E90 software/firmware/maps update?

tom619 · 09-29-2014, 07:28 AM

Hi all,

I just tried to enter my VIN here http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/ow...es/update.html to see if I could update the software in my E90 LCI myself.

Unfortunately I get no feedback when I type my VIN in there, so I was just wondering how I go about doing this?

I know I can update the maps myself by downloading the relevant maps and obtaining an FSC code, correct?

Also, if someone could clear up what the difference is between software and firmware updates are that would be great!

Thanks

tom619 · 09-29-2014, 04:27 PM

Bump

Sensible_ · 09-30-2014, 01:58 AM

When you say 'maps' are you referring to the navigation software or torque/power/economy settings within DDE/DME ecu?

You can update vehicle firmware yourself using either winkfp + ncsexpert or ISTA P. However an ICOM unit is recommended and an external 70amp rated power supply (minimum) is essential. The update will take several hours. Especially if you have CCC/CIC.

You may also update individual modules. In which case you could get away with using a cheap cable. Is still recommend a power supply however.

Firmware is code / software stored on non volatile memory eg an EEPROM section of flash chip. It's still software but not usually accessible to the user. A simple example would be the bios of a computer vs the operating system which is stored on a hard disk.

tom619 · 09-30-2014, 06:28 AM

Well I'm not exactly sure what I'm referring to.

I understand there are map updates, which in some cases require the CIC firmware to be updated before they can be installed. What else does updating the CIC firmware bring?

And then there are vehicle updates which are also installed by updating the firmware, but I don't know where to begin with regards to getting the firmware updated on my car?

M5rius · 09-30-2014, 06:33 AM

Why bother with the modules updates if car is working fine now. Just updates sat nav and you done.

tom619 · 09-30-2014, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5rius

Why bother with the modules updates if car is working fine now. Just updates sat nav and you done.

The car is working fine (touch wood) but with the updates might the car work better?

M5rius · 09-30-2014, 08:18 AM

I doubt it,

09-29-2014, 07:28 AM	#1
tom619 First Lieutenant 26 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport Business Edition Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	E90 software/firmware/maps update? Hi all, I just tried to enter my VIN here http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/ow...es/update.html to see if I could update the software in my E90 LCI myself. Unfortunately I get no feedback when I type my VIN in there, so I was just wondering how I go about doing this? I know I can update the maps myself by downloading the relevant maps and obtaining an FSC code, correct? Also, if someone could clear up what the difference is between software and firmware updates are that would be great! Thanks
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09-29-2014, 04:27 PM	#2
tom619 First Lieutenant 26 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport Business Edition Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Bump
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09-30-2014, 01:58 AM	#3
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,503 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	When you say 'maps' are you referring to the navigation software or torque/power/economy settings within DDE/DME ecu? You can update vehicle firmware yourself using either winkfp + ncsexpert or ISTA P. However an ICOM unit is recommended and an external 70amp rated power supply (minimum) is essential. The update will take several hours. Especially if you have CCC/CIC. You may also update individual modules. In which case you could get away with using a cheap cable. Is still recommend a power supply however. Firmware is code / software stored on non volatile memory eg an EEPROM section of flash chip. It's still software but not usually accessible to the user. A simple example would be the bios of a computer vs the operating system which is stored on a hard disk.
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09-30-2014, 06:28 AM	#4
tom619 First Lieutenant 26 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport Business Edition Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Well I'm not exactly sure what I'm referring to. I understand there are map updates, which in some cases require the CIC firmware to be updated before they can be installed. What else does updating the CIC firmware bring? And then there are vehicle updates which are also installed by updating the firmware, but I don't know where to begin with regards to getting the firmware updated on my car?
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09-30-2014, 06:33 AM	#5
M5rius Banned 10 Rep 350 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: sussex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 bmw e92 [9.00]	Why bother with the modules updates if car is working fine now. Just updates sat nav and you done.
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09-30-2014, 08:18 AM	#7
M5rius Banned 10 Rep 350 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: sussex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 bmw e92 [9.00]	I doubt it,
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