I had my F56 in for the second year service, plus several other things on the list. One of them was a software update to change the behavior of the remote key fob so that it doesn't accidentally open the trunk while driving.

Picked up my car today and noticed the changes in the UI for the engine temperature and the green mode. See picture.
In green mode, the small circle hovers around more actively.

I like it that it's actually making more use of the the pixels in that tiny display.
I haven't checked the firmware version yet, but will when I find time to code some options again. (full shutdown when opening door, tail lights with day time running lights and stuff)


When attempted coding, it shows firmware version F056-16-03-502 (=2016 March). I couldn't pull anything using psdzdata 2.54.1.

 

Looks good, thanks for sharing !

Ed

 

Yea, I saw that on a newer F55 I was driving, easier to read.

 

Are they supposed to automatically do software updates when you go in for oil change? Do you have to request it?

 

Got a basic oil change/service. Don't think I got a refresh

 

The dealer should NOT do anything that you "the owner" is not aware of beforehand!

 

Standard practice at dealer here to update whenever they have it in. Same on my Ford and BMW. I could care less, not like I have any clue what software version it should have.

 

Owned Gen 2 Minis for 9 years. Never had software update.

 

I'm not sure but I think implementing the new trunk open behavior involves a complete software update. I was fortunate that the other updates just came along.

The dealer won't just update software on your request because that costs MINI money (each complete update taking 4 hours!! which sounds crazy). As with all other problems, unless the user notice it and complain about it they won't do anything, unless it's a recall. I wish software update was just done through the usb interface so that anyone can get the latest update. It's impossible to completely verify software so there's always going to be an update coming out just like Windows Updates.

I think my F56 (auto + sports package) went through 3 complete updates since Nov 2014, and each brought better behavior and functions. For example, in Mid mode if you kept engine idle stop turned off, then switch to Green mode and came back to Mid mode it'll remember which state it was in. Another thing, with engine on, I think it starts smoother from a stop as I release brake, but this could be my imagination. I remember it used to lurch forward making it impossible to launch slow and smooth. With the latest update, I see the coasting happens less on slower speed. It was annoying before when it would coast all the time, so I think that's another improvement. The graphics I don't care that much but they sure are making more use of it. Green mode miles-saved-counter seems to work better since the last two update I recieved.

 

Have you noticed any other improvements as part of this software update? (besides Fob accidental trunk opening, colors on operating temperature and green mode indicators)?

 

Not really. The Green Mode mile accumulator (counter) actually works now - I never had it reset on its own anymore in between gas fill ups. The counter shows somewhere between 15-25 miles by the time I need a fill up. By the way, I coded the car so that it remembers which mode I had it on (Green-Mid-Sport).

The graphics for engine temperature is also much better as it has more precision. I wish they did something like this for the fuel gauge as the retro looking 8 lights are really ugly.

The graphics for the Green Mode is really intuitive now. Previous design with some stick bars was really hard to tell what it was for.

 

What year is your car? I have a 2015 JCW hardtop and my dealership says there isn't any software updates, but the 2017 Cooper S loaner I got has the update and show the different temp and green mode screens.

 

2015 F56 base + Automatic + Sports Package, as shown in my signature.

They won't just update it for the updated graphics. I got mine updated because of the change in key fob behavior - workaround for opening the trunk:
SI M51 09 16, SOFTWARE CONVERSION FOR KEY

 

My car's electronics has been buggy since I got it. I didn't want it just for the graphics. I was just hoping the update would do something to improve the car.

 

There was also an update to allow for rev matching in second gear, but I believe that got swapped over in 2015.

 

New software comes out almost monthly, so unless you just had an update done, there is definitely new software available. Most dealers won't update "just because" as in addition to taking 3-4 hours in a programming bay, it can sometimes cause more problems than it fixes so they will usually only update if there is a problem on the car. If you do request programming, they can charge you for it though as there is a labor cost involved.

HOWEVER, as OP posted, there is a bulletin that alters the trunk unlocking behavior. It is not a standard behavior, even on newer software and must be requested, but since they cannot change one thing in programming and have to update everything, it's a good excuse to update your software. Best of all, the bulletin states that this change is covered by warranty if your car is still under warranty.

Can't say it will fix your issues, but it doesn't hurt

Have them look the bulletin up: SI M51 09 16

 

I don't think new software (firmware updates) comes out monthly for one model. Maybe for the infotainment system, but for even that I doubt it. Definitely not for the firmware in the rest of the ECUs. It's not like BMW will spend that much money on firmware and software updates, and also these cars are not connected (internet) cars so don't have security updates like Windows or OS X OS.

Definitely a good excuse to get the latest update. If you do get the update, please let us know what version you have.

I have F056-16-03-502 (=2016 March version) when this job was done in 2016 November. If they had monthly updates, I would guess my firmware version would have been much closer to the 2016 November, but that's just my thought.

 

Looking into it, you're right, not monthly but it looks like updates are coming typically every March, July, November and the occasional one in-between. Looks like F056-16-11-5xx is the newest with F056-17-03-500 coming soon. My own MINI is on F056-16-07-501

 

There hasn't been any software for the infotainment system for probably a year or more for my car. I don't know about for the ECU. As far as the dealership is concerned I'm up to date. I've asked them on several occasions about updates. How can I check what software version the ECU is?

 

You would either need ESYS setup on your computer for coding or service can tell you with a key read. On their systems it even calls out if there is a newer software available or not.

 

Ok. I'll ask them the version when I go back. I don't have ESYS. Thanks

 

I'm pretty sure they will just tell you that "you have the latest version applicable for your specific car". They don't upgrade it unless there is a complaint and a bulletin for the problem. I don't think they even know about the version number unless you ask an actual technician that does firmware updates and stuff.

 

True. What I meant was they can check, but will they know how? lol

 

I just got this done last weekend. I told my SA about the bulletin and the issue with the key fob opening the trunk while driving and they did the update no questions asked.

 

Took my JCW in for the once a year free oil change.... And I got the "ECU" update.

I can't really tell if there is any performance gains, because after leaving the dealership, I saw this at the Gas Station...




Blasted RFT

So I took it back for the Mini Tire Replacement Warranty. And, guess what, they don't have the blasted tires in stock. No worries, the dealer went the full 10 yards for me...

Hooked me up with a loaner from Enterprise, while they ordered the tire.

I asked twice about getting the Graphic style update (while the car was there) as I got the impression there is a ECU update for the computer, and another for graphics.

Since it is there, I want the whole gammit d@mnit LOL...

Cheers,