New BMW software loaded --- much better fuel economy
10-02-2008, 12:51 PM
#1
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
.
Options:
Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC.
.
Mods:
Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear
.
Wheels:
20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
I had issues with my iPOD NANO working via the USB. I forced a software re-boot by disconnecting the battery for over 20 minutes, but that did not solve the issue (- that's the normal first piece of advice the BMW Service guys give me). It went in for BMW Service to investigate and they couldn't work it out. A few days later, they received word from BMW Munich that it was a software issue and my E60 needed an upgrade to the latest software release. So they collected it this week, put a new software load in, and everything is great with the iPOD etc 
However, what has me a little confused, is that the fuel economy has improved signficantly since the software upgrade. Its dropped from 8,6L/100km to 8,0L/100km. As I wrote above, I had forced a software reset by disconnecting the battery, which in turn reset the Fuel Economy board computer value. After doing my usual week's drive of around 1000km, including city, slow Dutch motorways and pedal to the boards autobahn, it went to the normal 8,6L/100km that I had had for some time before hand as well. BUT, after the software reload this week, I've done my usual 1000km drive again, and its at 8,0L/100km --- that's 0,6L/100km improvement without changing my route or driving style!
Could it be possible that the new software has enabled a more fuel efficient mix??
However, what has me a little confused, is that the fuel economy has improved signficantly since the software upgrade. Its dropped from 8,6L/100km to 8,0L/100km. As I wrote above, I had forced a software reset by disconnecting the battery, which in turn reset the Fuel Economy board computer value. After doing my usual week's drive of around 1000km, including city, slow Dutch motorways and pedal to the boards autobahn, it went to the normal 8,6L/100km that I had had for some time before hand as well. BUT, after the software reload this week, I've done my usual 1000km drive again, and its at 8,0L/100km --- that's 0,6L/100km improvement without changing my route or driving style!
Could it be possible that the new software has enabled a more fuel efficient mix??
10-02-2008, 01:20 PM
#3
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather.
Mods:
Carbon filter removed.
M5 iDrive knob.
Umnitza license plate LEDs.
MP3
40% 3M tint
ACS Anti-Roll(sway) bars
RPI Scoop
G-tech Pro RR
CF Roundels
CF Wheel caps
I've had no software update but I've just seen a +2 mpg change after switching to BP from Shell...I'm guessing its due to the cooler weather in the mornings because it's certainly not due to driving style or software!
10-02-2008, 11:21 PM
#6
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
.
Options:
Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC.
.
Mods:
Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear
.
Wheels:
20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
OK, thanks for the replies guys. I guess there must have been a difference in temperature / my driving style which has led to this improved fuel economy, and not the software update. I'll keep an eye on the board computer to see if it creeps up to the 8,6L/100km average again or whether it actually stays around the 8.0L/100km area -- lets see what happens... 
10-03-2008, 02:32 AM
#8
Senior Members
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Scania, Scandinavia
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: F11 -14
Originally Posted by xBMWx' post='684322' date='Oct 3 2008, 09:21 AM
OK, thanks for the replies guys. I guess there must have been a difference in temperature / my driving style which has led to this improved fuel economy, and not the software update. I'll keep an eye on the board computer to see if it creeps up to the 8,6L/100km average again or whether it actually stays around the 8.0L/100km area -- lets see what happens...
So, I think you're right there xBMWx. Hurray for upgrades!
10-03-2008, 04:49 AM
#9
Contributors
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather.
Mods:
Carbon filter removed.
M5 iDrive knob.
Umnitza license plate LEDs.
MP3
40% 3M tint
ACS Anti-Roll(sway) bars
RPI Scoop
G-tech Pro RR
CF Roundels
CF Wheel caps
I did see a smal increase in MPG when I had my ECU remapped but this last couple of weeks has seen the biggest increase. I'd like to think that it's beacuse of British Petroleum gas/petrol but I have never seen such a difference before and I had used gas from several different places. Thats why I think that temperature might have more to play in this...in my case anyway!
There's no reason why a software update would not increase your MPG if there were changes to the ECU software. It might be attributable to an SIB if you can find it.
There's no reason why a software update would not increase your MPG if there were changes to the ECU software. It might be attributable to an SIB if you can find it.
