Coding / coding session

- Knowledge base

What is coding?

A modern car is packed with computers. A computer in a car is called a module. The most advanced models (e.g., Rolls-Royce and 7 Series) can have as many as fifty modules. All these modules are equipped with parameters; these are also called codes.

The module adjusts many parameters to the car. For example, the functionality of your PDC sensors depends on whether it’s a sedan or a touring car. Otherwise, the distance measurements may be inaccurate, and you could hit a post.

There are also codes that disable or enable a specific functionality. This coding session covers these codes.

Remote coding is also possible.

What is possible?

Activate start/stop memory function
Seat Belt Beep / Deactivate Seat Belt Warning
Activate rear lights during the day as well (daytime running lights)
Welcome lights: taillights, angel eyes (coronas) and low beam
Folding mirrors with remote control or comfort access
Digital speed in instrument cluster
M-performance logo in instrument cluster
Display tire pressure and temperatures
Do not interrupt window controls when opening the doors
Playing video (mp4) from USB stick while driving (Video in Motion)
Sport transmission (SAT), sportier shifting and launch control *
Enhanced Bluetooth (pairing previous phones, Bluetooth audio) *
Write TPMS sensors *
Write away adaptive headlights *
Apple Carplay fullscreen *
Write down LED error codes *

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say with 100% certainty in advance whether a particular coding is possible. The exact possibilities depend on the year of manufacture, option packages, and module versions. What’s listed above is possible in many cases. A surcharge applies for codings marked with a *.

Is coding safe?

Secure coding means that many traditional methods no longer work. However, this doesn’t mean the end of coding and making adjustments afterward, but it does mean things need to change.

That’s indeed a very important question to ask. Before an encoding session, a backup of all CAFDs (encoding files) is always made. Furthermore, the backup is made wired instead of wirelessly; this ensures that the chance of interference is minimal.

Many people can only code wirelessly using a mobile app like BimmerCode. Unfortunately, these backups haven’t always proven reliable. We’re contacted several times a month by BMW enthusiasts who have experienced problems during the code process, for example, because the (wireless) connection has dropped. This issue doesn’t arise with our approach.