The bad news first: No, unfortunately older Bosch motors or motors smaller than the power classic CX cannot be pimped up to 100 Nm and 750. Only the latest generation Bosch CX, which has been available since last autumn, receives the new features. After all, the update brings real improvements in the field and doesn't cost a cent.
Before you start: All you need for the update is your e-bike (charged) and a reasonably up-to-date smartphone or tablet with the Bosch eBike Flow app. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android). If you are unable to use the app, you can also have the new firmware installed at your local specialist dealer for a small fee.
1. connect bike and app
Most Bosch users can probably skip this step. Nevertheless, for the sake of completeness: download the E-Bike Flow app and create an account if you haven't already done so. Unfortunately, you can't do this without an account, but the Bosch app is worth it anyway thanks to its many features for Bosch users. To connect the bike, you have to add it as a new bike in the app. The app guides you through the process clearly. In most cases, the bike is put into pairing mode by pressing and holding the on/off button.
2. download firmware update
The new software is displayed in the "eBike" tab (bottom left) directly below the bike in the app. If this is not the case, even though the new CX Gen5 (BDU38) is installed, it helps to follow all suggestions in the app. In our case, for example, the new software was only displayed when the bike was registered in our account. The process only takes a few seconds and doesn't require any complicated steps, such as uploading an invoice.
3. perform firmware update
Then transfer the new software to the e-bike and install it. This process takes a few minutes. The screen also indicates that new software is being installed. A green LED flashes on the system controller and LED remote during this process. Once the update is complete, the e-bike switches off automatically.
4. unlock new features
Switch the e-bike back on and check whether the new software has been installed correctly. The app will report "Software update successful". Attention: All settings will remain as they are. To activate the new EMTB+ mode, switch to the selection of support levels and activate EMTB+ mode there. We recommend it instead of the classic turbo mode due to the high level of support.
To activate more power and torque, switch to the menu for customising the assistance levels. There, the power and torque can now be increased to up to 750 watts and 100 Nm. If this is not possible or only possible for one of the parameters, the bike manufacturer may not have released the full power for the model.
BIKE summary of the new software
On technical climbs, the higher performance and especially the super-dynamic E-MTB+ mode bring clear advantages. However, the new software should be used with caution. Due to the higher power, the battery consumption can increase accordingly and the wear on the drive components is likely to be somewhat greater than before. Our recommendation: Only use one of the support modes, such as EMTB+ at full power, and otherwise continue to ride in the classic mode for more range and less wear and tear. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
