General coding question

[Dr. Happy]

Long time BMW / BMW M driver however limited forum user.

Can someone please clarify the gymnastics involved with remote coding? Does this mean that the coding is done through a wireless connection direct to the car? I have read that a cable of some kind is required and I’m guessing that someone (V12, etc.) would then conduct the coding through a shared internet connection on the laptop connected to the M?

Now the real question… As stated numerous times on the forum all of the new features would be lost if the dealer updates the car. Is this 100% true or is it conditional (i.e. some dealer visits may result in wiping out the coding, others may not)?

If true, how does the dealership execute the baseline reset? Does the service tech step thru each setting using the cable? Do they use a USB dongle or a DVD / CD?

Bottom-line, is there a way to save the new coding that would allow us to easily recover from a dealer software upgrade? I don’t want to pay for coding, take my car in in a few months and have it be wiped out, and then have to pay 100% for coding as if it had never been coded.

[skypx]

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

Long time BMW / BMW M driver however limited forum user.

Can someone please clarify the gymnastics involved with remote coding? Does this mean that the coding is done through a wireless connection direct to the car? I have read that a cable of some kind is required and I’m guessing that someone (V12, etc.) would then conduct the coding through a shared internet connection on the laptop connected to the M?

Remote coding is essentially someone taking remote control of your computer to accomplish the task.

You will need the cable.....


Plus you will have to download the support files >9GB data + TeamViewer. TeamViewer is the program used to make the remote connection.

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

Now the real question… As stated numerous times on the forum all of the new features would be lost if the dealer updates the car. Is this 100% true or is it conditional (i.e. some dealer visits may result in wiping out the coding, others may not)?

Yes, 100% true. Dealerships cannot update individual modules, so if an update is needed they will update all modules even a module does not need the update. They simply don't have the tools or the expertise to update individual modules.

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

If true, how does the dealership execute the baseline reset? Does the service tech step thru each setting using the cable? Do they use a USB dongle or a DVD / CD?

I have not had the opportunity to fully examine the machine used to perform updates, but it connects to the car via the OBD2 interface. Then they basically set it to update the car. They prefer not to perform the update because it takes a long time (~3 hours depending on how many modules need to be updated). And if something goes wrong, the process needs to be restarted.

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

Bottom-line, is there a way to save the new coding that would allow us to easily recover from a dealer software upgrade? I don’t want to pay for coding, take my car in in a few months and have it be wiped out, and then have to pay 100% for coding as if it had never been coded.

No, sorry. The only thing I would recommend is updating the car to the latest software before the coding session. What's your cars build date? If its before March 2014 an update is available. The quickest way to tell it to look at the main screen. If you have a + sign on the right edge, you have the older version.


Closer look


Please let me know if you have any other questions.

[DrewM5]

To be clear, not every dealer visit will result in a wipe of your coding. Only if you need a software update for some reason.

[Dr. Happy]

Thanks guys!

My build date was 01/10/2013 and I do have a + sign on the right edge.

Before I use up a silver bullet at the dealership to get the latest software were there any notable enhancements between the versions that would justify my request? I know the questions coming and I just like to be prepared.

Thanks again!

[skypx]

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

Thanks guys!

My build date was 01/10/2013 and I do have a + sign on the right edge.

Before I use up a silver bullet at the dealership to get the latest software were there any notable enhancements between the versions that would justify my request? I know the questions coming and I just like to be prepared.

Thanks again!

Yes, some UI updates. Most noticeable when using navigation.








Also a new icon for random play from external devices etc.




The only hardware change I've noticed so far is opening/closing the trunk. Before the update let say it took 3 seconds to open/close, now it takes 2.5.


I have not noticed any changes with the drivetrain, power delivery, steering feel etc. My M5's build date is 9/13.

[ShawnBoston]

Thanks a lot everyone! Dr Happy and I are buddies (I'd like to think that I convinced him to get out of his M6 and into his M5 ) and I had the same questions. Really appreciate you guys answering these with such detail.

I'm pretty pumped about coding, particularly the activation of the dazzle free feature (stupid US rules that keep this from being turned on automatically), getting rid of the warning labels, retaining your M button settings, and a few other things.

[soooma]

I don't think I could add much but V12 rocks, he has such such ana amazing customer service and very patient and will to go the extra mile.

Nice to have kids watch Frozen in my M5 vs SUV or Van - with mighty B&O sound -

[skypx]

Originally Posted by ShawnBoston

Thanks a lot everyone! Dr Happy and I are buddies (I'd like to think that I convinced him to get out of his M6 and into his M5 ) and I had the same questions. Really appreciate you guys answering these with such detail.

I'm pretty pumped about coding, particularly the activation of the dazzle free feature (stupid US rules that keep this from being turned on automatically), getting rid of the warning labels, retaining your M button settings, and a few other things.

You're welcome.

[B-1Pilot]

FWIW.. when I turned in my car, I told the dealer it had been coded so all the normal nannies weren't there. He said no problem, it would be returned to stock if the buyer wanted it that way... Pretty sure good dealers are used to coding.

[ImpetuousRacer]

How do you get a hold of V12, doesnt look like you can PM him?

[pillpusher84]

Originally Posted by Dr. Happy

Thanks guys!

My build date was 01/10/2013 and I do have a + sign on the right edge.

Before I use up a silver bullet at the dealership to get the latest software were there any notable enhancements between the versions that would justify my request? I know the questions coming and I just like to be prepared.

Thanks again!

Dr. Happy .. I see you're at the Jersey shore ... I probably am close by ... would be willing to do your coding at no charge ... send me a quick e-mail and we can setup a time.

[rainmkr]

Took the M in yesterday for software update - bought it on 12/31/2013. It is a 2014 LCI.

He stated no updates - still have the "+" sign. Any body have info directly on BMW on which updates dealer needs to install. May need to spoonfeed them.

Thanks!

[M5TXGuy]

Originally Posted by rainmkr

Took the M in yesterday for software update - bought it on 12/31/2013. It is a 2014 LCI.

He stated no updates - still have the "+" sign. Any body have info directly on BMW on which updates dealer needs to install. May need to spoonfeed them.

Thanks!

Well, thats completely wrong, I took mine into the dealership Tuesday morning and had the software updated. I now have the weird symbol, and not the "+" sign. Ill call my service advisor in the morning to find out what you need to say, if someone else doesn't give you the info tonight.

[rainmkr]

I am going to email my SA picture of symbol... thanks everyone.