[capt_slow]

I just got my car back from the dealer. My original issue was a "Chassis: Drive Moderately" message, but it looks like they reflashed the whole car to F020-14-03-503, taking all my coding mods along with it.

I do think the steering has stiffened up a bit in Comfort.

The SIB is 121513.

[Sleepwalker]

Software number? you'll find it in the idrive settings.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by Sleepwalker

Software number? you'll find it in the idrive settings.

I couldnt find anything chassis related, but here's the HU_NBT numbers FWIW.

Media: MN-002.038.015
Phone: TN-002.038.015

On a related note: The SIB reprogrammed ALL the modules, and I definitely see some changes in iDrive. Better software optimization so the maps move smoothly, better iOS 7 integration, etc. The engine note and behavior is very different now too: noise much deeper at low RPMs and improved pull from a stop.

The "Chassis: Drive Moderately" message came back though, but now I think it's because I touched FEM_BODY during my coding session this weekend.

[kingmonkey8]

Took my 2013 428i into the dealer in the UK for a warranty check for some vibration and also re-coded the ASS to remember last setting.
Steering has definitely changed. Comfort mode now has more weight than before and sport mode has improved. There is more constant resistance in the wheel whereas before there was a vagueness just off centre. Feels more connected than before, before it just felt like you were pulling against a weight.
I also notice a few small changes in the idrive. ASS doesn't feel really any smoother. Can't say I've noticed any other changes.
Overall a worthwhile update, however was charged £76 for the privilege which is quite obscene.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by kingmonkey8

Took my 2013 428i into the dealer in the UK for a warranty check for some vibration and also re-coded the ASS to remember last setting.
Steering has definitely changed. Comfort mode now has more weight than before and sport mode has improved. There is more constant resistance in the wheel whereas before there was a vagueness just off centre. Feels more connected than before, before it just felt like you were pulling against a weight.
I also notice a few small changes in the idrive. ASS doesn't feel really any smoother. Can't say I've noticed any other changes.
Overall a nice update, however was charged £76 for the privilege which is quite obscene.

Wow it sucks that they charged for the ASS last setting recode in UK, it is standard on MY14 US-spec F30, or one-time free recoding for MY12 and MY13.

[newoldbeemer]

This thread really makes me think: if a software update can improve the steering feel, what exactly is it that we mean by feel that we experience in the older bmws?

Certainly it can't be feedback. How can software improve road feedback?

Maybe it is the on-center feeling combined with steering responsiveness and linear increasing heft a we turn the wheel. Not sure, I am not able to put the steering feel of older bmws in a description and sum it up.

Or does the software update just increase the steering weight/heft? I wouldn't be too excited if that's the case. I mean, what's the use of all that heft?

[Weaselboy]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

This thread really makes me think: if a software update can improve the steering feel, what exactly is it that we mean by feel that we experience in the older bmws?

Certainly it can't be feedback. How can software improve road feedback?

Maybe it is the on-center feeling combined with steering responsiveness and linear increasing heft a we turn the wheel. Not sure, I am not able to put the steering feel of older bmws in a description and sum it up.

Or does the software update just increase the steering weight/heft? I wouldn't be too excited if that's the case. I mean, what's the use of all that heft?

You make a good point. I have a 2014 335i with DHP and when I turn on DHP sport mode the steering assist level is obviously reduced, and the result is at more perceived "feel" I would say. I think the same thing is going on with this software update... that it just reduces the electronic assist level some.

Like you said, nothing mechanically connected the wheels to the steering wheel has changed, but I think the reduction in electric assist does allow one to feel more of what is already there.

[dc503]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

How can software improve road feedback?

The real answer is it can't, the mechanical component hasn't changed.

[Weaselboy]

Originally Posted by dc503

The real answer is it can't, the mechanical component hasn't changed.

Sure it can. Read my post just above yours. If the power steering is over boosted it will mask whatever "feel" there is. Lowering boost electronically through a software change will give more feel.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by dc503

The real answer is it can't, the mechanical component hasn't changed.

A couple years ago C&D had an article that explains it.

"EPS is not all sweetness and light, though. Engineers are well aware of its *inherent shortcomings, some of which prompt our negative bias toward this type of power assist. These include far more friction and inertia than HPS, shortcomings that can make a car feel numb and lackadaisical unless the software governing EPS is tuned to compensate. For any feedback to travel from the road to the driver’s hands, EPS’s spinning electric motor must be slowed, stopped, and/or reversed. This is where the electronic controller comes into play. "

[dc503]

Makes sense to me...good explanation.

[sdhotwn]

Originally Posted by Weaselboy

Sure it can. Read my post just above yours. If the power steering is over boosted it will mask whatever "feel" there is. Lowering boost electronically through a software change will give more feel.

Correct. There is still a mechanical interface between the steering column, the pinion, and the rack. The motor is there as an assist, and can cause buffering/masking, but the fact is you are still physically connected to those wheels. Reducing the motor's involvement, or speeding up/changing it's reaction to sensed torque will improve feel/interfere less with the connection.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by sdhotwn

Correct. There is still a mechanical interface between the steering column, the pinion, and the rack. The motor is there as an assist, and can cause buffering/masking, but the fact is you are still physically connected to those wheels. Reducing the motor's involvement, or speeding up/changing it's reaction to sensed torque will improve feel/interfere less with the connection.

The C&D article elaborates further what software updates can do to improve steering feel. Hopefully BMW can improve further with the guesstimates with additional software releases. Eventually the engineers should put sensors directly at EPS module to get more accurate readings than indirect chassis sensors.

"An array of chassis sensors—monitoring velocity, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and other dynamic variables—keeps the controller apprised so it can issue appropriate commands to the electric-assist motor. Measuring what’s going on with the tires and the suspension indirectly amounts to intelligent guesswork, but it’s the best we have today to minimize EPS’s limitations."

[Cstyles]

I recently had the M-Sport fan failure, which the dealer completed the standard fix - install revised larger fan and update software. I was looking forward to some additional steering feel based on the comments I read in this thread.

For reference, my car is a 2013 (2012 build date) 335i X-Drive M-Sport with adaptive suspension, WITHOUT vss.

I was disappointed that there did not appear to be an improvement in steering feel upon picking the car up, regardless of driving mode.

Today I figured out a way to determine that there is in fact a change in steering assist between comfort and sport mode; I happened to switch the mode into sport from comfort, while rounding a 270 degree highway on ramp; there was a very noticeable 'tug' to the steering wheel when engaging sport from comfort, as the wheel stiffened up. I was able to repeat the effect over and over, it's a perceptible change when engaging mid-turn.

So, I've come to the conclusion that in fact the software DOES add a level of change to the steering in sport mode (even in non-VSS cars), however it's such a minor change that the feel is completely imperceptible in any condition other than what I stated above (mid-way through an on ramp). So I'm still disappointed LOL.

Just thought I'd throw this out there, as a way to positively identify the change in the right circumstance (if you wanted to check if your car indeed has the steering change between modes).

[300hp]

For me the test has been taking my '14 to the same curvy roads i used to take my 13. There were some curves were I could never crack 50mph. The 14 is able to get to 51mph and feels more planted while at it. Both cars being equipped the same way. The 14 has 15 more horses but in tight curves that should not matter. Without a doubt the steering upgrade was done well

[newoldbeemer]

Took the car in for scheduled service today and asked for the software update to remember ASS setting. Turned out the car had a job (not a recall, a "dispatch" or something he called it) pending: "Program the control unit". That's a software update too, it seems. I'm hoping that results in the steering feel upgrade . They have to keep my car over the weekend. I'm not complaining if it means I'm getting the latest and greatest software.

Slightly off-topic: the loaner turned out to be an X1. I was surprised (well I shouldn't be surprised, I guess) to find electric steering in it too. I thought the X1 still has hydraulic, pretty sure it did last year. But the X1 steering has surprisingly good feel, as good as the F30.

[newoldbeemer]

Just got the car back with the ASS programming done, regular service and the "control program unit" campaign.
Oddly.. The steering seems to be even (slightly) softer than it was before. Weird.

[wingnutsglory]

I bought my 2012 335 earlier this year with ASS improvements already programmed. I've been fairly certain that the steering feel shifts significantly when going from Comfort to Sport. Yesterday, when backing up and turning at the same time, I went to Sport and felt a very clear feel change; the steering became much heavier. I have no idea what was programmed other than ASS, and I obviously wasn't able to feel the steering before the work, but I can say there's definitely a difference in Sport.

[uaizaz]

Ok, so through research I see that most people are of the opinion that this mystery update fixes or at least makes the electric feel of the steering better and more responsive. As such I have the ASS programming appointment set up at the dealer on a 2012 335 i just picked up. The SA has asked if I can find out what version number this software is. What would I need to tell the SA i need to ensure gets programmed with the new ASS setting to get said upgrade. Any help is welcome.

[jebs2k]

hate to revive and old thread but i just purchased a cpo '12 328i
software is f020-13-11-504

i asked for update but its a $300 charge

is that revision new enough for the steering fix?

thanks!

[QUiKSR20]

I also would love to know if this update is worth it, I have a 2013.

[YeaG30]

$300 is a lot for the update but I personally highly recommend it. I believe it fixes a multitude of things behind the scenes and since that update, my car has never felt better and it is off warranty at this point with no issues since then. I wonder though, if its a CPO should they have done that as part of the recertification? You could just complain about something and bring it in for them to address, and they would update the software in an attempt to fix.