Question Regarding getting DCT Software Update

[quicksilver3121]

I have a 2012 135i with a DCT. Just yesterday I started getting severe idle jumps (to the point over borderline stalling) and brought it in to ask about possible software updates.

I just got a call back saying they can do the updates, but it will reflash the whole car back to stock tuning. They weren't sure if this could create some performance issues since there are aftermarket parts on the car. Thing is, I don't know if it has a stock tune or not. I bought the car used from a dealer (non-BMW unfortunately) so there is no guarantees that it's stock, it feels stock though.

Should I just get the update anyway, even with the aftermarket parts? I was under the assumption that there was no tune on the car (BMW said that the MAF said the car was running rich anyway, which could be due to aftermarket parts on a stock tune). So probably the car will just continue to run as it's been, but without the idle jump/stall issue.

As far as I know, the car has: larger FMIC, ER chargepipe, and exhaust. I asked if they can look for aftermarket downpipes but I haven't heard back yet.

Anyway, should I just get the software update? Will these parts cause a lot of issues on a stock tune? I supposed I could always get a tune added to the car to smooth things out if I start getting performance issues.

[quicksilver3121]

I guess to simplify this all down in a TL;DR... will a stock engine tune handle an aftermarket Chargepipe, FMIC, exhaust, and possibly DP?

I'm guessing I should just get an aftermarket tune after the fact, since I have all the parts needed.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Do you have a jb4?

[quicksilver3121]

I don't. I went through with the upgrade... I talked to the tech and he said my mods shouldn't cause an issue. Car is running better than ever.

[elburbs]

in what way does it run better? i have a dct too and i feel it could be better in a few aspects too. also is it free at bmw? or where did you go about it?

im in australia anyway but would b good to know. thanks!

[PhillyfaanM3]

Originally Posted by quicksilver3121

I don't. I went through with the upgrade... I talked to the tech and he said my mods shouldn't cause an issue. Car is running better than ever.

Where did you get the SW upgrade? Are you noticing a difference in how the car runs?

[quicksilver3121]

I just got it at the dealership... I wanted them to reseal my DCT so I had it all done together.

I'd say the car just runs smoother when I'm travelling at low speeds. It's mostly related to the way the DCT and computerized clutch functions though... I wouldn't say the engine itself runs better. I still have the occasional shakes/bumps at idle but any idle fluctuations have stopped completely.

The car is just more predictable overall. Coming to a quick stop and go used to put a serious delay on the clutch releasing, so you'd be pressing the gas pedal but going nowhere. If you weren't careful you'd eventually just get launched which was really annoying. Imagine trying to make a left hand turn with oncoming traffic... you have just enough space to do it and push the gas but the car doesn't go anywhere, it finally launches you a second later but you don't have enough space anymore...

The car also seems more uniform when coming to a stop. I'll downshift the car into 3rd gear and can feel the clutch engage once the engine drops below 1K RPMs. The engine will hold it's revs higher than before until coming to a full stop, so it no longer drops to 500 or so, then rise to 800 before settling back down when I finally come to a full stop.

[AyJay88]

Do you have the sib?

[sandlion]

having mine updated did the same. i just had mine done. you get the latest software, for all modules.

[zx10guy]

Let's just hope your honeymoon with the software update doesn't end after about a month like mine did.

[Hankdoll]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Let's just hope your honeymoon with the software update doesn't end after about a month like mine did.

Yup, same here