BMW G20 coding list

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.
• Module names vary. The table shows the module most G20s use; a car with other equipment or a later facelift (LCI) can have it elsewhere.

Popular G20 codings

Change	Module (usual)	Notes
Digital speed in the instrument cluster	DKOMBI4	Shows your speed as a number.
Start-stop remembers your last choice	DME, BDC_BODY3	On some petrol cars with software from 03/2023 the setting is ignored.
Fold mirrors when locking	BDC_BODY3	Also: unfold when unlocking.
Open and close windows and sunroof with the key	BDC_BODY3	Hold the key button.
Comfort turn signal: 3 or 5 flashes	BDC_BODY3
Mirror tilts down in reverse	BDC_BODY3	Needs memory mirrors.
Welcome and coming-home lights	BDC_BODY3
Ambient light colours and brightness	BDC_BODY3	Needs ambient lighting.
Default drive mode at start	BDC_BODY3
Lock and unlock beep	BDC_BODY3
Sport displays and G-meter in iDrive	HU_MGU
Legal disclaimer off at start	HU_MGU
Startup animation and logo	HU_MGU, DKOMBI4
Video while driving	HU_MGU	For passengers only: the driver must not watch. Illegal in many countries while driving.
Seatbelt chime off	ACSM_5	A safety warning: a shorter chime is the safer choice.
Independent rear turn signals (US cars)	BDC_BODY3	Changes the lights: check your local lighting rules.
Automatic lane change, speed limit assist	SAS3, HU_MGU	Needs the matching driving assistant hardware (option codes in the vehicle order).

How to code these with E-Sys

1. Connect, then in Expert Mode > Coding: Read the vehicle order, Activate FA, and Read SVT.
2. Select the module's CAFD and press Read Coding Data.
3. Open the CAFD, right-click the .ncd file under it and choose Edit FDL.
4. Find the setting, change its value and save. Then select the CAFD and press Code.

In plain E-Sys most G20 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 G21 Touring, G80 M3 and G28?

Mostly yes: they share the same modules. The G80 and G82 have extra M settings, and cars from other markets can have a different head unit.

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.