[spta97]

Originally Posted by GreatAvalon

Anyone else have any input on the A/C thing?

Wonder if this update fixes the dimming screen and instrument cluster with tinted windows - anyone noticed an improvement on that front?

Mine is going to dealer in a couple days for something else and trying to figure out if I should have the update applied then or hold off and let any gremlins surfaced (like the potential A/C thing)

I can’t say for sure but I doubt it. There is another thread which shows how to stop the iDrive/control screen from dimming with Bimmercode but it doesn’t resolve the gauge cluster or HVAC controls.

Still, it was a huge improvement for me as the iDrive screen was the most annoying due to the dimmed backup camera.

[GreatAvalon]

Originally Posted by spta97

I can’t say for sure but I doubt it. There is another thread which shows how to stop the iDrive/control screen from dimming with Bimmercode but it doesn’t resolve the gauge cluster or HVAC controls.

Still, it was a huge improvement for me as the iDrive screen was the most annoying due to the dimmed backup camera.

Oh interesting. Bimmercode adjustments get flagged for modification right? Same for enabling full screen CarPlay, changing the ambient light options, etc?

[tarmactrr]

I got the update. Didn't notice a difference in the ride quality... Just FYI.

The ping ponging with the lane steer assist is much better, but it's still not 100% perfect. Thankfully though it's good enough to actually use, where before it wasn't worth using due to the constant back and fourth motions.

[Barrancos]

Just got mine today as well ! They did it for free. In a couple of days i will travel. Let's see if it improves !

[GreatAvalon]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Just dropped my car off for a 7:30am appointment for this update. I can't wait to get a phone call at 7:35am "there is no update."

Any luck?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by GreatAvalon

Any luck?

Well - as expected the next day I get a text with a video saying they can't replicate the issue with Lane Keep Assist and that no action was required. That's the reason I gave for the service appointment - erratic Lane Keep, which is absolutely true. I honestly believe that in certain circumstances, if a cop was behind me while this is active, they would pull me over for wandering in my lane. The Lane Keep system this car came with is a horrible, unsafe mess.

Anyway, service advisor calls me an explains all this blah blah, I listen patiently, then explain the March istep update that addresses the issue. His tone immediately changed as he knew I knew a little more than average. After talking more, I explain that I'm not looking for any freebies and that I'm willing to pay for the update. That's where things get interesting - he insists on doing the update under warranty due to a fault with my Active Sound Design Now, I do feel bad about this, but I DID offer to pay, and would have gladly done so. And I'm pretty sure he brought this up as a "wink wink nod nod" type of situation in order to do the update without charging me.

In any event, this really impressed me and makes me respect my service department, specifically this service advisor, even more. And I will be filling out his survey accordingly!

[allinon72]

After a short drive with this update - my thoughts echo a lot of what others are saying.

- Throttle seems to be remapped, way less jerky, more linear and inspires you to stab the throttle more and thus drive the car more aggressively. In the past I've found myself going easy on the throttle subconsciously to avoid unpredictability on start.

- Shifting is indeed smoother. Not sure now I feel about this as it's super smooth even in D2. Need more time to evaluate.

- Something definitely changed with the dampener tuning. I have MSS springs so that adds a variable, but the car seems even more controlled than before. The ride is now similar to when I had Pirelli Scorpion Winters on, which have sidewalls significantly softer sidewalls than the PS4s I currently have on. Big win in my book.

- I promptly coded full screen CarPlay. What a cool benefit to be able to do this easily via BimmerCode!

Overall this update seems to make the car more muscle car like, where it inspires you to drive it harder than it did before. Reminds me of my old F80...a welcome change for sure.

[ScullyD]

Is this update available on the X4MC? I asked my tech it there was an update for my car and he said no when it was in for service.

[Shogun1122]

Originally Posted by allinon72

After a short drive with this update - my thoughts echo a lot of what others are saying.

- Throttle seems to be remapped, way less jerky, more linear and inspires you to stab the throttle more and thus drive the car more aggressively. In the past I've found myself going easy on the throttle subconsciously to avoid unpredictability on start.

- Shifting is indeed smoother. Not sure now I feel about this as it's super smooth even in D2. Need more time to evaluate.

- Something definitely changed with the dampener tuning. I have MSS springs so that adds a variable, but the car seems even more controlled than before. The ride is now similar to when I had Pirelli Scorpion Winters on, which have sidewalls significantly softer sidewalls than the PS4s I currently have on. Big win in my book.

- I promptly coded full screen CarPlay. What a cool benefit to be able to do this easily via BimmerCode!

Overall this update seems to make the car more muscle car like, where it inspires you to drive it harder than it did before. Reminds me of my old F80...a welcome change for sure.

Just had mine done today as well. Can echo this is what I am experiencing.

First thing I noticed was the throttle remap. I was in sport and had to double check that I was not in efficient. Don't know how I feel about this. I kind of liked the responsive throttle. I might have to start to daily it in sport plus. Also seemed to want to shift sooner even in d2.

Suspension is mildly more compliant.

I was driving In sport/comfort/comfort/D2 and it felt responsive and tight. Right on the edge of being a bit too aggressive for a daily. Now the car just feels softer all around in the same settings except for steering. Haven't noticed a change.

I am hoping the throttle response will adapt some, if that is even a thing.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by allinon72

After a short drive with this update - my thoughts echo a lot of what others are saying.

- Throttle seems to be remapped, way less jerky, more linear and inspires you to stab the throttle more and thus drive the car more aggressively. In the past I've found myself going easy on the throttle subconsciously to avoid unpredictability on start.

- Shifting is indeed smoother. Not sure now I feel about this as it's super smooth even in D2. Need more time to evaluate.

- Something definitely changed with the dampener tuning. I have MSS springs so that adds a variable, but the car seems even more controlled than before. The ride is now similar to when I had Pirelli Scorpion Winters on, which have sidewalls significantly softer sidewalls than the PS4s I currently have on. Big win in my book.

- I promptly coded full screen CarPlay. What a cool benefit to be able to do this easily via BimmerCode!

Overall this update seems to make the car more muscle car like, where it inspires you to drive it harder than it did before. Reminds me of my old F80...a welcome change for sure.

What modes were these in?

I do not have the update, but I find comfort mode to shift smoothly and have linear throttle response.

In sport plus it is like a maniac, touchy throttle and harsh shifts - both which I love to death.

Will I lose this?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by spta97

What modes were these in?

I do not have the update, but I find comfort mode to shift smoothly and have linear throttle response.

In sport plus it is like a maniac, touchy throttle and harsh shifts - both which I love to death.

Will I lose this?

Throttle modes were Sport and Sport+. I never drive in Efficient so I can't comment on that.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Throttle modes were Sport and Sport+. I never drive in Efficient so I can't comment on that.

Thanks - I would be totally bummed if it drove different in Sport+ as I love how violent it is. I've never felt the need to be easy on it in that mode.

Please report back as you get more miles.

[J-Pizzle]

Just got off the phone with my SA, and they of course initially denied my request for the software update But after repeated attempts and asking the final question of "what does it take to get this software update?" they relented and said they would figure out a way to get this covered under the warranty. While appreciate of them getting this done for me, I am surprised the amount of push back was given. Once some one is indicating a safety issue with the lane departure warning/correction this should be a no brainer if they have an enhanced version to improve safety. I get the car back on friday so am anxious to see how it improves everything.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by J-Pizzle

Just got off the phone with my SA, and they of course initially denied my request for the software update But after repeated attempts and asking the final question of "what does it take to get this software update?" they relented and said they would figure out a way to get this covered under the warranty. While appreciate of them getting this done for me, I am surprised the amount of push back was given. Once some one is indicating a safety issue with the lane departure warning/correction this should be a no brainer if they have an enhanced version to improve safety. I get the car back on friday so am anxious to see how it improves everything.

This is the issue with people on the forum going to the dealer and asking for a software update for something like lane assist wandering. Especially with no documentation at the dealer level of any changes to these systems with newer software. A technician can not just program the car if he/she wants to just because you say "that the newest I-level fixes issues with the lane keep assist and suspension". Software updates alone are not a warranty matter and will not be accepted just because a customer asks. You can try to escalate it to a manager or BMW NA but at that point it's case by case basis, they can say yes or no.

Software updates can be performed as customer pay as it does still take time and personnel to perform software updates.

[crst4s]

I have been following this thread with some interest and find it amazing all the different stories of interactions with dealerships on what is supposedly the same topic. My presumption is that all dealerships use the same source for information about our individual cars.
About a month ago I took my late 2019 build X3M in for its annual service. When I collected the car, the service tech told me it was due a software update but it was an all day job. Short on time, I took a rain check. I was not aware then of the alledged istep update.
Yesterday I called to book an appointment. I also mentioned an OBD safety recall that had showed up on Mycar. They said that the only thing showing for them was the "DME update". Pushed further, they said the OBD recall was likely a generic notice that did not apply to my vehicle. The DME update did not show up on Mycar when I entered my vin.
Their best guess for time needed was 4-5 hours. Payment was not discussed (I did not ask, they did not tell). Interestingly this is not the dealership where I bought my car. My only relationship with them is one service visit. I will update next week after my appointment. Let's hope I have found a dealership where customer service is job 1.

[yamsta]

I previously owned a Tesla and they would push over the air updates to their vehicles which seemed like every other month. You can even opt-in to receive beta updates for free! I find it so odd why it's this hard for BMW to update their vehicles which new cars already have! It seems like every other software out there is breathing down your neck to update (Windows, Mac, iPhone/Android apps).

[strohw]

Got this down yesterday. The service department wanted to see if they could repeat any of the flaky stuff the transmission does so they could put it under warranty work. But I told them don't worry about it and I would pay for it which was 2 hours shop rate.

Honestly though just driving home and to work today, I don't notice any difference in suspension, steering or transmission response. My current version after update is: S15A-21-03-546

[allinon72]

After driving more, I'm not sure that the throttle was changed - I think they got rid of some of the turbo lag, so the car is more responsive and makes it seem like the throttle remapping was changed.

Also - the steering feels a bit heavier now, even in comfort mode. Not sure I'm a big fan of this but I'm sure I'll adapt.

[boi222]

The more time with the update … the more i haven't really felt any substantial differences… as for the time it to takes to program , where dealerships quoting whole day to do… it only took me 20 mins to update myself not counting downloading the esys software and package

[tarmactrr]

Originally Posted by boi222

The more time with the update … the more i haven't really felt any substantial differences… as for the time it to takes to program , where dealerships quoting whole day to do… it only took me 20 mins to update myself not counting downloading the esys software and package

My dealer kept mine overnight and said it would be on the programming bay at 8am. They called me at 10am to say the car was done.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by GreatAvalon

Oh interesting. Bimmercode adjustments get flagged for modification right? Same for enabling full screen CarPlay, changing the ambient light options, etc?

To be honest I’m not sure. I’m sure they can find out but not sure if they care or look.

It seems engine mods (even piggy backs) are what people report being flagged.

I asked this question before and did not get a definitive answer.

The way I understand it, Bimmercode is just enabling features that are already there but not in the iDrive UI.

I could be mistaken though.

[Parnishka]

Originally Posted by ScullyD

Is this update available on the X4MC? I asked my tech it there was an update for my car and he said no when it was in for service.

update is exist. the actual date is March 2021. I just did mine last week. but I paid for it.