To Update MG4 software or Not?

I don't know the version, but now you mention it, the temperature seemed a lot more sane than before.
Last year, we did get a suggestion that the brakes were wearing fast, and would need replaced, along with the further suggestion that we use regen 1 more frequently to clean up the disks, the theory being that the disks become too abrasive. My response was that I expected them to last longer than a year. This year, they just noted that the "brakes" by which I assume they mean the pads, are "40% worn", which, she said, really meant there's 60% left, at the front, and 30% worn at the rear. She ended up "So all OK there."
We also had a report on checking the bodywork for anything untoward, including rust. Again, all clear, which is good, and very thorough, but I suppose that service could be used to find work.

I was getting the same lecture from my local garage, where I took Caliban for a second opinion. They cleaned the brakes off (they had the wheels off to change the tyres back to the original Contis because reasons) and said they were fine. But turn down that regen! Might be worth a new thread discussing the best way to keep the brakes clean - I've been given several suggestions and I'm not convinced turning down the regen is necessarily the best approach.

The bodywork check was thorough, and fine, but then they found what was really minor damage I'd done to the front undertrays and a wheel arch liner on the Hardknott pass, and were really pushy about wanting to replace them all. As well as the brake pads and discs. And regas the aircon. As described in the other thread. Con-artists.

You can check the infotainment version on the screen. But if the HVAC panel on the home screen now says "Climate", you have R38. Interesting that your guy just did it, whereas I practically had to torture it out of Macklin.
 
I have a SE first registered in Jan '25, bought as a very low mileage demonstrator in Aug '25. But on closer checking I find it is a '23 built car. The dealer said it would be checked and upgraded to latest software version before I collected it but from the screen it is still on R13. I am confused as I believe the different versions use different software updates so although others are quoted I dont know which would apply to my car. Also, as a new owner I don't know what to expect of the car! I should add, I am very happy with it and the LKA doesnt seem particularly aggressive!
IMG_20250819_162016279_HDR.webp
 
My R13 early SE was fine apart from if using Android Auto for navigation you would get no audio nav instructions when listening to the radio (it was sorted with R33).
 
SiteGuru. Wow lots of info on those threads of yours! Too much to get through on one
See my threads re. 1100R33 and 1100R38. Mine originally came (in November '22) with 1100R13.

sitting 6 pages I think on R38 and I only managed 4 of the 16 R33 pages. Useful stuff though, to get back to.
 
I’m servicing this month. @2yr/40k as required*
By warranty.May be the last.
I gave them a warning call I’m coming with a list of questions for technicians. Tech stuff, some proprietary. Zero complaints just a couple “could be better’s,” one of which is “what is your success rate with updates?”

They seem to have blocked by number. 🤔
Is that a good sign as they know how to use reception software?
They will have to impress me with their grasp of
The subject and inclusivity or it will be an erm, No thanks.
I suppose my fate was sealed when I asked if I could be a silent observer.
I would be way more comfortable servicing it myself .

* I’m curious as to varying service period Euro vs downunder.
Btw my discs & pads are as delivered new and I live at a West Coast surf beach.
 
It is interesting to hear about the experience of MG Dealerships on the other side of the globe. Here in County Durham in the UK, I have amassed a long list of "could be better" suggestions, the main one being recalling all the cars and updating the software and cameras so that they actually work properly. It is clear from the posts on these forums that there is a huge inconsistency in the effectiveness of software updates. My dialogue with MG Customer Services and my local dealership has led me to the conclusion that the software in these cars is fundamentally defective and was not properly tested on all types of roads and terrain before inflicting it on us buyers. Some software upgrades seem to have made small improvements but the principle of replacing the driver's ability to control the car with a set of cameras and defective software is basically flawed and makes the car more dangerous to drive, not safer. As a 73 year old Analogue Man in a Digital World, I realise that these computer-controlled cars are not designed for people like me. That's why I also have a 1949 Alvis TA14 and a 1999 Jaguar XKR in the garage to remind me what it is like to be in control of a car rather than being treated like a blind idiot by some badly-designed computer system

As far as braking is concerned, when I had a BMW i3, just before a service or the MOT test, I used to take the car out on a clear, straight, dry road and brake heavily from 60mph several times to clean up the discs. This seemed to ensure that the BMW dealer did not insist on replacing discs and pads because of corrosion due to lack of use under regenerative braking. The motor braking on the MG4 is not as powerful as in the i3 so the brakes do get a bit more use to bring the car to a full stop
 
Have to agree on the Beta software released before it’s balls had dropped. But hey, that par for course with a lot off stuff that is in a hyper competitive market where the item will be superseded within a couple years. It is at a price point and great to drive, if you ignore the foibles.
If I wasn’t so busy maybe I’d have time to be pissed off.
 
I personally don’t need a new software update every 2 weeks (like you get with Tesla). Sure, it’s cool, but for the price I paid for my car I’d be happy enough if they just left the software as it is (in terms of new features) and focused on bug fixing. I actually don’t have many issues — it’s more of a nice-to-have thing:
  • Persistently saving settings for LKA and One-Pedal Drive
  • Fix the sign recognition (since I don’t have this stupid EU system where the car always beeps, it’s not a necessity to have this working 100%)
  • CarPlay connection often shows a black screen (but this could also be an issue with my phone)
  • LKA is annoying when engaged on the Autobahn, but for city driving and country roads it’s fine
  • Some minor bug fixes would be nice
But aside from that, I don’t really have any serious software issues.
I have a service appointment next week, so let’s see whether they give me the latest software or not. I think I’m currently running on R46.
 
Be aware LKA and OPD behaviour is by design, I don't believe this will change with any updates.

Also, speed limit recognition systems are never very good and always risk picking up signs next to the road you are on.

But some things definitely improve with updates.

Best to give your garage a detailed list of annoyances and ask them to be fixed under warranty. Maximises the number of software updates they are likely to apply.

If you say nothing they may assume you are happy with what you have.
 
Be aware LKA and OPD behaviour is by design, I don't believe this will change with any updates.

Also, speed limit recognition systems are never very good and always risk picking up signs next to the road you are on.

But some things definitely improve with updates.

Best to give your garage a detailed list of annoyances and ask them to be fixed under warranty. Maximises the number of software updates they are likely to apply.

If you say nothing they may assume you are happy with what you have.
I know, just hope that the day will come when aftermarket OBD coders can fix it. Since MG is currently getting sued in Germany for their software in the MG4, I think there might be a chance the court forces them to publish more details about their software so OBD coder companies can start working on it but we will see.
 

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