[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Glad its working out for you, Edgar_FriendlyX3M - I really think firmware updating for older models is often overlooked, but to me its an essential component to owning one of these PCs on wheels. Most everything we use auto-updates so keeping firmware and software current in our F97s is (and should be) just another part of our routine maintenance IMHO. FYI - updated my wife's LCI via OTA to this current version this afternoon in the driveway (that is def one advantage to having newer technology)!

Well said. I really wasn't aware of the istep update since I assumed any updates were OTA. Silly me for thinking that.

I wish the OTA method was supported on my ride but oh well. At least there is an alternative.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

Update time. Went back to the dealer to pickup my car. The SA brought the shop foreman out and had me explain to him what was going on. He listened while I brought up the few issues around lane keep and the weird acceleration delay. We chatted for a bit and he pointed out that yes, the vehicle I Level was quite old and that he'd bring it up to current (which I believe is about a week old now). He also mentioned there may be the ability for him to add Android Auto which would be cool, if possible.

Bottom line, talk to the right person and state your case and you'll get results. I also chatted with the master tech that worked on my car (replaced a noisy rear strut) and he made mention too about the I Level needing to be current. He shared the same viewpoint as I did where there are certainly benefits to having the car updated to a more current version. He was very friendly and spent about 40 minutes with me just chit chatting.

I should know by Monday how things are looking so I'll follow up then. Big thanks to the folks on here that shared some input on how their scenarios panned out as it helped me build a case for my vehicle. So thanks all!

**I should also add my dealer is aware of my tune and the shop foreman had no issue with that. He only made it clear to me the tune (and any other coding) will be wiped. I already knew this but told him I understand and have no issue with this. The DME will not be locked though since this DME was not part of the newer style ones that are locked from the factory. Only the OBD lock goes back in place and I can unlock using BM3 again.

Fantastic news!! Even more eager to see the results because my only real issue with this car is the acceleration delay.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Sooooooooo the software update bricked my DME. LOL! Now bmw is claiming it's on me to replace out of pocket even though it's under warranty. Needless to say I'm calling bmw tomorrow since my SA agrees this is not something that falls on me. More updates to come.

[Mnfamilyguy2020]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

Sooooooooo the software update bricked my DME. LOL! Now bmw is claiming it's on me to replace out of pocket even though it's under warranty. Needless to say I'm calling bmw tomorrow since my SA agrees this is not something that falls on me. More updates to come.

This happened to my f06 650, same exact communication initially, that it was my issue. After a day of consideration BMW NA resolved it in my favor.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Originally Posted by Mnfamilyguy2020

This happened to my f06 650, same exact communication initially, that it was my issue. After a day of consideration BMW NA resolved it in my favor.

I just spoke to customer relations. Laid out my scenario. He said he'll escalate and have their case management team review. Now I wait. 🙂

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

Sooooooooo the software update bricked my DME. LOL! Now bmw is claiming it's on me to replace out of pocket even though it's under warranty. Needless to say I'm calling bmw tomorrow since my SA agrees this is not something that falls on me. More updates to come.

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I don't understand how they could ever claim it falls on you, ESPECIALLY under warranty. Sheesh. Fingers crossed. I was so excited because I want to finally fix my throttle issue before I do any tuning of the motor/trans.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

From a technicians standpoint, what happens during an iLevel update on a DME? I thought I remember reading somewhere on here freshxdough was a BMW tech. I apologize in advance if I'm wrong and put you on the spot.

When the iLevel update happens, is the entire DME wiped first and then the software installed? Is the new software written over the existing? Help me understand some of the process, if possible, as I'd like to have a case in the event BMW flat out won't cover their software bricking my car.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

From a technicians standpoint, what happens during an iLevel update on a DME? I thought I remember reading somewhere on here freshxdough was a BMW tech. I apologize in advance if I'm wrong and put you on the spot.

When the iLevel update happens, is the entire DME wiped first and then the software installed? Is the new software written over the existing? Help me understand some of the process, if possible, as I'd like to have a case in the event BMW flat out won't cover their software bricking my car.

Ask if they can perform an IRAP to see if they can get the DME back online.
If the DME is tuned there’s no way of knowing for sure exactly what failed. DMEs are extremely rare to fail during programming, which leads me to believe more that it was tune related. And I’m not a software engineer so I can’t speak as to what exactly is being performed when programming the DME. All I know is the tune is wiped and the DME software is updated along with the rest of the modules that have I-level updates.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Ask if they can perform an IRAP to see if they can get the DME back online.
If the DME is tuned there’s no way of knowing for sure exactly what failed. DMEs are extremely rare to fail during programming, which leads me to believe more that it was tune related. And I’m not a software engineer so I can’t speak as to what exactly is being performed when programming the DME. All I know is the tune is wiped and the DME software is updated along with the rest of the modules that have I-level updates.

Appreciate the input. I'll bring this up to them if needed.
Any idea what the IRAP does?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

Appreciate the input. I'll bring this up to them if needed.
Any idea what the IRAP does?

IRAP is programming but from BMW NA. The car is connected to the IRAP client at the dealer and then BMW NA is given the IP and then connects remotely to perform higher level programming. They can sometimes recover control units or get around pesky programming issues. It’s not common to use them but they are another tool we use to try and bring back control units that crash during programming or other very specific issues.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

IRAP is programming but from BMW NA. The car is connected to the IRAP client at the dealer and then BMW NA is given the IP and then connects remotely to perform higher level programming. They can sometimes recover control units or get around pesky programming issues. It’s not common to use them but they are another tool we use to try and bring back control units that crash during programming or other very specific issues.

Thanks for that info. And again, I appreciate your input on this situation.

[Hecs21]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

I just spoke to customer relations. Laid out my scenario. He said he'll escalate and have their case management team review. Now I wait. 🙂

Any update? I'm curious how they handled it and also to get verification that updating a pre 06/20 DME will not lock the DME to have to be bench unlocked. I purchased my 20 X3MC about a month ago and have an appointment at the dealer for Monday. I was planning on asking them to update idrive software so I can code in the full screen CarPlay and after reading your post was thinking about having them update everything possible since I am still under warranty for about 6 more weeks.

Car is not currently tuned but previous owner had definitely done some coding and possibly tunning considering some of the settings that are present and the DME being unlocked already according to MHD. I am planning on tuning soon and do want to lose that ability.