Right, I keep seeing software updates being mentioned to help fix known issues. This has prompted me to ask a question.

If you buy a used LR from a LR dealer should it come with the most up to date software/firmware for that model? My newbie assumption is that it should be, but does anyone know definitively if this is the case? Or is it only updated during a fault fix?

I ask as I have an issue which I want sorted under the extended warranty, but suggestions on here mean it might require an update which is not covered under the warranty. As I've had the vehicle less than 2 months I would have hoped it would already have had any required updates.

Think the general consensus is regarding software updates, if it isn't broken don't fix it. Unless it's a general update they won't do it till a fault shows. There was one a few years ago on the haldex, that they recalled vehicles in, some who have had problems with Heaters required an update, those that didn't have a problem were not updated.

Generally speaking a manufacturer will only update software if you ask them to (and pay for it), or during the course of fixing a problem.

Buying a car from a main dealer does not mean you will automatically have the latest software.

Thanks both. That's what I need to know.

Over the past 7 years, I have always asked at the service for any software updates to be done, and this always has been done at no extra charge. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

I always had to pay !

Mav71 wrote:

Over the past 7 years, I have always asked at the service for any software updates to be done, and this always has been done at no extra charge.

But would you know the difference, honest bunch, never known to slip the odd porky in

Yep - "during a service" I'm sure will be "free".

However if you simply rock up at the dealer and say, "Hey my fine fellow - how's about taking a break from the consumption of your finest tepid brown, and update my automobile to the latest bunch of 1's and 0's from those wonderfully dashing chaps at Land Rover?", I'm equally sure they will more than happy to oblige whilst one of their less oily staff break out the invoicing machine....

Even with the extended Warranty with my MY11 it specifically excluded software updates unless a component had failed, if a fault was cured by an update but no component had failed it would have to be paid for. This was the case in the couple of weeks before i traded it in but when I said if I'd realised that, I'd have left the fault on it, they waived the 40 quid. MY14 TD4 manual XS Orkney grey.

MY11 TD4 Manual XS Lago Grey, privacy glass, rear spoiler, full ebony leather,rear seat entertainment. Gone
2001/51 plate Disco TD5 GS. Gone
95 N Disco TDi300. Gone

So they are a bit inconsistent then...

I was told landrover don't do software updates unless its to fix a specific problem. 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Recently had a problem with our 2011 FL2 (under LR extended warranty) and when the LR assist guy arrived at home he checked the software version and loaded the latest version. Interesting when he did this that he connected my vehicle (engine not running) to his Discovery power outlet presumably to ensure that there was power there at all times and plugged in his laptop to do the update which took a few minutes. He said he could do that but wasn't allowed to clear any messages like "oil service required".
Later on the car went into the dealer and they did another update. No charge for any of this.

Interesting. My FL2 is currently in the dealership with a fuel guage/range issue which some on here have stated is a software issue while others note its a hardware issue. Will be interesting to see what they say.

My view is as follows:

Software is a central part to the car, it cant run without it.
If a fault becomes apparent which becomes fixable with a software update, it meant the software was always faulty. Software doesn't become faulty on its own - I know as I used to write the stuff.
So if you buy a car with faulty software, and an update was available and released before you bought it, my view is that there was a faulty component in the car which the dealer is responsible for fixing, much like they would be if they sold you a car with any other fault which was there on purchase date.

Yes but (also as an ex programmer) there can be a set of conditions which the software isn't handling correctly (eg extremes of ambient temperature at certain engine speed/load conditions etc) which have been corrected in later versions.