Ok,
I have not had my car that long, and I came across a post on here about a Recall for cars that need to have the emissions done.
So I called a reputible BMW dealer here in Atlanta to schedule an appointment.
The Sales Rep first asked for the 7 digits of the VIN to look up the history.
He came back to the phone and stated to me that I don't have the recall for that but I do have a recall for something else.
He also stated that the last time this car had an update was back in 2004, he stated that my version is I believe, but not sure because I did not hear him clearly, stated that I am at 21-2... something to that nature.
So we scheduled an appointment for next Monday and he stated that they may need the car for the entire day, saying that it can take up to 2 to 8 hours for this update to complete.
My question is will I loose power, gain something better? What will happen pretty much.
Can you be more specific? What software needs updating? Mk IV, engine management, some other control module, etc.? I think I might have had one update on my car years ago, but I can't remember what it was.
Hard to know your case without the specifics. I suggest you call them back.
It almost certainly doesn't takes 8 hours to update the software, but it takes 8 hours at an Atlanta dealer because they want to work on your car at their convenience in their queue. Global, United, Nalley, BMW of South Atlanta are servicing 50-100 cars a day each, so it's hard for them to precisely schedule a time. They would rather you drop your car off so that you're not tapping your foot waiting on it.
For what it's worth, I've had a good, albeit expensive experience, with Atlanta dealers. That's probably true of most BMW dealers. I don't really take my cars there anymore, except for alignments, because I enjoy fixing them myself.
Can you be more specific? What software needs updating? Mk IV, engine management, some other control module, etc.? I think I might have had one update on my car years ago, but I can't remember what it was.
Hard to know your case without the specifics. I suggest you call them back.
It almost certainly doesn't takes 8 hours to update the software, but it takes 8 hours at an Atlanta dealer because they want to work on your car at their convenience in their queue. Global, United, Nalley, BMW of South Atlanta are servicing 50-100 cars a day each, so it's hard for them to precisely schedule a time. They would rather you drop your car off so that you're not tapping your foot waiting on it.
For what it's worth, I've had a good, albeit expensive experience, with Atlanta dealers. That's probably true of most BMW dealers. I don't really take my cars there anymore, except for alignments, because I enjoy fixing them myself.
Thanks for the update Georgia,
I will call them tomorrow to inquire a bit more on the speciffics on what needs to be updated.
I definitely would not like to leave my car there all day, and have them to fit me in when they can.
DME can in fact take 8 hours it has to server issues to keep it simple. If you do a search on the board you will get some opinions. I have the original software in my car and have been humming and hawwing about getting an update. I am sort of stuck at it ain't broke so why should I try and break it. Before you do, you should read as many old posts as you can. The issues vary depending on year.,
Ok,
I have not had my car that long, and I came across a post on here about a Recall for cars that need to have the emissions done.
So I called a reputible BMW dealer here in Atlanta to schedule an appointment.
The Sales Rep first asked for the 7 digits of the VIN to look up the history.
He came back to the phone and stated to me that I don't have the recall for that but I do have a recall for something else.
He also stated that the last time this car had an update was back in 2004, he stated that my version is I believe, but not sure because I did not hear him clearly, stated that I am at 21-2... something to that nature.
So we scheduled an appointment for next Monday and he stated that they may need the car for the entire day, saying that it can take up to 2 to 8 hours for this update to complete.
My question is will I loose power, gain something better? What will happen pretty much.
Any thoughts would be great to hear from.
Thanks
There was a software update for the DME to improve communications with the computer readouts. As I recall, it had mostly to do with the computers having trouble reading emissions information. Important in a state that does emissions testing, not important if your state doesn't.
If you have performance software, you will have to have that reloaded after the BMW update. It will reinstall the original performance software. Most companies (like Dinan) usually do it free or perhaps a nominal charge.
If you a search on here and go back in time, I am sure it has been discussed. Or try a google search, sometimes you get a more precise response.
There was a software update for the DME to improve communications with the computer readouts. As I recall, it had mostly to do with the computers having trouble reading emissions information. Important in a state that does emissions testing, not important if your state doesn't.
If you have performance software, you will have to have that reloaded after the BMW update. It will reinstall the original performance software. Most companies (like Dinan) usually do it free or perhaps a nominal charge.
If you a search on here and go back in time, I am sure it has been discussed. Or try a google search, sometimes you get a more precise response.
Regards,
Jerry
And we do have emissions checks yearly in Georgia. But, no state inspection. So, as long as your car is not polluting, we are more than happy to let you drive your car around with no brakes, bald tires, and no brake lights or head lights. It's stupid and bass ackwards. Go figure.
On these cars,the process does NOT imply any other module software updates as it does on more modern BMWs...
On modern cars,due to the update of all modules,the process takes up to 8 hours.
With Progman(what they will use,maybe SSS),it does not take more than 1 hour.
And there is one important thing:
They have to disconnect the ABS/DSC module before starting the update.
Otherwise canbus interference between DME and ABS/DSC can put the DME in sort of a "sleep mode".
They will NOT be able to recover the ECU then(because they lack the correct software to do so) and will sell you a new ECU...
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There was a software update for the DME to improve communications with the computer readouts. As I recall, it had mostly to do with the computers having trouble reading emissions information. Important in a state that does emissions testing, not important if your state doesn't.
If you have performance software, you will have to have that reloaded after the BMW update. It will reinstall the original performance software. Most companies (like Dinan) usually do it free or perhaps a nominal charge.
If you a search on here and go back in time, I am sure it has been discussed. Or try a google search, sometimes you get a more precise response.
Regards,
Jerry
Thanks for the update Jerry, and yes as for our State the guy did state that for these cars it is hard for the emissions stations to read the software and that is why we have to get an update so they can get a better reading.
On these cars,the process does NOT imply any other module software updates as it does on more modern BMWs...
On modern cars,due to the update of all modules,the process takes up to 8 hours.
With Progman(what they will use,maybe SSS),it does not take more than 1 hour.
And there is one important thing:
They have to disconnect the ABS/DSC module before starting the update.
Otherwise canbus interference between DME and ABS/DSC can put the DME in sort of a "sleep mode".
They will NOT be able to recover the ECU then(because they lack the correct software to do so) and will sell you a new ECU...
Thanks Vantaam5,
I hope at the dealer they would know to do this. and I am going to research more as what to expect.
If Vataam's risks are correct, then maybe you don't do it. Have you had trouble passing emissions so far? I haven't. If you've been passing emissions, then why do it?
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