Should dealer charge for software updates?

[jcsenterprises]

I'm sitting at the dealer now getting some routine maintenance done and had asked them to check if there were any TCM / ECM updates available. There were and they said it would be $180 to perform the update. Does this sound right? It seems like software updates should be free, especially considering all they're doing is hooking up a computer. Could I leverage any TSB's to try to get the updates for free? I'd like to have the most recent software and am hoping it solves some acceleration and downshifting issues.

It's a 2011 M37x by the way, out of warranty.

Thanks!

[1080Rider]

I've been charged in the past for software updates, granted this was on a different make (volvo) but I have paid when it wasn't under warranty. That being said, it was $67 to have a software update that adjusted the suspension system, $180 is ridiculous for a software download and I'd ask them to cut the price. It could be that they have to buy the update from infiniti, inquire whether they have to pay infiniti for it, and how much... just my thoughts.

[PostalsQ]

I went to Infiniti just to identify the ECM number to pass to a tuner. Plugging in and identifying would literally take a minute. Infiniti wanted to charge a minimal 30 minute labor rate of $80 dollars. Hell no. Went to Nissan. They did it it for free. They said if I needed any future service not to hesitate to come by. Infiniti is with Union mechanics where Nissan wasn't. Don't know if this would make a difference with your updates. I'd say go to Nissan and ask them if your up to date.

[Ilya]

Yeah, if you're not under warranty and it's not a recall, you have to pay.

[jcsenterprises]

Thanks, I ended up just having them do it although I got them to knock off 10%. My car definitely seems to run smoother now so I'm glad I did it.

[austin713]

i had the TCM refresh done on my 2011 with 75k miles. the dealer covered it, because i brought in the TSB showing it was a known issue with my car. this was at west houston Infiniti.

[walt1227]

i had the TCM refresh done on my 2011 with 75k miles. the dealer covered it, because i brought in the TSB showing it was a known issue with my car. this was at west houston Infiniti.

Where can I find this TSB to see if my 2011 M56 has the same issue?

[ArmedAviator]

To answer the basic question posted in the OPs subject line:

No, dealers should not charge for updates. You purchased their product, any and all software updates should be included whether in warranty or not. Will this happen? Nah.