[Drivaar]

For a while back in 2008/2009, there were frequent software updates and each one changed lots of things... nav/UI improvements, engine behavior (normally worse, unfortunately), etc...

I haven't looked for probably 4+ years... anyone know if there have been worthwhile updates?

Thank you!

[LMB335IS]

I wouldn't expect much at this point. Nine year old car with two generation ago system (CCC) isn't going to get much love from BMW anymore. I'd compare it to Windows XP at this point.

[Drivaar]

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

I wouldn't expect much at this point. Nine year old car with two generation ago system (CCC) isn't going to get much love from BMW anymore. I'd compare it to Windows XP at this point.

Agreed -- that's what I would expect.

I'm just curious if anyone has facts on any of the updates over the last 5 years... i.e., if I was to go and get a software update now, what changes would I notice in the car going from 2011 software to 2016 software?

[f3adm]

I'd be interested to know this too, mine still has factory firmware on every ecu.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Obsolete...no more support. It's like asking Microsoft to support my old Windows 3.1 for workgroups.

[Eddien123]

Don't hold your breathe

[LMB335IS]

Originally Posted by Drivaar

Agreed -- that's what I would expect.

I'm just curious if anyone has facts on any of the updates over the last 5 years... i.e., if I was to go and get a software update now, what changes would I notice in the car going from 2011 software to 2016 software?

If you have BMW Standard Tools 2.12 you can look for updates for various modules by getting your current ZB #'s from INPA UIF and checking if there's been any updates for them in WinKFP.

[mxchris727]

Yes, there are DME, instrument cluster, FRM, CAS, SDARS, and a few other updates. Nothing very noticeable, except for turbo lag from the revised wastegate program. You can revert it back to normal operation with ISTA.

[808AWD325xi]

Originally Posted by Drivaar

For a while back in 2008/2009, there were frequent software updates and each one changed lots of things... nav/UI improvements, engine behavior (normally worse, unfortunately), etc...

I haven't looked for probably 4+ years... anyone know if there have been worthwhile updates?

Thank you!

There are constant updates. Check your current (dealer) integration level with INPA...E90 -> Select E90 -> Functional Jobs -> <Shift> + <F2> Vehicle data. During development of a given chassis (i.e. E90) and subsequent upgrades and/or fixes, integration levels are defined. An integration level is a defined vehicle configuration from an electrical standpoint (hardware and software) that is validated by BMW. There are three integration level states:

• Plant -- the integration level of the vehicle when it left the factory
• Dealer -- the current integration level
• Backup -- the last integration level

The integration level designation is comprised of the system reference, SOP date (SOP=Start Of Production) and the I-level.

Example: "E89X-13-07-501"

E89X: System reference
13: Year of introduction
07: Month of introduction
501: I-level of the system reference

Integration levels correlate to Progman (older) and ISTA/P software versions (current.) Here is an example from ISTA/P P3.57.0:


You can see from the above chart that the E89X system reference I-level has been updated (10) times between July 2013 and November 2015 alone.

Are they always worthwhile? No, but if your vehicle hasn't been updated in 7+ years, there is likely to be some improvement or applicable fix.

For example, lots of people have had issues with their footwell (FRM) module. Clearly some of these circumstances could have been avoided had their vehicle been updated to at least I-level E89X-14-03-500:

[Drivaar]

Wow, this is all very helpful, thank you!

Is there a list of bug fixes somewhere to look at, similar to what you (808AWD325xi) posted?

Thank you all!

[808AWD325xi]

Originally Posted by Drivaar

Wow, this is all very helpful, thank you!

Is there a list of bug fixes somewhere to look at, similar to what you (808AWD325xi) posted?

Thank you all!

BMW Technical Information System

[fazman]

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

I wouldn't expect much at this point. Nine year old car with two generation ago system (CCC) isn't going to get much love from BMW anymore. I'd compare it to Windows XP at this point.

Don't let the 2016 Z4 guys hear that with their brand new n54's :P yes they STILL sell that motor in a new car today.

[LMB335IS]

Originally Posted by fazman

Don't let the 2016 Z4 guys hear that with their brand new n54's :P yes they STILL sell that motor in a new car today.

I know, isn't that crazy? The only reason I still drive a BMW is because they offered the N54 in the 2013 335is. The Z4 does use the latest generation NBT Connected IDrive system though along with all the latest and greatest electronic upgrades, a far cry from the stuff the first gen 335i's were getting.

[hoopvillian]

Im glad the OP asked this question, I was wondering the same thing.

I wish there were patch notes available, to see what was fixed.