[JamesMA]

So I complained enough about this issue in the past that I felt I should post about my experience.

I have one of the first F30 M Sports in the US. Having come from a E46 325i, I was very impressed with the power and the car as a whole, but the electric steering on my car did not even come close to feeling like a BMW (and my father in law still has the exact same E46 so I have had plenty of opportunity to compare).

I complained to the dealer for months and they said there was nothing that could be done. Eventually, I decided to deal with it and just wait for a new M3 and re-evaluate things then. I had heard that BMW had released some updates which addressed this issue but my dealer never seemed to know anything about them so I just decided to let it go and enjoy what is otherwise a very cool car.

Anyway, the check engine light on and went off a week ago and since it was time to do the oil and summer tires, I mentioned the light figuring that the car would have thrown a code (it did).

As part of the service I was told there was an update for the software and that they had downloaded it.

When I started the car I immediately noticed the steering heft. I put it in Sport+ and it felt almost like my wife's 2010 X5 which has hydrolic (I have the MPPK).

Now I could not be happier with this car! I am not saying that I will not check out a new M3, but I will not be disappointed to keep this one long haul either.

Thank you BMW. I recognize that the new demographic you are going for prefers soft electric steering, but thank you for taking care of us long time enthusiasts also.

If anyone has a 2012-2013 F30 and has not gotten is update, it is a must, especially if you have the MPPK.

[Austintylerl]

What's the software version number?

[300hp]

I agree 100% with this, I changed from a 13 to a 14 and OMG, the steering feels much much MUCH better than my 13. I am sure the 13 needed the update like yours and the 14 came with the update.

Given BMW was busy with the M3/4 I am sure they learnt a thing or two about steering feel on the Fxx platform and that knowledge was used to improve the steering on our F3x's

Please if you haven't done so hurry to the dealership to get your update.

Edit:
My 14 is a 11/13 build from South Africa

[MicrophoneMic]

Do you have the software version from your invoice?

[ny325]

Now if they could do something with the frontend.

[JamesMA]

The only thing the invoice says is something about bulletin 12-05-13 and that they programmed the DME.

[jasonF30]

my 2014 335i has a software update available but my dealer wants to charge me $450 for the programming since its not a warranty update. best part? they dont even know what the update does!!!

[Coolhydro]

My dealer said it will not be done until there is a bulletin or a problem with the current software. I have a 2012 335i. How do I get the software update now ?

[Tim@codemybimmer]

Easiest way is if you didn't get your ASS programmed to remember.

Else just mention something that might affect software like rough ASS or some electrical issues.

[unintelligible]

I just had my '12 updated yesterday with the latest updates and the ASS memory programming and there is no difference in steering feel. I think those updates were for '13 cars and up only.

[jasonF30]

Originally Posted by Timbits93

Easiest way is if you didn't get your ASS programmed to remember.

Else just mention something that might affect software like rough ASS or some electrical issues.

I had my ASS recently programmed to remember the last setting and it didnt change steering feel. There is also another update that is still available for my car that the dealer wants $450 do program.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by jasonF30

I had my ASS recently programmed to remember the last setting and it didnt change steering feel. There is also another update that is still available for my car that the dealer wants $450 do program.

If you are talking about your 2014 car, then your car is already programmed to the latest steering parameters. Nothing will change.

[Falafel Combo]

Is it possible that only the M Sports are receiving these updates?

[marlin2911]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Is it possible that only the M Sports are receiving these updates?

That would make about 0 sense as the M sport is the exact same car as the no lines mechanically.

[newoldbeemer]

Is it true steering feel (as in feedback) if a software update can fix it? Or is it just heaviness?

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by marlin2911

That would make about 0 sense as the M sport is the exact same car as the no lines mechanically.

Well, do you care to explain why you can't get a PPK on a 335i Luxury line?


It wouldn't be the first time they made a distinction to the M Sport cars. Again, it's really only a theory at this point.

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

If you are talking about your 2014 car, then your car is already programmed to the latest steering parameters. Nothing will change.

Proof? It could be that late MY2014 have the new steering software but not early MY2014 ones like mine. My point is we need to compare the software versions if there is a way to get to that info (coding???)

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by marlin2911

That would make about 0 sense as the M sport is the exact same car as the no lines mechanically.

Not true, M-Sport has better hardware. Extra radiators and thicker roll-bars, bigger wheels... And that's just what's been discovered on this forum.

The sense that it could make is from the marketing/product placement perspective.

[darcivic00si]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Is it possible that only the M Sports are receiving these updates?

My 2013 Sport got the update and yes, the steering feel is greatly improved.

[alienranch]

Originally Posted by unintelligible

I just had my '12 updated yesterday with the latest updates and the ASS memory programming and there is no difference in steering feel. I think those updates were for '13 cars and up only.

I just updated my '12 (claimed the ASS was rough on startup - which it was). The steering feel is noticeably heavier and much improved in Sport mode.

[unintelligible]

Originally Posted by alienranch

I just updated my '12 (claimed the ASS was rough on startup - which it was). The steering feel is noticeably heavier and much improved in Sport mode.

Yeah that was what I did but they just listed "no faults found" for that exact complaint. Oh well. My dealer sucks

Edit: Per the service invoice it says

CUSTOMER STATES: THE CAR SHAKES WHEN IT RESTARTS ITSELF
NOT FAULT FOUND AT THIS TIME
NORMAL VEHICLE CHARACTERISTIC WHEN STARTING AFTER MSA ACTIVATION.

Then on the ASS memory programming it states:

CUSTOMER REQUESTS: TO REPROGRAM START/STOP TO REMEMBER LAST SETTING
CUSTOMER REQUESTS TO ACTIVATE MSA MEMORY.
CONTACTED PUMA AT CASE - 58242650 FOR IBOC CODE. PROGRAMMED AND CODED VEHICLE WITH ISTA/P-52.2.002.

Now I dont know if this ISTA P-52.2.002 is the "version" of the software with the updated steering feel or not. That's the problem with this whole thing is no one has any concrete information on what triggers this update.

[marlin2911]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Well, do you care to explain why you can't get a PPK on a 335i Luxury line?


It wouldn't be the first time they made a distinction to the M Sport cars. Again, it's really only a theory at this point.

Has nothing to do with add ons. Your N55 is the same as the N55 in the Luxury line, but BMW chooses to distinguish aftermarket availabilty.

It would make 0 sense for BMW to use a completely different steering system on a sub-line of a model, which was my original point. Bolting on a radiator or a roll bar is one thing, but physically redoing the production line to change out a full steering system on a sub-model makes little sense.