E61 Software download

[5STM5]

I have a 2008 E61 525i (3.0 L engine) and recently have had a few starting problems, warnings appear when driving (which can be reset by switching the ignition off and back on) and occasional rough idling. A local non BMW garage has suggested that updating the car software may resolve these issues. Has anyone done this? I have had several BMW's and not needed to do this before, and am a bit wary in case I introduce other faults.

Thanks

[helix402]

It may do, it probably won't. Start with getting the cause diagnosed properly, common causes of your faults are a failing battery and water in ecus. Is the spare wheel well dry, are the bulkhead plenum drains clear?

[5STM5]

Yes, the battery is a likely cause. I had an earlier E61 which regularly had random warnings and alarms, but also displayed High Battery Discharge alarms.
When the diagnostics were run today, one fault that showed was that the software was out of date. I'm wary of updating the software in case compatibility issues are introduced.

[helix402]

As you say, on older cars software updates can occasionally cause problems, such as an ecu packing up. This can even happen with BMW dealer updates, not just Autologic ones.