[ctemkin]

Last month I got a notice from BMW that they were ready to perform a software update on my 2018 m240i as part of a safety recall to correct display failures.

It was not auspicious that it took three calls to my dealer to set up an appointment.

Several observations.

I had swapped out the HK amp for a BimmerTech amp as part of replacing the sound system. They tried to do the update with the new amp in place, and the update did not work. Thinking that this might be the case, I had brought the original amp with me (not that the dealership raised the issue). They had to swap the old one back in, and then swap it out again. While the update itself was free, I got charged two hours for the amp swaps, and it meant leaving the car there overnight.

I had expected that I would need to re-code all the changes I had made with BimmerCode, and that was the case, with one exception. BimmerCode read the ASD as not being active, and since I was planning to deactivate it, of course I left that setting alone. I have no idea if ASD being off is the new default. Although it always stresses me a little to hit the "Code" button, especially since the program lets you know that you are on your own if it does not work, it worked fine.

One surprise was that my seat setting was all messed up. I don't know if this was the result of the software update, mechanical adjustments made by the person who serviced the car, both, or something else. Anyway, I am still trying to duplicate the setting I had before the car was serviced. A
t least I am getting closer.

[AbuQutaita]

Not all modules are coded as a result of an update. Some receive programming and coding, others just coding. And it’s possible that they reset all settings after programming the car. I’ve programmed and coded my car (previous and current) several times, but I don’t remember needing to redo the seat memory.

[VIN13AL]

Similar observation with the same car but a better dealer experience (BMW in Mobile, AL). Took only a single call to setup an appointment and although the estimated time was 2 hours to complete they offered a rental.

Although I have not done any custom coding to the car at this time all other driver settings available in iDrive for me & spouse were wiped clean, but this was expected.

[AbuQutaita]

Typically user settings should’ve been preserved. They’re backed up by ISTA before the programming update begins, and restored once it’s done. But it doesn’t always work.

[rodmeister]

After my recall I had to reset all my settings.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Ive had my settings get reset before during a software update. Not always though... Not sure why sometimes it does it, and other times not.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Luftwaffe1O1

Ive had my settings get reset before during a software update. Not always though... Not sure why sometimes it does it, and other times not.

You can actually backup your settings on a usb flash drive from the iDrive that way you can always restore them back

[ctemkin]

pickachu,

Thanks very much for this information. I had never drilled down that far into vehicle settings. Once I get the seat adjusted correctly, I will be sure to download the setting onto a usb drive.

[OveN]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

You can actually backup your settings on a usb flash drive from the iDrive that way you can always restore them back

Nice to know, wish I read this yesterday! Had a SW update today and everything is back to default..

[FX TR8R]

I brought my 2018 230i in, today, to have this done. I was hoping that it would include a fix for BlueTooth connection issues, but alas, it did not.

[VIN13AL]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

You can actually backup your settings on a usb flash drive from the iDrive that way you can always restore them back.

Very cool, thanks for sharing!

I actually poked around the owners manual to see if there was a backup settings option, guess I did not poke deep enough.

For a backup to source I used that nice looking USB key that looks like a key fob BMW sends you as a "welcome to the family" gift.