This will correct little bugs and software problems that BMW have realised with feedback over the years. Just like you have a modern smartphone or a modern computer, they all need the software updating to keep them working efficiently. Some benefits of updating BMW Firmware Software Update Full Vehicle: Enigine ecu – this can make the car.
Pre-coding information:The modules installed in our car, encoded with the default options for the equipment (standard and optional) of the vehicle. This information is stored in one or more modules of our car and need to update it when you add or remove features of the vehicle.For example, if install Xenon headlights in the car and the light module with the default options, it would be coded for halogen lights and not for new Xenon. So you have to update the information in the ZCS (Central Coding Key).BMW currently use the VO (Vehicle Order) system, but in older cars the old ZCS system is used, as in the E39 and E46 produced until 08/2001. In this post we will focus only on the ZCS system.Tools needed:software NCS ExpertorZCS information is saved in FA modules:Open NCS Expert softwareIn Menu, select “File” - “Load Profile”Select “ExpertMode” - “OK”Press the “VIN / ZCS / FA” button.Press “ZCS / FA f. ECU” buttonSelect chassis “E46” - “OK”ECU choose containing data “KMB” or “EWS” in the E46 - “OK”Vehicle information is displayed in next programAdd or remove options to our ZCS code:You can find files under the codes “C: NCSEXPER DATEN ” directory with a name that follows the pattern “EXXZST.000”. For example that of the E46 is “C: NCSEXPER DATEN E46ZST.000”090 0000000 1 // HARDTOP Hardtop in body color060 0000000 0 // Voice Control (Telephone)060 0000000 0 // Preparation for car telephone installation050 0000000 0 // light automatic / Daemmerungsschalter f.
Hi,Just yesterday I took my car (2001 530i) in for a tune up (not a BMW dealership, but a shop that specializes on BMW's). I was told that for my ECU there are software updates (shifting points, injection, air fuel ratio.) as the fellow said that BMW continues to provide these because as the engine wears they make adjustments so that the car performs as good as possible.I called the service manager here at the BMW dealership that I know quite well and asked him about this. He said that as far as he knows they only do this for the 4 or 5 years while the car is under warranty to fix any issues and/or recalls, etc. They do not continue to do this for years to come, which makes total sense to me that they wouldnt spend time and money on an older car.Has anyone heard of this, do you think that this shop is trying to take me for a ride?Thanks! The updates as described by your Indy do not exist, have never existed, and fly in the face of the OBDii standards. The cars by design are self adjusting for 'wear'. The air-fuel mixture is 14.7.
This mixture is cast in stone by physics and not open to revision on a whim.The OBDii spec does require the provisions for in-service reprogramming to be used to correct issues found with the emissions system during the mandated warranty period. The manufacturer may, at there discretion revise the programming to cover a drivability issue found. These updates often come with regressions in other areas. Every thing is a compromise.An example: BMW released a new program for the S54 M cars because the original programming was found to not play nicely with some smog station machinery.Another: Ford released an update that raised the torque converter lockup speed a fair chunk to address complaints of a chuggle at 45mph. This update costs about 2MPG.If there are any updates for your car at all, they will be emissions related and will have minimal impact. The crap your indy was handing you is just that.
A friend of mine is an upgrade fanboi. He's always the first to try out a new revision for his phone or computer or whatever. A while back he upgraded his phone to the newest edition only to discover that he could no longer tether. He lost a major chunk of functionality with no way to revert all in the name of having the highest revision number.The same thing applies to cars. Many flashes are released to address specific complaints, often at a hefty cost in some other area. Both transmission updates for the OP's car are this way, BIG warnings to not apply the flash unless you are addressing a specific customer complaint of 'xxxx'.
Applying these haphazardly just because 'they're newer' is going to cost. Longevity, fuel mileage, something. I have a 1999 528i / 5 spd. This car has 103 K, I am the second owner. I have changed the VANOS, valve cover, CCV, tune ups, oil changes, thermostat and water pump, serpentine belt and many more. Basically, the car gets what it needs.
I have no complaints except that now when I turn it on, it surges and then it turns off. When I turn it on again, everything is ok. I have a guy here that I trust and tomorrow I am going to get a diagnostic for $85. When I spoke to him and told him what it was, he immediately told me that with a software update, this problem would go away. He does all the work on my car, my wife's and my brother's.
He guaranteed me that the car would be better. I will check back and let you guys know how it went.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful besides what I am writing.BigLOU.