My indy mechanic suggested I update my software and referred me to a place that does it.

I haven't gotten a price quote yet but was wondering if I should....

a) buy the INPA cable + NCS Expert and figure out how to do it myself

or

b) pay the mechanic to do it

 

If you don't have a ICOM cable and know what you are doing, good chance you could brick your car!

 

Ok the programming guy quoted me $160-$180 depending on how many modules need to be updated.

 

Why did your indy recommend a software update? what are you trying to solve?

 

I am not trying to solve anything in particular.

I hear the update helps a lot of things with the engine and also I want the latest iDrive UI.

 

If you are not having any problems I would leave it alone. I don't think you would notice any benefits and the chance of bricking a module is high if not done correctly. Many dealers will not attempt to update an out of warranty car unless absolutely required because of the potential problems.

Based on what you said earlier it sounds like the person who quoted you on the update is planning on doing it one module at a time. While this can be done it is not recommended. The modules in a BMW are designed to work and be updated together. BMW refers to this as an I-Level (integration level) update and that is the only proper way to update software. It must be done using an ICOM and the car must be connected to a sufficient power supply.

 

There is nothing [major] wrong but there are little quirks (too numerous to list) that it will fix that have been bothering me. I also hear from other people it helps gas mileage. The guy is going to do it tomorrow. He said he is doing all of the modules not one at a time. He knows how old my car is.

 

Great!!...hope you let us know how you make out.

 

Ok I got upgraded today. Honestly, I was really looking forward to the new i-Drive but the guy told me I'd need to install a new Head and Hard Drive. Umm thanks but no thanks. He ended up updating 30 modules which took over 5 hours. The cost came out to $160 (US).

I have not really noticed much change just yet except for the acceleration seems to be smoother, the a/c-heater fan isn't running wild like it used to and I think I'll have to wait a bit to see what's the difference in the gas mileage. That car has always been a gas hog. We will see if this improves it.

BTW, I updated from E060-05-09-535 to E060-16-11-500.

If I had to go back in time and re-think this, I probably would not have gotten the upgrade.

 

Maybe there is some backdoor way to do module programming but I found out this is how you do it...

1. Buy J2534 Programming Tool ($999)
2. Connect to Laptop or Scanning Tool
3. Install Free Software
4. Purchase OEM Subscription ($30-$50)