Possibly, but you can't update them yourself and dealerships will not either unless there is a fault and Audi base give their ok...
Maps update?
- Thread starter Raul_sbd
- Start date
DJAlix
VAG CAR CODING
Site Sponsor
VCDS Map User
VAG Can Professional
ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic System)
Talk of updating firmware make me nervous lol
People need to understand that this is a potentially costly procedure if completed incorrectly, a procedure which needs to be completed via a dealership or authorised services provider as:
1) vehicle needs a stable power source for the duration. (Imagine updating an iPhone and the power dies half way through = bricked phone).
2) if firmware, or part of it, is corrupt then your potentially screwed. The MIB units in discussion are over £2k new, over £500.00 used, and are not plug and play so will cost for the coding and security works as well.
3) sourced “intact” firmware, even if genuine oem from dealership... your update needs to be via the official VW group service tool or you can kiss goodbye to any warranty you might have.
Modern Audi functions and features are very VERY integrated with the MIB units and while a bricked unit will not result in you not being able to start and drive your vehicle you may loose control of lighting, some driving functions / controls, loss of telephone services, loss of streaming services (data and media displays within virtual cockpit) etc etc.
So what’s this talk about loss of warranty, even if genuine firmware was used?
The updating of any vehicle related software is a controlled and recorded process. Your vehicle has something called a Design Database, a record of everything about your vehicle which is held on the VW group network. If anything on your vehicle differs from the database then your life will be made very difficult by VW group when it comes to both warranty work and contract financing. We are not talking about things like needle sweep and beep on lock here, these are not an issue even though a service manager will try to give you grief over them, but “core” functions and licensed options are what matter here.
This is how an MIB unit is updated:
1) firmware update SD Card in slot.
2) connect official VW group service tool.
3) trigger the software update process.
4) SD card is checked.
5) service tool connects online and requests security credentials of operator.
6) if sd card and account are correct the update begins and is monitored via the tool.
7) once update is complete the service tool performs needed checks and then effectively “signs off” the update as genuine.
8) design database of the vehicle is updated.
ALL of the above is logged / recorded for auditing purposes.
Let’s say the above was not completed but firmware updated ok either via a card from eBay, download from internet or a so-called professional OBDeleven type coder armed with an SD card, what happens? Update is completed but is not signed off. This leaves an error on the MIB unit, software version management (SVM). The next time the vehicle is connected to the official VW group service tool this will be picked up and and reported, voiding your warranty. The service tool actually returns “control module is not valid for vehicle and needs replacing” even thought it’s correct and even if there are zero issues with it!
“Bah, SVM related errors can be cleared so this is not an issue”
The above is a phrase I see banded around A LOT. While SVM errors can indeed be “cleared” this statement is pure 1000000% grade “A” BS. It’s just cosmetic, to clear the error for those who are OCD about not having any. When you have an issue and need warranty works the work in question needs to be authorised by Germany. Your dealership is required to gather supporting information and submit a claim for authorisation. This claim WILL BE fully investigated by Germany, checking the design database. They will see a software level mismatch and alarm bells will start ringing. Ok, software level looks genuine so maybe there is a database error... let’s look at the audit logs for the vehicle... hmmmm there are none... you get the picture, or do you? Your now thinking “ok, I need to fork out for a new / replacement unit”, if you own the vehicle maybe but if you are on finance you might do well to expect a termination and final payment letter in the post. Sounds dramatic but this is the new trend within VW group.
Please please don’t look to update your software by anyone other than a dealership or authorised third party.
People need to understand that this is a potentially costly procedure if completed incorrectly, a procedure which needs to be completed via a dealership or authorised services provider as:
1) vehicle needs a stable power source for the duration. (Imagine updating an iPhone and the power dies half way through = bricked phone).
2) if firmware, or part of it, is corrupt then your potentially screwed. The MIB units in discussion are over £2k new, over £500.00 used, and are not plug and play so will cost for the coding and security works as well.
3) sourced “intact” firmware, even if genuine oem from dealership... your update needs to be via the official VW group service tool or you can kiss goodbye to any warranty you might have.
Modern Audi functions and features are very VERY integrated with the MIB units and while a bricked unit will not result in you not being able to start and drive your vehicle you may loose control of lighting, some driving functions / controls, loss of telephone services, loss of streaming services (data and media displays within virtual cockpit) etc etc.
So what’s this talk about loss of warranty, even if genuine firmware was used?
The updating of any vehicle related software is a controlled and recorded process. Your vehicle has something called a Design Database, a record of everything about your vehicle which is held on the VW group network. If anything on your vehicle differs from the database then your life will be made very difficult by VW group when it comes to both warranty work and contract financing. We are not talking about things like needle sweep and beep on lock here, these are not an issue even though a service manager will try to give you grief over them, but “core” functions and licensed options are what matter here.
This is how an MIB unit is updated:
1) firmware update SD Card in slot.
2) connect official VW group service tool.
3) trigger the software update process.
4) SD card is checked.
5) service tool connects online and requests security credentials of operator.
6) if sd card and account are correct the update begins and is monitored via the tool.
7) once update is complete the service tool performs needed checks and then effectively “signs off” the update as genuine.
8) design database of the vehicle is updated.
ALL of the above is logged / recorded for auditing purposes.
Let’s say the above was not completed but firmware updated ok either via a card from eBay, download from internet or a so-called professional OBDeleven type coder armed with an SD card, what happens? Update is completed but is not signed off. This leaves an error on the MIB unit, software version management (SVM). The next time the vehicle is connected to the official VW group service tool this will be picked up and and reported, voiding your warranty. The service tool actually returns “control module is not valid for vehicle and needs replacing” even thought it’s correct and even if there are zero issues with it!
“Bah, SVM related errors can be cleared so this is not an issue”
The above is a phrase I see banded around A LOT. While SVM errors can indeed be “cleared” this statement is pure 1000000% grade “A” BS. It’s just cosmetic, to clear the error for those who are OCD about not having any. When you have an issue and need warranty works the work in question needs to be authorised by Germany. Your dealership is required to gather supporting information and submit a claim for authorisation. This claim WILL BE fully investigated by Germany, checking the design database. They will see a software level mismatch and alarm bells will start ringing. Ok, software level looks genuine so maybe there is a database error... let’s look at the audit logs for the vehicle... hmmmm there are none... you get the picture, or do you? Your now thinking “ok, I need to fork out for a new / replacement unit”, if you own the vehicle maybe but if you are on finance you might do well to expect a termination and final payment letter in the post. Sounds dramatic but this is the new trend within VW group.
Please please don’t look to update your software by anyone other than a dealership or authorised third party.
Updated my MMI and VC firmware last week with help from @RJ-8V
Based on my personal experience what you describe above seems like scaremongering to the uninitiated and is also somewhat factually inaccurate.
DJAlix
VAG CAR CODING
Site Sponsor
VCDS Map User
VAG Can Professional
ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic System)
Nope, all true. Would not post it otherwise. Ultimately its up to the individual what they choose to do and how / who they get to do it.
