How can I determine which software I have and whether it needs an upgrade/update?

[ard]

Sigh. 3,4 5 threads...spread over 4 months...did the OP actually get the fluid changed?

Some hack shops seem to lump 'anything that uses a computer' into 'its a software update'.

I agree, these shops dont have the sophistication you would want for servicing a car with a DME.

[ingenieur]

The problem on this forum, unless I'm missing something, is it that does not list the precise model, prod.date or MY, engine, and mileage the OP owns to begin with...and rarely BMW fault codes which are important.
Without specific details why bother to guess or comment?

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by ingenieur

The problem on this forum, unless I'm missing something, is it that does not list the precise model, prod.date or MY, engine, and mileage the OP owns to begin with...and rarely BMW fault codes which are important.
Without specific details why bother to guess or comment?

Korrekt

[JCL]

Originally Posted by ingenieur

The problem on this forum, unless I'm missing something, is it that does not list the precise model, prod.date or MY, engine, and mileage the OP owns to begin with...and rarely BMW fault codes which are important.
Without specific details why bother to guess or comment?

This is a repeat post by the OP. See the link in his post #6. I do agree that it is helpful to list model/year/etc in a signature, or at least in the user profile so it can be checked.

[toicy4ya]

Team,

Thanks for all the feedback. Please accept my apologies for not being more forthcoming. I hope the following summary will be helpful in determining the issue I am facing and how I may be able to resolve it.

Make: BMW
Model: X5
Engine: 4.8i
Mileage: 65k
Production Date: 4.12.2009

I have a maintenance reminder on my X5. (For a picture of the maintenance reminder, please refer to the following link; http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e70-forum/99228-anyone-know-what-maintenance-reminder.html) It isn’t one of the simpler ones you can easily reset. I initially tried to reset it myself through the stalk and idrive but it doesn’t offer me an option. A few months ago while at my local BMW Service Station in Port Chester NY to pick up a part I showed a snapshot of the Maintenance reminder to the Service Adviser from my phone. The Service Advisor recognized it immediately and mentioned the transfer case oil needed to be replaced. Once it is replaced, the maintenance reminder will need to be reset. He mentioned the service notification can go on at 60k, 100k or when needed.

A week later I took the X5 to my mechanic, a local indy specialist that works only on BMW’s. Without telling him what the Service Advisor informed me. He confirmed that it was the transfer case fluid that needed to be changed and the maintenance reminder would need to be reset. He changed the transfer case fluid (to spec) and attempted to reset the maintenance minder. However, after some time it just wouldn’t reset. He recommended taking it to the dealer to have it reset. I set up an appointment and took the X5 to Port Chester BMW. After two hours with it, they couldn’t reset it. They requested that I bring it back for a full diagnosis which may require removing some parts (didn’t get into detail).

On the way to my Mechanic, I stopped by Just BMW's, an indy specialist in New Rochelle that only works on Bimmers. He attempted to reset the maintenance reminder but after several attempts it wouldn’t reset. He told me, hold on I’m going to call a friend who works at a BMW service center. A few minutes later he comes back and tells me, in order for the maintenance minder to be reset, the software needs to be upgraded/updated.

When I took the X5 back to my mechanic, he confirmed what the mechanic at Just Bimmers mentioned that the reason the BMW Service Center could not reset the maintenance reminder is because the software needs to be updated/upgraded.

Unfortunately, after researching this issue, I have only come across one other board member who experienced the same issue. Unfortunately, I have been unable to reach him to find out whether he has resolved the issue.

Guys, my apologies for the long winded story, I was hoping to avoid it but I understand my initial question was too vague and required more detail.

I hope that someone can shed some light on how to fix this issue. Again, any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[lanbrown]

Then you have the answer to your question. If none of them can get the maintenance reminder to be reset and they are recommending a software upgrade, that is the current answer.

If you do go through with it, I would explicitly ask, what happens if any module fails to take the new code? If the vehicle was under warranty, then BMW would take care of it. No warranty, you take care of it. You may also want the dealer to contact BMW and see what they have. It would stand to reason that if the software needs to be upgraded to reset that reminder, then there is an issue with the software and you should not be subject to paying for it.

[toicy4ya]

Hence my original questions;

2. How can I determine which software I have and whether it needs an upgrade/update?

3. Where can I find information relative to what’s included in each upgrade/update?

5. What are the general costs associated with a upgrade/update?

Thanks in advance

[lanbrown]

Originally Posted by toicy4ya

Hence my original questions;

2. How can I determine which software I have and whether it needs an upgrade/update?

3. Where can I find information relative to what’s included in each upgrade/update?

5. What are the general costs associated with a upgrade/update?

Thanks in advance

2) Any of those shops can tell you. I do not know of a way for the vehicle to tell you without plugging into it.

3) BMW doesn't release that information. Software updates on your car are not like those for your computer where there is a change log and readme notes.

5) You should ask those shops for a quote as prices vary greatly and ask them who is responsible if a module fails to take the update. Some modules are quite expensive. It can take 3 or 4 hours (or even more) to update the software. So if the shop is charging $150 an hour, you do the math. Some indy shops might charge far less for it. Best bet, call and ask.

[toicy4ya]

Sound advice, thanks bro.

[ninja_zx11]

Originally Posted by toicy4ya

Hence my original questions;
5. What are the general costs associated with a upgrade/update?

Thanks in advance

I paid $153.88 Canadian last month.S.A was telling me that they left the process running overnight.They charge flat fee for upgrade even it takes couple of hours at least 3 dealers i called here in Vancouver.