should be proud of her of course as well

Oh I am haha I'm very proud.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Also, if you're using the stock Conti summer tires, GET RID OF THEM! Not only do they suck for grip, and only last 6-11k miles. They make the ride horrible. They make it bouncy, and unsettled.

Tldr; make sure you get the istep update and don't run the Conti tires. You will no longer dislike the ride.

I have to respectfully disagree, The Continentals Grip very well as they are a soft compound, which explains why their short life. But thats the price one pays to have an SUV to handle so well.

SURE, you can install harder compound tires to last longer, but you will end up with less grip in the corners, if you care about that kind of thing.

FYI i run suspension in Sport Mode all the time and that solves the bouncy and unsettled feeling you describe in "comfort" mode.

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by GrandMasterKhan

I have to respectfully disagree, The Continentals Grip very well as they are a soft compound, which explains why their short life. But thats the price one pays to have an SUV to handle so well.

SURE, you can install harder compound tires to last longer, but you will end up with less grip in the corners, if you care about that kind of thing.

FYI i run suspension in Sport Mode all the time and that solves the bouncy and unsettled feeling you describe in "comfort" mode.

The ps4s tires are a very soft tire as well. But they do last much longer and have far better grip. AND they are more comfortable.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

The ps4s tires are a very soft tire as well. But they do last much longer and have far better grip. AND they are more comfortable.

In the wet yes but dry grip is the lone thing the Continentals do better than the PS4S tires.

[allinon72]

Of course a tire that is so soft that they're worn in 5k miles will have superior dry grip, but a good performance tire encompasses excellent dry grip, acceptable wet grip, and acceptable tire wear and ride comfort. The Continentals do 1 of those 4.

[Supr3me]

Originally Posted by 08mojo

Yup, it's actually nice to drop my car off and step into another X3M. Dealer has been great to me: United BMW in Roswell, GA.

Gwinett!! - I bought my 340i from them as a service loaner. They always have nicer loaners than most places.

[Skotcoop]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Well considering there are a ton of comments in the psa thread saying it makes a big difference, I would say that carries some weight. My fiancé took it out after I brought it home. Came home and said it's so much less jerky and bouncy.

I don't think you're going to get any objective data from bmw....

Regardless, even if they didn't change the suspension. The changes to transmission and auto start stop made a huge difference. Plus the driver assistance upgrades.

I need that autostart/stop fix. Its actually kind of annoying how quickly it shuts off before actually being stopped. Especially if you let off the brakes just after it shuts off.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Skotcoop

I need that autostart/stop fix. Its actually kind of annoying how quickly it shuts off before actually being stopped. Especially if you let off the brakes just after it shuts off.

OBDLink CX Bimmercode, best $50 ever spent https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Skotcoop]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

OBDLink CX Bimmercode, best $50 ever spent https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a Carly, but I'm not trying to code it out, I just want it to work when I'm actually stopped lol.

[J-Pizzle]

Originally Posted by 1Volfan

This was super easy - thanks for the DIY. Mine is 11/19 so I think I’ll ask for the update when they put my summer tires on Tuesday.

Did you get your iStep update? I asked my SA about it, and said no technical bulletin and no update despite for references to the contrary. Wondering if you got push back as well?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

It controls a lot of various systems. From the adaptive dampers, to the cameras, to the transmission. Pretty much everything.

"I step" as forum people like to call it refers to the integration level of the vehicle. More specifically known as I-level. It refers to a specific software that the vehicle has. The I-level itself does not have any influence on any particular system or settings. You can't look at a specific I-level and say that is does this or that or the suspension or something will act this way or that way. It just means that the vehicle was updated with that update. For example 20-07-540 means that you got the update from the ISTA software in July 2020. Software is released about every 3 or so months.

Sometimes specific software updates are released that can bring new features or quality of life improvements. 20-07 was one of these important updates, it brought Android Auto to All idrive 7 vehicles.

[JaeP]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

So there was a PSA a week or so ago on here about a istep update. Myself and several others have gotten it. It greatly improves ride quality, transmission smoothness, and stops the auto start stop from stopping the engine before you stop. It has made a night and day difference on ride quality. It also make the adaptation cruise control actually usable. I have a 2021 model, and I know the 2020 and earlier models see the same improvement. This update should address many of your concerns over ride quality.

To get the update, just tell the dealership that the adaptive cruise will pull you hard out of the lane when there is a turning lane. Tell them, bmw NA said there was an update to fix this when you called them with your concern. My dealership swore up and down it was just a "camera" update and not an istep update, but it was. Either way I got my update.

.

Dang, too,late. I traded mine in at my wife’s urging for a Macan Turbo. Yes cushy ride and smooth throttle response but I miss my X3M too. At least she will go places with my car now.

[Sarg33]

2021 model X3M, late Dec 2020 build.
I just had my RIS. I had concerns with the steering assist ping ponging in the lane and how it gets confused with random turn lanes and/or bridges. I mentioned I heard there was a software update that addressed this. When I picked the car up the SA said he looked into it and was told there is a service bulletin (can't remember the exact term he used) for a software update that improved the steering assist, but the X3M is not covered under it. So no update for me. He said they made some calibrations to the system, but I have not noticed any difference in how it interacts.

[Mikiee]

Originally Posted by Sarg33

2021 model X3M, late Dec 2020 build.
I just had my RIS. I had concerns with the steering assist ping ponging in the lane and how it gets confused with random turn lanes and/or bridges. I mentioned I heard there was a software update that addressed this. When I picked the car up the SA said he looked into it and was told there is a service bulletin (can't remember the exact term he used) for a software update that improved the steering assist, but the X3M is not covered under it. So no update for me. He said they made some calibrations to the system, but I have not noticed any difference in how it interacts.

Which dealer are you using? I had mine done at Plaza. I asked specifically about this ISTEP version and was told that it was available and there was a charge associated with the update. Ended up paying $247 and I'm happy with the results. Lane keep assist is useable now and the comfort suspension setting is more composed on back road, broken pavement. Never had a problem with ACC and have not noticed any difference post update.

[Sarg33]

Originally Posted by Mikiee

Which dealer are you using? I had mine done at Plaza. I asked specifically about this ISTEP version and was told that it was available and there was a charge associated with the update. Ended up paying $247 and I'm happy with the results. Lane keep assist is useable now and the comfort suspension setting is more composed on back road, broken pavement. Never had a problem with ACC and have not noticed any difference post update.

I use BMW of Springfield. I have zero complaints about the suspension. I would like the steering / lane assist to be a little smoother, but this is my first car with it and it is not horrible. My expectations are probably to high. lol

[floating.spirit]

Originally Posted by JaeP

Dang, too,late. I traded mine in at my wife's urging for a Macan Turbo. Yes cushy ride and smooth throttle response but I miss my X3M too. At least she will go places with my car now.

Aw...should've gotten a set of MSS springs...

[allinon72]

What is the official nomenclature for this update - ISTA or ISTEP update? I don't want to sound like a noob at the service department.

[S1ngl3t0n]

Originally Posted by allinon72

What is the official nomenclature for this update - ISTA or ISTEP update? I don't want to sound like a noob at the service department.

ISTA is the software that is used to maintain and programm.
ISTEP is the software level on your car. So they have make a ISTEP update...

[Mikiee]

Originally Posted by allinon72

What is the official nomenclature for this update - ISTA or ISTEP update? I don't want to sound like a noob at the service department.

While in for an oil service, I asked the SA if there was a software update available, she checked and showed me the on the screen that indicated that one was available. I asked for the update and she indicated there would be a charge. Ended up costing a $247. I avoided the whole ISTA/ISTEP lingo. Mine is a 9/19 build and I was able to confirm the update was done via the drivers profile. I didn't realize at the time, but this update also allows for full screen CarPlay coding via BimmerCode. I'm glad I got the update