To Update MG4 software or Not?

[QLeo]

I'm a pensioner now but for decades I was always at the front of the queue for technology and especially hardware/software updates.
Over the last few years I've gone by the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it".
Very soon I will be having my first MG4 service and to be honest (and touching a lot of wood) I've got nothing to complain about, I don't even turn off LKA now because I'm so used to what it's going to do.
My software is SW168-29958-1300R33

What are your thoughts::
1) Take every update possible?
2) If it ain't broke don't fix it?

Thanks

If I may add a mere opinion, as your question is one of preference. I have 25+ years in the technology industry, though no experience of the automotive software industry. But, rather like the spurious urge to compare the way EV batteries and powertrains work because we all have experience of mobile phone batteries, I think there are dangers in extrapolating our own experience or knowledge into, frankly, the black art of automotive software. In other words, we're not talking about consumer software, about which we're entitled to have opinions, but a very specialised aspect of modern cars. The only thing we absolutely do know is the noticeable effect of software, but we have no idea what's happening with aspects hidden from the cabin.
For that reason, while I may have misgivings, I would tend to accept (I stopped short of saying "trust") when the manufacturer says "Your car really needs this."

However, as Goth Leo goes for his second service in a couple of weeks, and software updates are due to be done, I may come back here later with.... altered opinions.

 

[Nick 828]

2 definitely mine is still on R33 and it works fine .I have had 2 updates from new 2 years ago but they where from MG and part of the service .Sometimes these update cause extra problems if its running ok why bother

 

[Beekay29]

I'm a pensioner now but for decades I was always at the front of the queue for technology and especially hardware/software updates.
Over the last few years I've gone by the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it".
Very soon I will be having my first MG4 service and to be honest (and touching a lot of wood) I've got nothing to complain about, I don't even turn off LKA now because I'm so used to what it's going to do.
My software is SW168-29958-1300R33

What are your thoughts::
1) Take every update possible?
2) If it ain't broke don't fix it?

Thanks

I thought all s/w updates were supposed to be done via the internet direct to the car?
As to the LKA (which I assume means the Lane Keep Assist) I don't trust this one bit. My previous car had this and it worked without any issues but this feature is dangerous on the MG hence me turning it off!

 

[aardvark5]

I thought all s/w updates were supposed to be done via the internet direct to the car?

Not with the MG4.

 

[Martinonline]

@Beekay29, after the SC077 update most posters have reported it is much better and are not turning it off. That includes me now after my Trophy's 2nd service a couple of weeks ago.

 

[BobA]

I'm a pensioner now but for decades I was always at the front of the queue for technology and especially hardware/software updates.
Over the last few years I've gone by the saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it".
Very soon I will be having my first MG4 service and to be honest (and touching a lot of wood) I've got nothing to complain about, I don't even turn off LKA now because I'm so used to what it's going to do.
My software is SW168-29958-1300R33

What are your thoughts::
1) Take every update possible?
2) If it ain't broke don't fix it?

Thanks

 

[HiFiDave]

When I had my MG4, I always turned LKA off. After the SC077 update I found it was so much better, no need to turn off any longer- in fact I’d consider it a positive post SC077 in that if it was off by default, I’d probably fumble around in the menus to actually turn it on.

 

[Tig170]

.... big no from me. (just need a car that works, similar to as what I passed my test in the '80's - i.e. get in and go ) - luckily mine is an early version (LKA off by default) where we agree no updates when serviced at MG.

 

[BobA]

I would do neither! Ensure the car is maintained by an MG dealer with no instructions about software other than asking for the best current version.

Sadly, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" does not apply apply now.
I used to be responsible for telematics and new enterprise level IT before and after the rise of the internet. My rule then was never to be first with 'new' and definitely "If it ain't broke never never fix it" but not now. The difference now is that software is everywhere including domestic goods, services and cars.
Software is extremely expensive to make. Old software was also expensive to maintain and could be cripplingly expensive on warranty, if faulty. Hence old software had to be as reliable and fault-free as possible.
New software is different. It does not have to be 'good' in the old-fashioned sense. It just needs to work well enough not to detract from the saleability of the product it 'supports'. Thanks to the internet, changes to new software are now cheap to copy and to distribute. Hence, fault-repair and software-update are cheaper too. This means that new software can be put to use in saleable items, including cars, even when that software is very new; still being developed and not-at-all fault-free.

In law, as it stands, a driver is responsible for a car whatever that car does by way of behaviour. We are expected to drive a legal car and to know that it is legal yet rely on the dealer/manf keeping it so. They are very keen on safety and reputation hence I rely on updates being, at least safe, even if faulty.

If you modify your car in any trivial way whatever even including software, different wheels, trims or other cosmetics then your insurers want to be informed and, of course, may charge. Otherwise you may risk a claim being challenged. I'm not risk-averse but then my car is absolutely unmodified - except for software chosen and fitted by the dealer - not by me.

Stay safe. Enjoy the car - as I do - 12000 miles so far.

 

[HiFiDave]

I guess my recommendation to update the software is partly based on the numerous issues I had (R40) and the big improvements once R63 and SC077 was installed.
If someone is on an earlier version and has never had any issues at all (which is different to tolerating issues, excusing them or finding partial workarounds) then yes, definitely don’t update unless it’s subject to a safety recall.

 

[Anon70]

We are expected to drive a legal car and to know that it is legal yet rely on the dealer/manf keeping it so.

I guess the exceptions to this would be a leased or hired car where the owner of the car (lease or hire company) is the party responsible for maintenance and deciding where the car is serviced.

I can book my car in for a service with my lease company when it is due, but they will tell me which garage is going to service the car and decide if that garage needs to perform any updates.