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. 333-75549, 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, as amended on Form
10-K/A) for the year ended March 31, 2003.



                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Houston, Texas
July 30, 2003