Repair is often possible the same day!
There are 2 options:
- You disassemble the module yourself, bring it along or send it with PostNL.
- You come by with your car, we disassemble & repair the module.
Carware kan de software in de module herstellen naar de staat voordat hij defect raakte. Na reparatie is de module plug & play. Hierdoor hoeft de module niet opnieuw gecodeerd of ingeleerd te worden.
On request, the module software can be updated to the latest version if necessary.
Please also feel free to view our information on Marktplaats for more information.
What are the symptoms of a defective FRM?
A defective FRM module can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Hazard lights/turn signals/brake lights not working
- Electric windows not working
- Mirror adjustment not working
- Lighting always remains on and only goes off after the ignition is switched off
- Geen communicatie met FRM3 mogelijk via OBD2 stekker, maar wel met alle andere modules
- All fuses are OK
- Error code A3B4 and A3C1
In addition, a defective FRM will cause an error message to the instrument cluster and iDrive (if equipped).
In addition to these symptoms, there may be additional problems depending on the type of car.
Enlist the help of Carware
How does the FRM fail?
The third generation has a notorious reputation for malfunctioning. This FRM3 can be found in BMWs and Minis from approximately 2008 to 2014.
The module can be damaged by several actions, for example:
- Loss of battery voltage, for example after replacing the battery
- Providing jump-start assistance to another vehicle
- Battery discharge due to prolonged vehicle stationary use
- Reading the vehicle/module
- Coding the module
- Module software update. During a flash, for example, with ISTA-P.
The following model codes may contain the FRM3:
BMW E81, E82, E87, E89, E90, E91, E92, E93, E84, E70, E71, E72
Mini R55, R56, R57, R58, R59, R60, R61
What is an FRM and what is the function of this module?
FRM literally stands for Footlight Module. This module is responsible for controlling the lighting and also performs other tasks:
- Interior lighting (in the FZD)
- Outside mirrors
- Electric windows
- Central Locking System
If this module fails, you will notice that (parts of) these functionalities will fail.
This module is also called the footwell module, legroom module, lighting module, NFRM, FRM or FRM3R, footwell rest module.
Where is this module located and how do you recognize it?
You can find the module in the driver’s footwell, hence its nickname “footwell module.” The module is equipped with three connectors.
This does
not
concern a repair for an FRM1, FRM FA, and/or FRM2. Only FRM3/FRM3R. Please check the module’s sticker beforehand.
To be sure, please send a photo of the module in advance!
References
What our customers say
Great service, even with urgency it was very fast, it could be fixed the same day, I am very happy with it, definitely recommended!!
Highly recommended to bring your BMW in if you need software updates or programming done! This guy knows what he's talking about and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you go home satisfied! Thanks for the experience. Regards, Dennis (speeddonors)
Very satisfied with Carware! My dashboard lights stopped working, and owner Jan quickly found the cause. He honestly suggested I could fix it myself to save money—and he was absolutely right. Friendly service (even offered a drink) and very knowledgeable. Absolutely recommended! You won't find service like this again! 5/5 ⭐️
Very satisfied with the work and the service. He keeps his appointments and delivers quality work. Jan is also a true specialist/expert and works very neatly. Highly recommended.
After replacing several parts on my BMW M140 with no success, the ECU turned out to be the culprit. After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware, where I received excellent service. Jan quickly diagnosed the problem correctly. He clearly explained the problem and the costs. Clear communication, no surprises, and expert service. Highly recommended for anyone with electronic problems with their BMW or MINI.
My car has been parked since July 7th due to a malfunction in the electronic steering lock on my BMW E90.
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
I had a problem with the ROC module for my BMW. Jan neatly fixed all the error codes and reinstalled the module. A fantastic solution, instead of having a new and expensive module replaced at the garage. Jan communicates quickly and honestly about the options and any risks. He also provides immediate clarity about the costs. In short, I understand why all the reviews here are 5 stars, and this one adds another 5 stars!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Jos, dank voor je leuke review en je lovende woorden. Daar doen we het voor! :-)
The ECM of a 320 convertible was repaired and updated with new software. The car now drives smoothly and better than ever. Excellent service! Perfect! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Dank voor je lovende woorden!
I have an old BMW Z3, and after winter storage, it wouldn't start.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Response from the owner 06:47 01 Sep 25
Joost, dank voor je leuke review. En veel rijplezier toegewenst in je Z3!
My frame broke.
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
Response from the owner 09:57 28 Jul 25
Dankjewel Cristian voor je review. En fijn dat je FRM het weer helemaal doet
We had Jan install original BMW cruise control in our BMW Z4. Everything was expertly installed and thoroughly tested. Jan works calmly and consistently. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 09:58 28 Jul 25
Ha Johan,Fijn dat je blij bent met de originele cruise control. Origineel blijft in onze ogen de mooiste oplossing voor je Z4.Hartelijke groet,Carware
After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware for an upgrade to the DCT gearbox in my BMW E92 M3, specifically the GTS software. After contacting them through the app, I was able to quickly schedule an appointment.
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Response from the owner 09:59 28 Jul 25
Ha Piet,Het werken aan een E92 M3 is altijd extra leuk. Fijn dat je tevreden bent, en het mooie V8-geluid was inderdaad al van ver te herkennen ;-)Hartelijke groet,CarwareAre there any recognizable error codes with ISTA+?
Absolutely. The FRM3 communicates with various modules in the car, including the CAS, KOMBI, etc. If the lighting module crashes, error codes will also be displayed in these modules.
The most common error codes are:
– 00A3B4: Message error (lighting state, 0x21A), receiver instrument panel, transmitter footwell module
– 00A3C1 Message error (footwell module, 0x4F0), receiver instrument panel, transmitter footwell module
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