Is the ECU update not free?

Z4-Archon · 03-30-2010, 08:53 PM

I took my Z4 in for service (long crank) and they mentioned that the software (assuming ECU) isn't up to date. I asked them to update it and they said it wasn't free. So, is there a list of bug fixes from the latest release that I could argue I need?

Thanks

mikeinaustin · 03-30-2010, 11:27 PM

which dealer did you go to? it absolutely should be free, they are responsible for updating any and all computer software in your car for the warranty period. take it to another dealer OR complain to bmw usa about this.

as far your "long crank" issue, the software upgrade will not fix it, you are most probably going to need a new high pressure fuel pump. this is an extremely well known issue, i assume they told you this?

pmlnnrt · 03-31-2010, 05:14 AM

I too had the long crank problem - it was a High Pressure Fuel Pump - and I was told - it might need replacing again - strange that they would admit it ! - they did the software upgrade at that time too -

Phil

Z4-Archon · 03-31-2010, 08:06 AM

I'm in Austin too, local dealer. I took it in to have the long crank issue addressed, yes I know about the HPFP issue and mentioned it to them. I also was getting the Dinan Stage 2 upgrade. They called later in the day saying the car needed the latest software from BMW before they could install the Dinan software.

I had just assumed they would do the BMW update as needed, but I was told that it is typically a paid update. They are trying to use the long crank issue to install the update for free. Maybe the update requires a newer computer, I don't know.

Anyone know more about the ECU software and how it relates to the hardware in the car? Also, how does Dinan's upgrade figure into that?

Thanks,

Ron.

mikeinaustin · 03-31-2010, 11:07 AM

all control software updates are free. if the ecu hardware is dead, they would have to replace that for free as well. it is all under warranty. dealers will not hesitate to make money off you if you allow them to.

03-30-2010, 08:53 PM	#1
Z4-Archon Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: Alpine White Z4 35i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Is the ECU update not free? I took my Z4 in for service (long crank) and they mentioned that the software (assuming ECU) isn't up to date. I asked them to update it and they said it wasn't free. So, is there a list of bug fixes from the latest release that I could argue I need? Thanks
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03-30-2010, 11:27 PM	#2
mikeinaustin First Lieutenant 42 Rep 362 Posts Drives: 2010 z4 3.0 crimson red Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: austin, tx iTrader: (0)	which dealer did you go to? it absolutely should be free, they are responsible for updating any and all computer software in your car for the warranty period. take it to another dealer OR complain to bmw usa about this. as far your "long crank" issue, the software upgrade will not fix it, you are most probably going to need a new high pressure fuel pump. this is an extremely well known issue, i assume they told you this?
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03-31-2010, 05:14 AM	#3
pmlnnrt Phil 5 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2014 Z-4 35i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Spring Lake New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I too had the long crank problem - it was a High Pressure Fuel Pump - and I was told - it might need replacing again - strange that they would admit it ! - they did the software upgrade at that time too - Phil
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03-31-2010, 08:06 AM	#4
Z4-Archon Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: Alpine White Z4 35i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I'm in Austin too, local dealer. I took it in to have the long crank issue addressed, yes I know about the HPFP issue and mentioned it to them. I also was getting the Dinan Stage 2 upgrade. They called later in the day saying the car needed the latest software from BMW before they could install the Dinan software. I had just assumed they would do the BMW update as needed, but I was told that it is typically a paid update. They are trying to use the long crank issue to install the update for free. Maybe the update requires a newer computer, I don't know. Anyone know more about the ECU software and how it relates to the hardware in the car? Also, how does Dinan's upgrade figure into that? Thanks, Ron.
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03-31-2010, 11:07 AM	#5
mikeinaustin First Lieutenant 42 Rep 362 Posts Drives: 2010 z4 3.0 crimson red Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: austin, tx iTrader: (0)	all control software updates are free. if the ecu hardware is dead, they would have to replace that for free as well. it is all under warranty. dealers will not hesitate to make money off you if you allow them to.
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