Transmission software update?

[alexanderfoti]

But this what I can't get my head around. If an update is available. On a car that hasn't had a so called update. What's its purpose and what can/ does it achieve?

On the TCU im referring to.

Its far more complicated than that.

EG

Engine ECU has new software available, a small fix in the driving characteristics of the engine ECU has a dependency on the TCU that requires it to be updated as well.

Some updates are for emissions
some are for very specific bugs/driving issues
some are for comfort etc

They are usually to fix a specific problem, or to aid fixing a specific problem in another system. You cannot expect the gearbox to become smoother with a new software update, unless there are dependencies (hardware eg new solenoids that require updated software) or a fix to specifically fix a problem EG hard 2-1 shifts

Usually the update will indicate the problems its aiming to fix or change, before you initiate the update. Not always though.

 

[350cls]

+1.

If it ain't broke............

Again, what's to be lost with inquiring regarding a software update!!

You've had a map on your car. Maybe a TCU update my be of benefit to your vehicle!

 

[350cls]

Its far more complicated than that.

EG

Engine ecru has new software available, a small fix in the driving characteristics of the engine ecu has a dependency on the TCU that requires it to be updated as well.

Some updates are for emissions
some are for very specific bugs/driving issues
some are for comfort etc

They are usually to fix a specific problem, or to aid fixing a specific problem in another system. You cannot expect the gearbox to become smoother with a new software update, unless there are dependencies (hardware eg new solenoids that require updated software) or a fix to specifically fix a problem EG hard 2-1 shifts

Na sorry, if an update is available to improve the technology of the so called ECU TCU then it should be updated. It must be of benefit to the vehicle.

Or is it like I'm starting to believe a load of crap!!

 

[alexanderfoti]

Na sorry, if an update is available to improve the technology of the so called ECU TCU then it should be updated. It must be of benefit to the vehicle.

Or is it like I'm starting to believe a load of crap!!

Go and do the update then.................... I am telling you how they work, the whole car is meant to be up to date at once.

EG Lots of people are choosing not to have the NOX update as its results in worse fuel economy and less NoX output. Not particularly beneficial to the vehicle is it!

 

[350cls]

Two members on this thread have had TCU updates and both have stated, neither could notice a change with the transmission.

This basically answers my question. It's a load of old crap. Unless you have gear box troubles, then an "update" of say £100.00 will rectify the issues. Money racket!!!

 

[alexanderfoti]

Unless it goes in for a service at main dealer, then it gets done FOC without your consent usually

 

[350cls]

It's a load of old bollo. That what lol. They can stick there updates where the sun don't shine

 

[350cls]

I bet the next post says. " It made so much difference to my gearbox" you've got to have it done.

 

[Deleted upon users own request member 138506]

Not sure what they are using, as if there is an update for the engine ECU you don't get a choice whether to do it or not, it forces you. (on Xentry)

Often makes for an unwelcome surprise

It makes me wonder then if MB really did the update since my map is still there. Surely they wouldn't have typed that out on the worksheet if they hadn't done it?

 

[Deleted upon users own request member 138506]

I bet the next post says. " It made so much difference to my gearbox" you've got to have it done.

Yeah, I was only kidding when I said "Can't say I noticed much difference" but then i dont use the paddles much if at all. However on other forums peeps say different.

 

[350cls]

Go and do the update then.................... I am telling you how they work, the whole car is meant to be up to date at once.

EG Lots of people are choosing not to have the NOX update as its results in worse fuel economy and less NoX output. Not particularly beneficial to the vehicle is it!

My cars 10 years plus old now. It's had no update on its history of what I can see. Also fuel economy isn't much benefit on the M156 anyway lol.

 

[Stratman]

What do you hope an update will do that the box doesn't do now?

 

[350cls]

Yeah, I was only kidding when I said "Can't say I noticed much difference" but then i dont use the paddles much if at all. However on other forums peeps say different.

Told you so . You have to have it done lol. A FOC update transforms a car lmho

 

[350cls]

What do you hope an update will do that the box doesn't do now?

What does update stand for?

Update the technology of the box. Iron out any glitches the box may have learnt/ stored?

 

[Deleted upon users own request member 138506]

What does update stand for?

Like everyone else I'm still running windows 3.1 and ios 8.0.2. Who ever updates anything really.

 

[350cls]

Like everyone else I'm still running windows 3.1 and ios 8.0.2. Who ever updates anything really.

Agreed Phillipe, but we could all be missing out all this time and not even realize it

Drive that car with the paddles will you or give it to someone that will

 

[350cls]

Also, an update could improve shift comfort. It could hopefully transform the overall quality. This is the kind of improvements I would like to think an update would achieve. But I have my doubts.

 

[markjay]

20 years ago I have updated the TCU software on my Vauxhall Omega V6 and the automatic transmission shifted much smoother after the update.

3 years ago I have updated the TCU software on my W204 with the 7g+ transmission, and didn't notice any difference.

I have also updated the engine ECU (M274), as well as all other ECUs on the car that had an update available (from memory it was the ESM and one other module). No noticeable difference.

I already have the latest firmware for COMAND Online NTG4.7, but then they haven't released any newer once since around 2016.

I get the dealer to check for updates for all ECUs at each service, but for the past two years there weren't any. They do provide me however with a STAR printout showing the current version.

I don't think it's needed at all (in fact the only software I would impartially recommend updating is that of the infotainment system - and then only for those drivers who actually use it - and many don't). I do like to have all the ECUs on my car up-to-date, but I can't say that it serves any particular purpose.

 

[Deleted upon users own request member 138506]

Agreed Phillipe, but we could all be missing out all this time and not even realize it

Drive that car with the paddles will you or give it to someone that will

One thing I did notice and the reason for asking for the update was due to a bit of lag. I now realise that the lag was probably turbo lag, but since the update I hardly ever notice any lag.
Last time I gave it extensive use of the paddles was when at Carlimits for the day but that was with traction control off and not under normal driving conditions. If you're ever down this way you are welcome to give it a drive using the paddles.

 

[350cls]

This is my theory, these boxes pick up driving style and habits over an amount of time. they can possibly be over sensitive to driver input. TCU update could improve this . Wipe the learning technology clean. And start fresh learning carracteristics.

Is it worth it. This is what I'm trying to gather.