[sittingmongoose]

So there was a PSA a week or so ago on here about a istep update. Myself and several others have gotten it. It greatly improves ride quality, transmission smoothness, and stops the auto start stop from stopping the engine before you stop. It has made a night and day difference on ride quality. It also make the adaptation cruise control actually usable. I have a 2021 model, and I know the 2020 and earlier models see the same improvement. This update should address many of your concerns over ride quality.

To get the update, just tell the dealership that the adaptive cruise will pull you hard out of the lane when there is a turning lane. Tell them, bmw NA said there was an update to fix this when you called them with your concern. My dealership swore up and down it was just a "camera" update and not an istep update, but it was. Either way I got my update.

Also, if you're using the stock Conti summer tires, GET RID OF THEM! Not only do they suck for grip, and only last 6-11k miles. They make the ride horrible. They make it bouncy, and unsettled.

Tldr; make sure you get the istep update and don't run the Conti tires. You will no longer dislike the ride.

[Bestle]

How would I check my istep version? I recently had an update to get android auto. Would this have included the damper changes?

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by Bestle

How would I check my istep version? I recently had an update to get android auto. Would this have included the damper changes?

Not entirely sure. I would check the psa thread.

[allinon72]

Why a new thread? Probably better to keep all information consolidated in a single thread.

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Why a new thread? Probably better to keep all information consolidated in a single thread.

Because it's not abundantly clear what you get from the istep when you're scrolling through. Just want to make it extra clear that everyone sees this or the Psa.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Bestle

How would I check my istep version...

In the car, search on the word Imprint within the Owner's Manual. You should get something similar to this.

[08mojo]

I had a loaner X3M for 2 weeks with Michelins. I did not notice any perceivable difference in ride quality between the Michelin and continental. What I did notice is the Michelin tires scrubbed more and broke traction easier than the continental tires. That's to be expected as the continental tires have shorter tread wear rating and are likely a softer compound.

Nothing against Michelins, as that is what will replace the Continentals when the time comes, but I do not expect a drastic difference in ride quality.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Originally Posted by Bestle

How would I check my istep version? I recently had an update to get android auto. Would this have included the damper changes?

You can DIY to get your I-Step version.

1. Export your driver profile to a USB key via idrive.
2. Take that usb drive to your computer and open up the .mpd file with notepad or any text editor.
Search for i-step in that file you will see the version.

<i-step>S15A-19-11-540</i-step>

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by 08mojo

I had a loaner X3M for 2 weeks with Michelins. I did not notice any perceivable difference in ride quality between the Michelin and continental. What I did notice is the Michelin tires scrubbed more and broke traction easier than the continental tires. That's to be expected as the continental tires have shorter tread wear rating and are likely a softer compound.

Nothing against Michelins, as that is what will replace the Continentals when the time comes, but I do not expect a drastic difference in ride quality.

Air pressure is everything. Any tire will ride like crap if you use BMWs recommended settings, especially the rear at 43psi. I run 34 in the front and 36 in the rear with PS4S. When I get the car back from service and they air them back up to factory specs, it rides like a covered wagon.

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Air pressure is everything. Any tire will ride like crap if you use BMWs recommended settings, especially the rear at 43psi. I run 34 in the front and 36 in the rear with PS4S. When I get the car back from service and they air them back up to factory specs, it rides like a covered wagon.

Doesn't your car freak out that they are under inflated?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Doesn't your car freak out that they are under inflated?

Mine doesn't at those current PSI settings.

[NKGK20]

Originally Posted by 08mojo

I had a loaner X3M for 2 weeks with Michelins. I did not notice any perceivable difference in ride quality between the Michelin and continental. What I did notice is the Michelin tires scrubbed more and broke traction easier than the continental tires. That's to be expected as the continental tires have shorter tread wear rating and are likely a softer compound.

Nothing against Michelins, as that is what will replace the Continentals when the time comes, but I do not expect a drastic difference in ride quality.

You had a loaner X3m?? Why would a dealer have an X3m loaner? First time I've heard this.. lol

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Mine doesn't at those current PSI settings.

One of my rears are at 41psi and it screams at my all the time to inflate it more. Shows it as red too. The other is 43 and says it's fine.

[kzg1969]

not sure what istep is, but how can it improve the ride?

cant affect springs. dampers are only 2stages - or have i got that wrong?

[1Volfan]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

In the car, search on the word Imprint within the Owner's Manual. You should get something similar to this.

This was super easy - thanks for the DIY. Mine is 11/19 so I think I’ll ask for the update when they put my summer tires on Tuesday.

[j080808]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Mine doesn't at those current PSI settings.

Nor does mine. I run 3psi under whats in the door jamb (which is summer tires, under 100mph (36/39 recommended?) and coincides with the manual). Ive never seen IDrive recommend anything in the 40's for under 100mph.

FWIW-I had the update earlier this week for an unrelated issue and didnt notice much of a ride improvement. Granted I had only been on my summer tires for two days after removing my winters though.

Of note, Ive noticed no difference in ride quality between the Michelins and Continentals and had them back to back at the same pressure.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

not sure what istep is, but how can it improve the ride?

cant affect springs. dampers are only 2stages - or have i got that wrong?

This. What is istep?

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by Transfer

This. What is istep?

It controls a lot of various systems. From the adaptive dampers, to the cameras, to the transmission. Pretty much everything.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Air pressure is everything. Any tire will ride like crap if you use BMWs recommended settings, especially the rear at 43psi. I run 34 in the front and 36 in the rear with PS4S. When I get the car back from service and they air them back up to factory specs, it rides like a covered wagon.

You must wear out tires fast at that low pressure.

[08mojo]

Originally Posted by NKGK20

You had a loaner X3m?? Why would a dealer have an X3m loaner? First time I've heard this.. lol

Yup, it's actually nice to drop my car off and step into another X3M. Dealer has been great to me: United BMW in Roswell, GA.

[new2the3]

Is there any objective data that confirms the update actually changes the suspension programming? As of now I don't recall seeing anything objectively verifiable, only subjective owner comments.

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by new2the3

Is there any objective data that confirms the update actually changes the suspension programming? As of now I don't recall seeing anything objectively verifiable, only subjective owner comments.

Well considering there are a ton of comments in the psa thread saying it makes a big difference, I would say that carries some weight. My fiancé took it out after I brought it home. Came home and said it's so much less jerky and bouncy.

I don't think you're going to get any objective data from bmw....

Regardless, even if they didn't change the suspension. The changes to transmission and auto start stop made a huge difference. Plus the driver assistance upgrades.