Mazda Diagnostic Tool (MDS) worth dealership service?

[philip_pc]

Just took in the CX5 for its 1000k post delivery check, i plan on having the car serviced at another trusted mechanic hence avoiding all the dealerships additional charges. My only question is asides from the servicing that all mechanics can do, it mentions that on the service guidelines that they hook it up to the M-MDS system to check for updates and stuff.

How often do these updates come out, is it worthwhile to get it serviced there just for these updates which may or may not affect the car, i mean as long as you know the car drives well, runs well, and all is good, is the update going to do much?
I have had my current car for like 7 years without a software update (serviced it myself) and have no issues with it.
What do these so called updates actually address? The way i see it its only worthwhile to get these updates if there are issues with the car, otherwise having an update isnt going to make your car faster, stronger, efficient, etc....

Am i right?
How does everyone see these? Just want to get an second opinion.

 

[erhayes]

I would think you will need to find out if there any updates and do they relate to your vehicle. Usually, not always, they relate to shift algorithms, engine fuel/air ratios under certain conditions etc. I always get the updated software on any newish vehicle. Manufactures don't go to the extra expence for no reason. Ed

 

[philip_pc]

Mazda only use the MDS machine on your vehicle every second service (which just so happens to be the more expensive service).
Wifes car is a '13 plated but '14 model CX5. Has already been in for the 1000k service which i think they checked all software and relevant updates when it went in. So really it should be good unless i run into any issues?
I dont see car software being like computers catching virus's hahaha

 

[MikeM.]

The way i see it its only worthwhile to get these updates if there are issues with the car, otherwise having an update isnt going to make your car faster, stronger, efficient, etc....

Am i right?
How does everyone see these? Just want to get an second opinion.

I would agree with one caveat:

It's possible for the engineers who designed the car to identify issues that do not show up until years of usage or certain specific conditions that only present themselves rarely. For example, it may be that during the engine warm-up phase under certain temperatures or humidity there is a deposit forming on a sensor or valve surface or piston crown. These deposits could become significant enough over a period of time to cause issues with running, performance, reliability, etc. The engineers may develop a modified logic or map to be used under specific conditions to prevent the deposits from occurring in the first place (if those specific conditions present themselves).


In short, your car may have issues that are not visible to you (yet) but which the engineers have identified on cars like yours but that have been in use longer or used more often in conditions likely to cause the issue.

Getting the latest updates insures that your car is benefitting from the most up to date knowledge about your car. It is not limited to engine - it could be to improve safety, the logic of when to deploy (or when not to deploy) the airbags could be further refined for example.

In a modern car the possibilities are almost endless.

 

[IronMan0737]

Sometimes automakers take years to put out good ECU reflashes. I recall Subaru took 3 years to come up with a better fuel map For the 08-11 Impreza 2.5i platform. Before that, I needed 89 octane in the summer to avoid knocking .

 

[philip_pc]

So probably get it done at the dealers again about a HALF to ONE year before warranty expires might be a good step to take then =)