Software upgrade..got a call to book car in. Anyone else recently?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:00 pm

Pre-September build is what I was told. It seems it may be that for the X5/6 certain changes tend to take place in Sept/October and others in April, so my guess is a modification was introduced in Sept/Oct 2011 which means the 'threat' was eliminated and cars from then on don't suffer whatever the real issue is that BMW are now sorting out.

When my X6 was built, it was in Week 40 of 2010 and that was the first week that various electronic systems changes were first brought in - in that case the introduction of the new Combox System. Same with my E53, it had a set of mods introduced from October 2004 - Analogue + Freeview TV Receivers in that case.

Richard

mark09 · Post by **mark09** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:02 pm

Update done and nice clean car too ;0)

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:53 pm

Good innit - saved me doing mine too....and I got it serviced (it was apparently due but still said 10,000 miles to go).

Combine Harvesters working around the clock in this area - everything is getting filthy!!

Richard

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:09 pm

Stop playing about in the hay bales then

)

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:33 pm

[quote="pvr"]
Stop playing about in the hay bales then

)
[/quote]
Ummm.......says he, the man with the Tractor....

)

Whitey · Post by **Whitey** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:36 pm

Mines is going in tomorrow

squeaky2 · Post by **squeaky2** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:44 am

Spoke to BMW parklane yesterday as car needs a break fluid change and said i believe there is a software update........they called it a comfort upgrade so i asked isnt it just an upgrade to stop it being so easily nicked.....

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:42 am

It changes a block of code in the 'Comfort Access' system - even if it's not actually enabled on your car. Whatever the 'issue' is, it's connected with that part of the system. It was described the same way on mine. I think we all know it's BMW speak for - let's fix the bug and give our Owners false Comfort - or am I being a tad cynical.....

It seems other manufacturers have left their OBDII ports powered as well, but have a PIN lock code known only to the Dealer & Manufacturer (lose the code and a new ECU is needed). EU specs require the ODBII port to be within 1,000mm of the steering wheel and inside the car - or so some (allegedly) knowledgeable people are saying on line. The issue is now reported to be a problem in US and Australia, and affects a wide range of cars as well as BMW. Latest devices from China (copies of the proper tool) are a mere £60!!

Still using the wheel cover, but as someone pointed out on a Landie Forum, they're just lifting complete cars off the street now. It they want the car, they'll find a way.

Perhaps we'll see a return to 'proper keys'?

Richard

mark09 · Post by **mark09** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:46 am

Nice clean by the dealer after the software update. Can't complain! Esp the wheels.

Black X5 · Post by **Black X5** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:34 pm

Well mine went in yesterday, and after 2 attempts to upload the software (45 mins patch), the CSA came over and said they 'think' they've managed to do it. They have sent the log to BMW and are awaiting their response- escalated as a PUMA. Lets see what they say! My car does have Comfort Access, so te issue may have had something to do with that.

535dboy · Post by **535dboy** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:37 pm

[quote="Black X5"]
Well mine went in yesterday, and after 2 attempts to upload the software (45 mins patch), the CSA came over and said they 'think' they've managed to do it. They have sent the log to BMW and are awaiting their response- escalated as a PUMA. Lets see what they say! My car does have Comfort Access, so te issue may have had something to do with that.
[/quote]

Hmm strange as others are quoting 7 hrs!

Black X5 · Post by **Black X5** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:46 pm

Thats what I thought! I mentioned this to them and they said it was other dealers giving themselves a buffer just in case there was a hitch loading the patch to the car! Apparantley the have done close to a dozen so far, with my car being the first problem child. Let's see what they come back with.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 4:53 pm

When mine was plugged in, the computers told the Service Tech it would be 12 hours - at least that's what the Dealer rang me to tell me. They left it running overnight and the car re-appeared mid morning the following day. Now whether that was because it really was a 45 min 'patch' and they didn't get on with it due to a fag break... :smoke:, or 12 hours was more like it, or it took three attempts I don't know!!

R

Black X5 · Post by **Black X5** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:10 pm

Not heard back from them as of yet so I've dropped them an email.

The funny thing was they were really over emphasising that this fix is not a guarantee that the car can't be stolen... I had to smile a little. As we all know if someone wants your car badly enough they will have it.

Hopefully will hear back by tomorrow.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:28 pm

I've just had a call from the Service Desk to make sure 'everything was all right'. I responded that if she was asking if the car was still in my possession then I said it was fine......but I still had 1980's Security tech in use.

It's an arms race unfortunately, and whilst I feel BMW tried to abdicate responsibility and didn't do enough to make things harder for crims, to some (limited) extent I do sympathise.

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