Need reason to update 2019 system software

Our 2019 U.S. i3 has never had its original November, 2018, system software version (integration level I001-18-11-547) updated. Our BMW dealer typically charges a few hundred dollars for a system software update unless it would solve a problem that would be fixed under warranty. Before our warranty expires at the end of this summer, I would like to have the latest system software installed, but I don't know of a problem that I could tell our dealer that I would like fixed by a software update.

If you know of a problem affecting 2019 and later U.S. i3's that a system software update would fix, please tell me.

Hi alohart!

Here on the USA West Coast when I bring my i3 into the service driveway for a warranty service they first ask for my key fob so they can read it. Ask the driveway reps for a printout of the key read. If your system software is not current it'll be noted on the printout.

The most simple warranty request I've found over many years of Bavarian ownership is to mention that the windshield wipers have been recently exhibiting degraded wiping performance.

As long as you're still under the original BMW warranty, bringing the car in for a wiper check should also flag your car for a system software update.

Two that worked for me on my former 2017 were 'loss of power steering in one direction / reset after restart" and "blows cold air at night / unable to reset after restart / heat functions ok the following day."

I had a similar "no heat" incident with the 2021 but this time the tech simply noted "coukd not duplicate" and didn't proceed any further.

My 2019 for a full OS update back in March while in for a no heat issue... the dealer said it was a recall, apparently for this: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10200489-9999.pdf

SSi3 said:

My 2019 for a full OS update back in March while in for a no heat issue... the dealer said it was a recall, apparently for this: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10200489-9999.pdf

Click to expand...

Hmm, our 2019 i3 already has a 4G telematics module, so that NHTSA recall doesn't appear to apply.

alohart said:

SSi3 said:

My 2019 for a full OS update back in March while in for a no heat issue... the dealer said it was a recall, apparently for this: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10200489-9999.pdf

Click to expand...

Hmm, our 2019 i3 already has a 4G telematics module, so that NHTSA recall doesn't appear to apply.

Click to expand...

Ya I thought the same thing but the dealer insisted it had to be done.

My 2021 had the same service action due when I took it in last month for something unrelated.

I don't think it received a full system update.

I believe the update prevents the car from checking the 3G band when 4G coverage isn't available.

Before its factory warranty expired in 2022, I took my 2018 S to a BMW service center and mentioned that its steering sometimes felt "difficult." I then handed him a print of https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10171488-9999.pdf.

They updated the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module, along with all of the others, to the most recent system software — free of charge.

websterize said:

Before its factory warranty expired in 2022, I took my 2018 S to a BMW service center and mentioned that its steering sometimes felt "difficult." I then handed him a print of https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10171488-9999.pdf.

They updated the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module, along with all of the others, to the most recent system software — free of charge.

Click to expand...

Thanks! Maybe service guys don't pay much attention to these Service Information Bulletins because this one covers i3's manufactured only through 1 November 2016 and recommends updating the integration level to one that is lower than is already installed on our 2019. I.e., the system software on our 2019 includes the steering problem fix already, so if they were paying attention, they would tell me that no system software update is needed.

Sorry, I posted the wrong NHTSA link. This updated TSB covers virtually all model years with steering issues.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190849-9999.pdf

websterize said:

Sorry, I posted the wrong NHTSA link. This updated TSB covers virtually all model years with steering issues.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190849-9999.pdf

Click to expand...

Bingo! Perfect! Thanks so much! A mai tai on me during your next Honolulu visit