Does anyone know what the latest firmware is for the F56 MCS and how to check what it is on the car.

I don't mean just for the audio side but for the engine etc.

My car is going in for a service on Friday and I would like to see if they change it.

 

The latest as far as I know is F056-16-07-502.

The easiest way to check is to use an ethernet to ODB2 cable and ESYS.

If you don't have that there is still a way:

Save a profile on a USB stick. See Settings->Profiles->Export Profile (USB)

On your computer open the saved profile via a text editor. It's an XML file. The file is under "[USB Stick]/BMWData/MobileProfile/[Profilename].mpd"

The 9th line will contain your i-step.

In this image the i-step is at the bottom: F056-16-03-501

 

Thanks for that

 

The easiest way to check is to just go to the system update option on the head unit, and select "View Current Version" or something like that.

 

That only shows you the Media and Phone version numbers. These are subsystems of your headhunt.

The integration level (i-step) is the overall firmware version of all the ECUs in the car. This includes things like the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) that controls the engine. Your car can have a dozen+ ECUs (depending on options) all with their own software updates.

 

Thanks for your advice.


I checked the firmware before the first service today and the I-step was


F056-14-07-503


After the service is still F056-14-07-503


The security text has changed and so has the signature


Do you think this mean that the actual firmware has changed or not

 

I don't think the signature change is any indication of an underlying firmware change.

Typically they'll update the i-level if there's a specific issue that needs it. Even if one ECU needs the update they'll flash the whole car. which results in a new i-level. From what I understand this can take up to 4 hours (or more). Not something they will do without a clear need.

 

I doubt they updated anything for your first service. The policy of most service departments is that they won't update unless there is a problem that requires a reflash. Updates take 4 hours to complete and can sometimes cause more problems than it solves so most dealers take a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" stance. Some dealers will update if you ask, and some won't, but it is never an automatic thing.