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BMW will now code your Auto Stop/Start to default to last user mode - SIB/TSB info

67K views 81 replies 43 participants last post by  Buzo831  
#1 ·
So everyone in awhile I decide to check out BMWTIS and see what bulletins have been released......:D:D:D:D

SI B12 15 12

INFORMATION
The Automatic Start/Stop (MSA) system is a further BMW Efficient Dynamics measure aimed at meeting BMW’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing fuel economy.

BMW, always a leader in innovative technology, will be the first automobile manufacturer to bring MSA technology to all new models.

Automatic Start/Stop systems will become prevalent in the future, as manufacturers strive to meet increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy requirements.

By automatically switching the engine off when the car is stationary, MSA can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

New F-vehicles now incorporate the second generation of MSA (MSA II), which has been further developed to operate in combination with an automatic transmission and the BN2020 electrical system.

A detailed description of the MSA Automatic Start/Stop function can be found in the ICP Technician library under Technical Training course ST1112.

SITUATION
Some drivers have expressed the desire to deactivate this function in certain situations. This can be done manually via the Automatic Start/Stop function button with the LED switched on, indicating that the start/stop function is deactivated.

However, by default, the Automatic Start/Stop function is reactivated each time the engine is started.

At the request of an owner, it is possible to modify this default logic to “Last user mode.”

With this logic, the current MSA’s activated or deactivated setting is stored and used on the next trip.

Note: All new BMW M models have the “Last user mode” as the default setting from production.

PROCEDURE
Explain the benefits of the MSA technology to the customer:

The environmental benefit of reduced greenhouse gases and the financial benefit of improved fuel economy

The attachment is a document that you can share with customers, which provides an overview and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. It should be given to all customers at the time of sale, and placed inside service loaner vehicles equipped with MSA.

Should a customer still request “Last user mode,” submit a PuMA case entitled “Activate MSA memory conversion.”

The IBAC code necessary to perform this conversion will be provided in the response to the PuMA case.

Using the latest version of ISTA/P, perform the conversion “Activate MSA memory,” along with a complete vehicle coding and any required programming as determined in the measures plan.

Upon successful completion of the measures plan, the option OMSA is added to the vehicle order.

Note: When the ISTA system message displays: Battery voltage only “XX.XX” V. Please connect charger. Please note the displayed battery voltage reading in the repair order comments section.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
The conversion procedure outlined above can be submitted for reimbursement, one time on eligible vehicles, during the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty coverage period of 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
 
#6 ·
So everyone in awhile I decide to check out BMWTIS and see what bulletins have been released......:D:D:D:D

SI B12 15 12

INFORMATION
The Automatic Start/Stop (MSA) system is a further BMW Efficient Dynamics measure aimed at meeting BMW's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing fuel economy.

BMW, always a leader in innovative technology, will be the first automobile manufacturer to bring MSA technology to all new models.

Automatic Start/Stop systems will become prevalent in the future, as manufacturers strive to meet increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy requirements.

By automatically switching the engine off when the car is stationary, MSA can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

New F-vehicles now incorporate the second generation of MSA (MSA II), which has been further developed to operate in combination with an automatic transmission and the BN2020 electrical system.

A detailed description of the MSA Automatic Start/Stop function can be found in the ICP Technician library under Technical Training course ST1112.

SITUATION
Some drivers have expressed the desire to deactivate this function in certain situations. This can be done manually via the Automatic Start/Stop function button with the LED switched on, indicating that the start/stop function is deactivated.

However, by default, the Automatic Start/Stop function is reactivated each time the engine is started.

At the request of an owner, it is possible to modify this default logic to "Last user mode."

With this logic, the current MSA's activated or deactivated setting is stored and used on the next trip.

Note: All new BMW M models have the "Last user mode" as the default setting from production.

PROCEDURE
Explain the benefits of the MSA technology to the customer:

The environmental benefit of reduced greenhouse gases and the financial benefit of improved fuel economy

The attachment is a document that you can share with customers, which provides an overview and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. It should be given to all customers at the time of sale, and placed inside service loaner vehicles equipped with MSA.

Should a customer still request "Last user mode," submit a PuMA case entitled "Activate MSA memory conversion."

The IBAC code necessary to perform this conversion will be provided in the response to the PuMA case.

Using the latest version of ISTA/P, perform the conversion "Activate MSA memory," along with a complete vehicle coding and any required programming as determined in the measures plan.

Upon successful completion of the measures plan, the option OMSA is added to the vehicle order.

Note: When the ISTA system message displays: Battery voltage only "XX.XX" V. Please connect charger. Please note the displayed battery voltage reading in the repair order comments section.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
The conversion procedure outlined above can be submitted for reimbursement, one time on eligible vehicles, during the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty coverage period of 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Is there any chance you would be so kind as to post the link to the SIB? I need to print it out and hand it to the dealer (who will insist it cannot be done). They will question the authenticity of the SIB unless I can also email them a link.

On another point, this looks either like BMW responding to customers or a "retreat" on the whole Efficient Dynamics thing.

I just got back from an ED. It cost me about $125 to fill up my F30 335i. We drove 1134 miles on three fill-ups, averaging 30.3mpg. Much of it was highway driving, but at a fast clip (avg 80mph). In the City, I used ASS to save gas. It works, if a bit roughly.
 
#10 ·
Since the 3 series is utilizing F-chassis I assume this applies to vehicles.


"New F-vehicles now incorporate the second generation of MSA (MSA II), which has been further developed to operate in combination with an automatic transmission and the BN2020 electrical system."
 
#12 ·
Good thing I saved the SIB to pdf....this leads me to believe that its should be applicable to even 2012 F30's

"MODEL - All with MSA II from 09/2011"
 
#18 ·
Thank you so much for posting this service bulletin - I almost went on an impossible search for a 2012 X3 to get it without that feature. Thankfully the sales guy actually looked up the service code and found out that he could have my new X3 coded before I pick it up. There is actually a charge of $280, which he is waiving! Of course there is a charge, right? Anyway, just wanted to say, "Thanks!"
 
#19 ·
if its the first time its covered but any changes after this is a charge. Not sure if its the same deal when it comes to the X3.
 
#20 ·
for those of you who have got the ASS turned off, Can you let me know if this is how yours work?

1. If I have the car in comfort mode (default mode on startup), and i turn off ASS (LED lit), turn off the car and turn it back on, the system remains off (LED lit)
2. If I have the car running and switch to ECO Pro, the ASS turns on (LED off). if I shut off the car and turn it back on, ASS is now on (LED off)

So is the idea that if I switch to ECO Pro ASS turns on? I was under the impression that if it was turned off (LED on), it remains off regardless of the driving mode I choose. I havent tested with sport modes yet.

Thanks,
 
#25 ·
Yes. And you'll likely need to speak to the manager of the service department as the first two people you speak with won't believe you.

For me, I literally had to show them a thread from this forum along with the bulletin number just to get them to take me seriously. I even had the sales manager offer me the name/number of a local coding guy who could take care of me unofficially.

Go there with a copy of the bulletin and have this thread open in your phone just in case. You'll have to be persistent as it's a new car and a new feature and something the service departments have very little experience with. It's free of charge. You should get a loaner for the day too.

BJ
 
#28 ·
^^ YES to everything BJ said. I had mine programmed this past Saturday and was put in a loaner. I showed my CA the SB long before I took delivery of my car and made sure the service department knew about it. My car was the second one they did.
 
#32 ·
Done! Dropped it off at 8am and it was done at 4pm. I thought this update was also going to remember user last setting for eco/comfort/sport. Where if I turn off my car in Eco mode, it will turn back on with Eco mode. The car still turns on with Comfort on default. But! User last setting of ASS for Comfort and Sports is saved. I cant complain....it was free.
 
#33 · (Edited)
That's correct, that's how it works.

Remembers last setting, always, reverts to Comfort mode, always. The only wrinkle is that if you go into Eco Mode it will turn ASS back on (car assumes you want maximum fuel economy) . So as long as you turn ASS off and only toggle between Comfort and Sport modes you will never have to deal with ASS again.

Since my recode last month, never engaged Eco, thus never have turned ASS back on.

BJ
 
#34 ·
The dealer was aware of the service bulletin and adjusted my 2012 328i to "last user mode". I do not like the start / stop feature as I do not live in a heavy traffic area and am not stopped often enough to make a difference. I thought it was too abrupt a start / stop when in use. BMW needs to smooth it out. I did notice if I put the car in Eco mode the Start / Stop feature engages.
 
#36 ·
I had this done last week on my 6 GC. I am glad I did. I have no idea why it wasn't programmed this way at design. Oh well at least it got done.
 
#45 · (Edited)
In order to not delay delivery, I picked up the car today without this update. And let me say that ASS is VERY ANNOYING and VERY BADLY IMPLEMENTED.

And yes, I'm singing a different tune now that I've tried ASS first hand on MT. Earlier I was all about the eco friendly aspect of it. But it just wrecks the driving experience - the start/stop is too jolty (this is probably not even a word).

Will just have to remember to turn it off every time I start, till I get time to drop it off for this update.
 
#47 · (Edited)
After driving the car now for a couple of days, i have to say i don't mind ASS at all. With the Manual all you have to do is just start to press the clutch and the engine fires right up. Also if you are in stop and go traffic again with the manual you can just depress the clutch a little and then the car never shuts off, so its not issue. I can see where it might be an issue with you Auto types.

In addition I think the 335i may have a smoother system, most likely due to the engine. hardly notice the startup.