What is the point? what does it do?

 

what do you mean software? like if you get a tune to go from 4.3 to 4.4?

 

I guess? I've been reading about "software upgrading" at volvo and such but can't seem to find what it does lol

 

see if this clears anything up
M4.4 Conversion

 

That seems to be it. :P I'm assuming thats the only "software upgrade"

 

LOL so just called volvo and asked if they do software updates and he said which one.. dah hell? theres more the M4.4? Is this only an aftermarket thing?

 

idk of any other software updating for the 850

 

There are updates for the cars ECU that the dealer would normally download when it comes in for a service. If you car was bought new in 96 and then never saw a dealership again, it's likely missing an update that could fix a few bugs or something. The M4.3 to M4.4 conversion is taking an ECU from a S70 and retrofitting it's maps to an 850, I believe.

 

There is no update for the 850. The software updates you are probably reading about are for the P1, P2 and P3 cars.

 

Software updates are from the manufacturer and are engineered to modify or correct a shortcoming with the factory programming. It would correct a problem or improve the way something performed or prevent a problem from happening.

Then there are performance upgrades to the ECU which is usually an increase in fuel mapping among other things and would be in support of other performance mods ie bigger turbo, bigger injectors, better exhaust and or intake, higher fuel injector operating pressure etc.
There are companies offering "chips" that need to be soldered in once you've un-soldered the stock chip or companies like ARD that will reprogram your ECM according to a "build sheet" you fill out on your engine and modifications.

The older 850s used a 4.3 control system and the newer ones used 4.4
4.4 has faster control and is considered a better system and it is possible with some minor rewiring to use a 4.4 in an older vehicle. From the info I've read, if you have a 19 or bigger turbo you would benefit from the 4.4 system.
I wanted to upgrade but I didn't want to lose the underhood diagnostic panel (OBDI).

It's just not clear from your question if you've been reading about performance improvement through a "tuned" ECM or if you've run across someone talking about a factory "fix" or software upgrade that is just designed to prevent, stop or cure a problem with the stock system.

This is a performance tune: https://ardideas.3dcartstores.com/85...1997_c_13.html

If you click on one of them you will see the "build sheet" and it outlines what info is needed to tune it to your car.

 

Just to clarify, my post was assuming the original post was about either the free software updates by Volvo or the software updates for various modules on the newer cars. Not aftermarket performance options.

 

I think this has been answered already. The answer was no but you are welcome to roll into your dealership and ask.