BMW F20 coding list
The changes F20 and F21 1 Series owners (and F22 and F23 2 Series owners: they share most modules) code most, which module each one is in, and what to check before you code.
Before you start
- Your software level decides what is possible. The same change can sit in a different setting, or be gone, after a BMW software update (I-step). Read your car's I-step first: Expert Mode > VCM > Integration I-Steps.
- Newer cars may need BMW-signed coding. Some modules on cars built from about 2021 use secure coding (NCD 2.0) and refuse coding that E-Sys signs itself. See NCD 2.0 and secure coding.
- Back up first. Make a full backup of the car before the first change, and keep the battery on a charger while you code.
- No secure coding. The F20 and F21 do not use NCD 2.0: these modules can be coded with E-Sys.
- Module names vary. The table shows the module most F20s use; a car with other equipment or a later facelift (LCI) can have it elsewhere.
Popular F20 codings
| Change | Module (usual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital speed in the instrument cluster | KOMBI | Shows your speed as a number in the on-board computer. |
| Start-stop remembers your last choice | FEM_BODY | |
| Fold mirrors when locking | FEM_BODY | Needs folding mirrors. |
| Open and close windows with the key | FEM_BODY | Hold the key button. |
| Comfort turn signal: 3 or 5 flashes | FEM_BODY | |
| Front fog lights off with the high beam | FEM_BODY | |
| Ambient light when unlocking | FEM_BODY | Needs ambient lighting. |
| Welcome lights and lock beep settings in iDrive | HU_NBT, HU_NBT_EVO, HU_CIC | |
| Legal disclaimer off at start | HU_NBT, HU_NBT_EVO, HU_CIC | |
| Tyre temperatures shown with the tyre pressures | HU_NBT, HU_NBT_EVO | Needs tyre pressure sensors with temperature. |
| Sport displays in iDrive | HU_NBT, HU_NBT_EVO | |
| Video while driving | HU_NBT, HU_NBT_EVO, HU_CIC | For passengers only: the driver must not watch. Illegal in many countries while driving. |
| Seatbelt chime off | ACSM | A safety warning: a shorter chime is the safer choice. |
How to code these with E-Sys
- Connect, then in Expert Mode > Coding: Read the vehicle order, Activate FA, and Read SVT.
- Select the module's CAFD and press Read Coding Data.
- Open the CAFD, right-click the .ncd file under it and choose Edit FDL.
- Find the setting, change its value and save. Then select the CAFD and press Code.
In plain E-Sys many F20 settings show only as dots or German short names. E-Sys MAX shows every setting in English, and its What can I code? list shows the ready-made changes that fit your car's modules, applied with one click in the FDL-Editor. More in FDL coding and setting names by model.
Questions
Does this list work for the F21, F22, F23 and F87 M2?
Mostly yes: they share the FEM body module and the same head units. Cars with the older CIC head unit have fewer iDrive settings.
Will a BMW update undo my coding?
It can. A dealer visit or an over-the-air update can write the vehicle order and code the car again. Keep your coding history so you can put your changes back.
Can coding damage the car?
Coding changes settings, not software, and a module can be coded back. Back up first, keep a charger connected, and change one module at a time.
Every F20 setting in English
Connect, open a module, and E-Sys MAX lists the changes that fit your car. Free for 3 days.