Software Updates

[Neil McRae]

Anyone had any of the software updated on the car. 3 years ago I had the software updated on the m3 and it made the DCT even better. Now BMW appear to have taken another big step in the DCT software, my M3 is going in for it tomorrow.

Just wondering if anyone has seen/done anything on the M5.

My M5 is for new spark plugs (first service they didn't have any in stock) so I will ask when I get to the dealer but thought I'd ask here first.

Neil.

[AlphaAlpineM6]

new spark plugs?

[Neil McRae]

yup the second service (first is at 1200 second at about 15K) they are swapping the spark plugs as part of the service.

BMW are checking out what software updates are available on the M5 for me and if there is one I'm going to get it done.

[skrambles297]

I'll be interested to know what's in the update, though I can't really think of anything I'd particularly like improved except minor stuff like the ability to control an ipod/iphone properly via idrive when connected as an external audio device.

When I had the e60 m5, the software update was a major thing - the dealer told me at the time that it took several hours!

[johntomferg]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

yup the second service (first is at 1200 second at about 15K) they are swapping the spark plugs as part of the service.

Just yours or all as part of standard maintenance? I don't think this occured as part of my 14K here in the states... but now I'll have to go back and see if I missed it on the paperwork!

[Protious]

Originally Posted by skrambles297

I'll be interested to know what's in the update, though I can't really think of anything I'd particularly like improved except minor stuff like the ability to control an ipod/iphone properly via idrive when connected as an external audio device.

When I had the e60 m5, the software update was a major thing - the dealer told me at the time that it took several hours!

My car got updated to the latest, it doesn't fix it. I want to be able to play Spotify while my phone is plugged in!

The only neat thing I noticed (and enjoy) is the ability now to automatically lock the car doors when no one is inside.

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

yup the second service (first is at 1200 second at about 15K) they are swapping the spark plugs as part of the service.

BMW are checking out what software updates are available on the M5 for me and if there is one I'm going to get it done.

Hmmm....very surprised by the need to change spark plugs. That is not part of the US 1,200 mi svc.
-Switch off the svc light
-Change oil
-Change diff oil

I believe that is it.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Neil the LCI has some basic updates on things discussed here.
http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=873975

This was mentioned : Question: Are the M differential "tune" and MDM software updates going to be available to upgrade pre-LCI M5/M6?

Answer: No official retrofit will be available for Competition Package features. But, a high level update was made to all M5 and M6 produced from March 2013 (to prepare it for ceramic brakes option). Changes included 1) smaller torsion bar in the hydraulic steering system which affects how the steering system (better) responds on center, 2) programming for the steering system and 3) stiffer front bushings to better deal with increased brake forces from optional ceramic brakes.

Note: the steering and suspension changes mentioned above are not the same ones that come with the Competition Package.


Worth a check.

[Neil McRae]

yeah, so I spoke to my dealer and they do believe that its worth the update- M3 is going in for update on Monday, M5 later in the week. Will report what I find.

[Neil McRae]

Originally Posted by ColdList

Hmmm....very surprised by the need to change spark plugs. That is not part of the US 1,200 mi svc.
-Switch off the svc light
-Change oil
-Change diff oil

I believe that is it.

It wasn't the first service it was the second service 15K miles.

I was super surprised it needed spark plugs so early - I think this is a conservative action (and to make $$$) by BMW.

On my M3 its was the third service and it was noticeable in terms of improvement, less so on the M5.

On the M5 it is in the manual and on the service spec the dealer showed me. I have service pack so it doesn't cost me anything.

[Neil McRae]

Originally Posted by skrambles297

I'll be interested to know what's in the update, though I can't really think of anything I'd particularly like improved except minor stuff like the ability to control an ipod/iphone properly via idrive when connected as an external audio device.

When I had the e60 m5, the software update was a major thing - the dealer told me at the time that it took several hours!

my iphone works fine - whats the problem with yours?

[kylek13]

I think he is referring to the fact that when you play songs in a playlist you can't easily go back the way it is now and select another song, you have to renaviagte the menus completely. The plugin feature does not work via USB.

[mpgrant5]

Yes my dealer told me mine needed plugs at 17k miles but apparently there computers had a glitch it is plug change every second oil change not including running service so probably be around the 30k miles which is probably about right

[Spinny02]

WHAT plug should last longer than that! is maint free in the UK?

[Neil McRae]

Originally Posted by mpgrant5

Yes my dealer told me mine needed plugs at 17k miles but apparently there computers had a glitch it is plug change every second oil change not including running service so probably be around the 30k miles which is probably about right

ah yes - same issue has been seen here in the UK.

The same thing came up with the M3 where the dealer was doing something to make the car think it was one service ahead of where it should be from run in, not all dealers did this and some folks where getting the big M3 service much earlier than they should (its s #1000UKP service) others were no getting it at that time.

I thought the same issue might apply to the M5 and I did flag this to the dealer, they said they checked it and they are right, I would have pushed it further but I've got service pack so it doesn't cost me anything (but probably costs BMW more! ) so I just went with it.

Neil.

[bimmer-boy]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

ah yes - same issue has been seen here in the UK.

The same thing came up with the M3 where the dealer was doing something to make the car think it was one service ahead of where it should be from run in, not all dealers did this and some folks where getting the big M3 service much earlier than they should (its s #1000UKP service) others were no getting it at that time.

I thought the same issue might apply to the M5 and I did flag this to the dealer, they said they checked it and they are right, I would have pushed it further but I've got service pack so it doesn't cost me anything (but probably costs BMW more! ) so I just went with it.

Neil.

Hi Neil, does the service pack just cover the service cost but you still pay for parts that need changing (not oil), or is it everything oil, plugs , filters but not brakes etc

[Neil McRae]

it's everything - including 1L oil top ups!

[HHSAM]

Got the software update few weeks back.

Good Things

-MDM mode is much better and does not kick in always as before

Bad Things

- Throttle would not exceed the 4000 RPM which i really miss
- M head up display cannot be set without pressing the M button or going through the menu to put it on

Other than that I have no change

[Neil McRae]

how did you put m mode on before?

[skrambles297]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

my iphone works fine - whats the problem with yours?

It wont let me play music via bluetooth when connecting the iphone as a phone i.e. it would only allow bluetooth music if you disable the phone function.

So I've had to connect my old iphone 4 via USB in the armrest compartment and listen to Spotify playlists on it. But, problem with that is the idrive gets all confused when you try to control the iphone 4 with it, e.g. trying to move to the next track or previous track using idrive gets the system confused and the music stops playing completely.

Am I missing something with either of these issues?

Simon

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by skrambles297

It wont let me play music via bluetooth when connecting the iphone as a phone i.e. it would only allow bluetooth music if you disable the phone function.

So I've had to connect my old iphone 4 via USB in the armrest compartment and listen to Spotify playlists on it. But, problem with that is the idrive gets all confused when you try to control the iphone 4 with it, e.g. trying to move to the next track or previous track using idrive gets the system confused and the music stops playing completely.

Am I missing something with either of these issues?

Simon

Hard Drive has enough space, use USB stick down load the music.

[M5 TT]

Originally Posted by skrambles297

It wont let me play music via bluetooth when connecting the iphone as a phone i.e. it would only allow bluetooth music if you disable the phone function.

So I've had to connect my old iphone 4 via USB in the armrest compartment and listen to Spotify playlists on it. But, problem with that is the idrive gets all confused when you try to control the iphone 4 with it, e.g. trying to move to the next track or previous track using idrive gets the system confused and the music stops playing completely.

Am I missing something with either of these issues?

Simon

Mine works fine "June 2013 build" so I guess they have addressed that issue now?