E46 software upgrade

[IanDaddy]

Dear All,I have some questions about the software upgrade I read about in the part and maintenance thread.1) How do we know what version we are running and the benefit of upgrading as each upgrade cost some RM200 ? 2) Does BMW publish the version release notes (like other software) on the changes etc ? Where can we find it ?Thanks in advance.My ride is E46 M54B25

 

[jarance]

Maybe you can try the below to check the version.
Test #1 should tell you what is installed but not sure that is the latest version install.

Instructions to access the hidden OBC functions:
1. Hold Trip Reset while turning ignition key to on position
2. OBC should show "Test"
3. Use Trip Reset to select function 19.0 that unlocks all the features
3. Wait for display to show "Off"
4. Depress Trip Reset for 1/4 second and release it
5. With no delay press Trip Reset several times to select one of the following function s

BMW E46 On-Board Computer (OBC) Hidden Codes
nr example description
1 Car Engine and cluster data
1.0 46nnn Chassis nr/VIN serial number (last 5 digits)
1.1 4nnn K-number
1.2 690236 Cluster Part #
1.3 045210 Coding (04)/diagnosis (52)/bus index (10)
1.4 1200 Week (12)/year of manufacture (2000)
1.5 09_160 Hardware (09) and software # (16.0) of cluster
1.6 Not used
1.7 04__44 CAN-version (04) KI-revision index (44)
2 (test) Cluster System Test - Activates the gauge drivers,
indicators and LEDs to confirm function
3 SI Data
3.0 1098 Used fuel in liters since last SI (Service Inspection)
3.1 0231 Periodic inspection days; elapsed days (since last SI)
4 Momentary Consumption
4.0 0145+ Instant fuel consumption - 0145=14.5 liters/100km
4.1 0018 Instant fuel consumption - 0018=1.8 l/Hour
5 Distance Gone Consumption
5.0 082 Average mileage; 082=8.2 liters/100km
5.1 0536 Calc. km to refuel (momentary distance to go)
6 Fuel Level sensor inputs in liters
6.0 109330+ Fuel level averaged; Left half sensor input=10.9 liters; Right sensor input=33.0 liters
6.1 0439+ Total tank level averaged; vlgs 6.0: 10.9+33.0=43.9 liters
6.2 0442+ Indicated value (44.2) and tank phase
7 Temperature and Speed
7.0 021+ Coolant/Engine temperature (2.1C)
7.1 130 Ambient/Outside temperature - chg met 5 pts. 125/130/135
7.2 + Engine speed / Current RPMs 1/min
7.3 + Vehicle speed / Current Speed in km/hour
8 Input value in HEX form
8.0 1d0+ System voltage ADC-Value Hex code
8.1 26C33C+ ADC Values HG left/HG right
8.2 0000 ADC Value brake degradation sensor (000=o.k.)
8.3 18C ADC Value outside temperature
9 Battery
9.0 140 Battery Voltage - 140 = UB 14.0v
9.1 242013+?
9.2 074_78+?
9.3 0011+?
10 Not used
11 Not used
12 Not used
13 GonG Gong Test
14 Not used
15 Status cluster I/O-ports (bit codes) 0=low; 1=high
1st-belt contact, seat belt fastened=0; 2) ignition lock contact, key inserted=0; 3) door contact, door open=0; 4) clock button pressed=0; 5) SI reset=0, for reset=0; 6) EGS transmission failure=0
Status Digital Outputs (bits) 0=inactive, 1=active
1) Gong output; 2) Brake warning lamp; 3) Low fuel warning lamp; 4) EGA lamp; 5) seat belt lamp; 6) manipulation dot
16 Not used
17 Not used
18 Not used
19 Lock Status; unlocks functions in range 3-18
19.0 L-On/L-Off Unlock: press button when "L-Off"
20 Not used
21 Software Reset; reset OBC settings
00 End of test

 

[alxy]

Did mine earlier. To be honest, can't really tell the difference. I guess if you feel your car has some problems that could be related to the software, then upgrading may make a difference. Otherwise if everything is already running smooth, then just leave things as it is.

 

[jarance]

Did mine earlier. To be honest, can't really tell the difference. I guess if you feel your car has some problems that could be related to the software, then upgrading may make a difference. Otherwise if everything is already running smooth, then just leave things as it is.

so what info is display? Maybe by listing it, we can see somebody may have a version later than yours.

 

[IanDaddy]

Jarance,

I did that test sometime back but I think that version refers to the software use for the instrument cluster. Since my E46 is one of the latest bacth (2004 and reg is 2005) , it should have one of the later version.

If we know the format of the version numbering , it will be easier.

Thanks guys

 

[IanDaddy]

found this thread on e46fanatics.com. helps a bit for the understanding.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=675959

 

[alxy]

so what info is display? Maybe by listing it, we can see somebody may have a version later than yours.

Err... will have to do your steps one of these days to find out!

But I did mine in MSpeed back in 2009, so should be the latest software available then. Before that should be the software that came originally for 2001 E46 325i model.

 

[Alex5522]

Any update of this thread ??

 

[ken007]

Hi all I am driving a singapore plate year 04 E46 318. Have mine updated to 06 version software at one of the workshop here when I was doing servicing the. Ask by the technician whether I want to do a update to a latest version when he read from my obd mine is still on 04 version. Feedback from him some car owner after doing the update can feel car pick up is smoothed. The cost is S$80 and it take 45 min to complete. After the update is complete the first thing I notice when I turn on the air-con it on recirculating mode rather than on outside air mode. On the old version when we on the air-con we can smell some exhaust smell and need to select to recirculating mode. Now no exhaust smell just on air-con and drive off.

Before update car pick up slow and full tank can only clock below 400km before empty tank light up. Now feel pick up smoothed and faster than before. And full tank can clock 420-450km before empty tank light up. If you on your air-con it on outside air mode than it on the old software that come orginally with the car. I think better not to play with the OBC function. One wrong step don't know what damages can be done to the car.

 

[ken007]

Check my receipt the cost of software update is S$60 and is 2006 version 32.

 

[IanDaddy]

Check my receipt the cost of software update is S$60 and is 2006 version 32.

Thanks Ken, my E46 is 325i Yr 04. So there must be some much later versions. I think I should get it updated, also want to update the key so that when unlock got beep sound.

 

[Alex5522]

Check my receipt the cost of software update is S$60 and is 2006 version 32.

Bro where did u update your software ?

 

[ken007]

Bro where did u update your software ?

I'm from singapore hence I service my car here. This is the workshop website http://www.riverviewauto.com.sg/ . This place is at Ang mo kio auto point. Is best to call the no and check with Mr Foo the supervisor mechanic what is the latest software version for your 325. He is also a Malaysian.

 

[Alex5522]

I'm from singapore hence I service my car here. This is the workshop website http://www.riverviewauto.com.sg/ . This place is at Ang mo kio auto point. Is best to call the no and check with Mr Foo the supervisor mechanic what is the latest software version for your 325. He is also a Malaysian.

Thanks a a lot of your info bro

 

[Jin109]

hi guys,

this is really interesting ~~ just wanna know any idea where can i check or update my E46 (318 2003) software in KL any where near by hartamas also ok???

thanks

jin 0172123812

 

[firdaus72]

Errrr..Ingress auto? About 5km from your place...

 

[Jin109]

is that sure in ingress auto ? can update ? how much will it cost ?? any1 got any idea ?

 

[firdaus72]

I think so they can update. Last time my mech told me once every 6 months go to authorised service center for services since they will update the car's software. About the cost Im not too sure..maybe you can drop them a call.

 

[IanDaddy]

Jin, why not call them and share.

 

[Alex5522]

Any update for the price which they charged ?