BMW VO coding and option codes

What is VO coding?

Every BMW carries its vehicle order (German Fahrzeugauftrag, so FA; in English also VO). It lists how the car was built: series, type key, build date, paint and upholstery, and every factory option as a three-character option code (SA code), for example 5AC for the high-beam assistant.

Modules read the vehicle order to decide which functions to switch on. VO coding means changing that list (adding or removing an option code) and then recoding the modules, so they all switch the function on or off together. It is the clean way to "retrofit" an option the hardware supports, for example after fitting a reversing camera.

Changing one setting in one module is the other way: FDL coding.

Step by step: add or remove an option code

1. Connect with a charger on the battery, Read FA and save a copy of the original FA file.
2. Open the FA in the editor (in E-Sys: Expert Mode > VCM > Read from the car, then Edit).
3. Under SALAPA, add the option code (or remove it). Most codes need the leading $, for example $5AC.
4. Calculate FP where your E-Sys version shows it, then Save and Write FA (and the FP) to the car.
5. Read FA again and Activate FA, then Read SVT.
6. Select the modules the option touches and press Code (not "Code Default Values" unless you want every FDL change reset).

Be careful: an option code tells every module the part is there. Adding a code for hardware the car does not have can cause fault messages. Removing codes can switch functions off in modules you did not expect. Change one code at a time and keep the original FA.

Common BMW option codes

Widely documented codes on F and G-series cars. Names vary a little by model year and market; your car's own data decides.

Code	Option
1CC	Auto Start/Stop function
205	Automatic transmission
2TB	Sport automatic transmission
248	Heated steering wheel
249	Multifunction steering wheel
2VB	Tyre pressure monitoring
2VL	Variable sport steering
302	Alarm system
316	Automatic tailgate operation
322	Comfort access
323	Soft-close doors
337	M Sport package
3AG	Reversing camera
402	Panorama glass roof
403	Glass sunroof, electric
430	Interior and exterior mirrors with auto-dip
453	Active seat ventilation, front
459	Electric seat adjustment with memory
494	Seat heating, driver and front passenger
496	Seat heating, rear
4UR	Ambient light
508	Park Distance Control (PDC)
521	Rain sensor
522	Xenon headlights
524	Adaptive headlights
544	Cruise control with braking function
552	Adaptive LED headlights
563	Light package
5A1	LED fog lights
5A2	LED headlights
5AC	High-beam assistant
5AD	Lane departure warning
5AG	Lane change warning
5AS	Driving Assistant
5AT	Driving Assistant Plus
5AZ	BMW Laserlight
5DF	Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
5DL	Surround View
5DP	Park Assistant
609	Navigation system Professional
610	Head-up display
654	DAB tuner
655	Satellite radio
688	Harman Kardon surround sound system
6AC	Intelligent emergency call
6AM	Real Time Traffic Information
6NR	BMW Apps
6WB	Instrument cluster with extended contents
715	M aerodynamics package
760	High-gloss Shadow Line
8TN	Daytime running lights, adjustable in the light menu

VO coding with E-Sys MAX

• Every option code named in E-Sys's vehicle order tree, in English, also the less common ones.
• The FA checked against BMW's data for your series, so a mistyped or unknown code stands out before you write it.
• Name a code yourself when you know it, and it shows that way from then on.
• Full backup of the FA and every module's coding before you start, and coding history after.

Questions

VO coding or FDL coding: which one should I use?

VO coding when you add or remove a whole option (hardware fitted or removed). FDL coding for a single setting in one module. Do VO changes first: recoding from the vehicle order resets FDL changes in the modules it touches.

What is the $ in front of an option code?

It marks a SALAPA option code in the FA. E-Sys's editor shows codes with it, for example $5AC. Type it the same way.

Where can I see my car's option codes?

Read the FA with E-Sys: the SALAPA list is every option your car was built with (plus any added later). E-Sys MAX shows each one with its English name.