software version question....

[jjs]

OK, this might sound like a silly question, but do all 300's, as they are built, receive the latest and greatest software version or are they still rolling off the line with 'older' versions and then DCX updates them at the dealership when people complain about issues?

And yes this is a general question, so please don't move this thread.

[ibdcx]

Yes they do....

[cmego]

Originally Posted by ibdcx

Yes they do....

Ha ha. Do we need to take a build date/sw version poll?

[jjs]

Originally Posted by ibdcx

Yes they do....

Is this an assumption or do you have something this is based upon?

[AndyK]

It's been documented that people with later build dates have more recent revisions of the software version displayed in the EVIC (I believe 3.61 / 7/27 is the latest but I may be wrong).

Also note that the software version you see in the EVIC is not the software version for the entire car, just the instrument cluster.

There is no reason why they would not use the latest software revision at the time of assembly.

[5point7]

If this is the case, does it make sense to have dealer install updated version?

[jjs]

Originally Posted by AndyK

There is no reason why they would not use the latest software revision at the time of assembly.

Actually there is....$.

I am not saying it would make sense, but we have all had run ins with companies taking the easy way out to save a buck.

[AndyK]

5point7: first rule of software is that you don't update unless you're having a problem, IMHO. I wouldn't go out of my way to have it done but if you take your car there for routine maintenance I'd have them check it to see if there's anything that applies to any problems you may be having.

jjs: I'm assuming they have to plug the computer system in to an external device at some point in the build process to do setup and configuration. I'd be basicially cost-free to update the firmware then. They'd save money by doing it on the factory floor, rather than paying a dealer to have a tech do it. IMHO, they only do these software updates to fix problems that will cost them money.

You could ask the bramptonassembly.com people or the people on dodgemagnum.net that work there (henry and markyneutron, iirc), if you're curious.

[StCassel]

Are you asking about the software for the navigation system? The version of the software would not make a great deal of difference on your navigation system. I have been told by Lincoln and Acura dealers, that it would not be cost effective to get annual updates of the navigation software. It would not effect a vast majority of your active navigation trips. The only items that would change would be the inclusion of a new residental housing development street, the new interstate highway route, or the Shell gas station, at one navigation map location, may no longer be in business. Should customers email in corrections to map navigation software (Version 1), the suggested correction may not appear until Version 3 comes out two years later. For this reason, locations of gas stations and restaurants may never be totally up-to-date and correct. Regardless of the version of navigation software, the vast majority of the time, the different software versions should not make any great difference.

[jjs]

Originally Posted by StCassel

Are you asking about the software for the navigation system? The version of the software would not make a great deal of difference on your navigation system. I have been told by Lincoln and Acura dealers, that it would not be cost effective to get annual updates of the navigation software. It would not effect a vast majority of your active navigation trips. The only items that would change would be the inclusion of a new residental housing development street, the new interstate highway route, or the Shell gas station, at one navigation map location, may no longer be in business. Should customers email in corrections to map navigation software (Version 1), the suggested correction may not appear until Version 3 comes out two years later. For this reason, locations of gas stations and restaurants may never be totally up-to-date and correct. Regardless of the version of navigation software, the vast majority of the time, the different software versions should not make any great difference.

No, I was referring to controls and engine management type software.