[Dave_3]

Since i have owned my M440D I have seen incremental improvements due to updates, or reprogramming when in for a service/recall.

All pretty much to do with the mild hybrid system and how it handles when and how it switches off the engine and/or coasts with the gearbox disengaged.

When I first test drove an M440D, and when new my car would disengage the gearbox and switch the engine off when you backed off the throttle approaching a junction or roundabout which gave a sort of "runaway train" feel.

Braking has almost always felt like someone else was using dual controls - as it juggled regen with braking just before reverting to solely braking only as I came to a halt. Non-linear.

After a recall and some programming the coasting and engine off application was greatly improved as the satnav map, and radar would see a car or junction in front and engage brake regen to simulate engine braking. Out on the open road I noticed it starting to lightly regen and act like engine braking as you neared a car in front (when my engine was off and it was coasting).

But it was still rather annoying when I was driving smoothly and lazily through town. As you approached a roundabout or junction the engine could be off and gearbox disengaged. Without braking fully or coming to a halt I would slip onto the roundabout maintaining momentum. About half way around I would apply the throttle gently to slip out the roundabout. Invariably the car would have to engage the gearbox and restart the engine. This was a micro-stutter and momentary pause in power.

This type of behaviour was greatly reduced when using "adaptive" driving mode. It wasn't so keen to disengage the gearbox or switch off the engine during roundabouts or junctions. I got the feeling that the standard "comfort" mode was almost a sneaky "Eco lite" mode.

Since the last 11.2023 this behaviour has completely changed (for me).

The car seems to more readily engage the scavenging regen when slowing in town traffic. When I re-apply the throttle it is instant response, engine is still on and gearbox engaged. It still does switch off the engine and disengages the gearbox but so much better timed now I am begining to not notice.

Because there are not all these micro-stutters it also seems much more eager. Driving in town is so much more smoother and enjoyable. More playful even.

Braking is also so much better now. Amost completely linear again. Brilliant.

I am really enjoying it now. Gave her a clean today, and off for some more driving.

I have seen no detriment to my economy either. Still on my winter tyre setup. Had an hour drive over the weekend after updating : 76 KM, 58.6 mpg.

So, for me at least, this last update has been excellent. I am wondering if we 4 series guys are getting the benefits of the recent LCI model?

Anybody else notice any changes to how the MHT operates since updating?

D.

[MisterG]

I’d love to weigh in on MhT changes.. but still not got the update installed…
Anyone want to lend me a powerful charger? 😂

It’s always a bit inconsistent in town for me too, it might choose to coast on the flat, and then re-engage when a car is detected in front which is fine.
But it’s never been so smart with reading the road eg re-engaging when coming up to junctions or say if the indicators are on... because it must know something is coming up…

[bmnut]

OP ...read your post with interest as there are not many of us G22 owners on here!
I've done that software update on mine very recently, albeit mine is the petrol as opposed to your diesel, and after reading your post I've started to look a little more closely at how my car is behaving with regard to the MHT interaction.
I'd never really noticed any slight hesitation with the engine re-engaging other than being aware of it connecting but wonder if that is down to the petrol engine v the diesel engine?
One thing I have noticed is the blue segments for the battery charge which are often 3 or 4 whereas in the past it was most likely to show just 2.
The other thing is the "electric motor assisting" caption is much more active especially when picking up the drive again after slowing or braking but not needing to come to a halt.
Maybe there is something in what you say about the MHT being re-configured, for want of a better expression, to potentially come in line with the recently released LCI version of the G22?

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by bmnut

I'd never really noticed any slight hesitation with the engine re-engaging other than being aware of it connecting but wonder if that is down to the petrol engine v the diesel engine?

The hesitation is purely a product of me applying a light throttle when the car is already coasting and with the engine off. It takes less than a second, but the engine starting and gearbox engaging is not instantaneous. Pretty sure the throttle input is ramped in after things fire up. Possibly the petrol engine fires up slightly quicker?

As MisterG also states, the times when my car went into coasting mode with the engine off (suburban driving only, out of town it is imperceptible) - e.g. through a roundabout, turning into a junction without coming to a halt made these startup moments more obvious.

Since the update it has been so much better/smarter, that I am no longer expecting or noticing any startup pauses. Throttle application seems more linear and stronger.

I'm delighted with this update.

D.

[bmnut]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The hesitation is purely a product of me applying a light throttle when the car is already coasting and with the engine off. It takes less than a second, but the engine starting and gearbox engaging is not instantaneous. Pretty sure the throttle input is ramped in after things fire up. Possibly the petrol engine fires up slightly quicker?

As MisterG also states, the times when my car went into coasting mode with the engine off (suburban driving only, out of town it is imperceptible) - e.g. through a roundabout, turning into a junction without coming to a halt made these startup moments more obvious.

Since the update it has been so much better/smarter, that I am no longer expecting or noticing any startup pauses. Throttle application seems more linear and stronger.

I'm delighted with this update.

D.

Like you I am more than happy with the way my car is running and I believe mine is smoother as well when transitioning from coasting to engine running.
I suspect you're right when you mention about the petrol engine possibly firing up slightly quicker as it's almost imperceptible to me.
The MHT system is quite extraordinary as to how it impacts so positively on fuel consumption, bearing in mind mine is petrol and on steady motorway runs I can easily achieve mid 40's or slightly above, something that would be unheard of for a 3 litre petrol engine from years ago! The added bonus is the other end of the scale and the performance boost if you decide to hammer it!
I find this current technology quite mind blowing, at times even a little scary!

[ZedsRedBaby]

I was struggling to understand this thread and then the penny dropped - you guys drive in eco mode

[bmnut]

Originally Posted by ZedsRedBaby

I was struggling to understand this thread and then the penny dropped - you guys drive in eco mode

Like sh*te I do mate!

Eco poo mode is bloody awful...even worse than 'Driving Miss Daisy'!

[ZedsRedBaby]

Originally Posted by bmnut

Like sh*te I do mate!

Well, that's a relief

[bmnut]

Originally Posted by ZedsRedBaby

Well, that's a relief

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Got a 1250km coming up next week, though destination is -10ºc! Am stopping overnight after about 800km so will see if it can load up. TBH not overly fussed any more.