EXHIBIT 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 (No. 33-33281, No. 33-40564, No. 33-40563, No. 33-63411, No. 333-05869,
No. 333-48683, No. 333-67269, No. 333-75547, No. 33-64123, No. 333-36476, No.
333-44546, No. 333-54022, No. 333-73388, No. 333-100858 and No. 333-100860) and
on Form S-3 (No. 33-42272, No. 33-63409, No. 333-47301, No. 333-36474 and No.
33-64213) of BMC Software, Inc. of our reports dated April 23, 2003, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of BMC Software,
Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31,
2003.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Houston, Texas
June 12, 2003