Fxx-/Ixx-/Gxx-series Coding: Getting Started Guides, Tips, & Cheat Sheets

Big thanks to all the Bimmerfest members that have contributed to this thread. Specifically ShawnSheridan and Tokenmaster stand out for helping to create this thread.

What is Included:

1. What is Coding
2. Step-By-Step Guides
3. Connecting to Vehicle
4. Helpful Hints & Acronyms
5. Cheat Sheets

NOTE1: Links are in BLUE and pictures are links to larger images.

NOTE2: See this thread for Software Links

1. What is Coding:

Coding is a bit of a misnomer. Neither any programming language (eg, C++ or Python) knowledge is necessary nor software modified. Instead, an easy-to-use, graphical user interface (GUI) is used to customize settings so a vehicle operates more as the individual desires. This guide will help minimize risks and outline how to reset a vehicle back to factory. If you choose to proceed, approach the task with a clear plan, know the steps, and NEVER guess, clarifying any doubts before you proceed. Many willing forum experts will assist you.

2. Step-By-Step Guides:

E-sys Getting Started Documents (Updated 06/07/2017)

• Within the main directory, you will find two PDF's, including a sort of pictorial, Table of Contents and Guiding PDF (Information below).
• Start w/ "Getting Started" paired w/ "Editors and Viewers" & "How to Change Werte Values"
• Then, look at "How to change FA in F-series car," and "VO Coding Guide"

These short, pictorial, step-by-step documents will help familiarize you with E-sys terminology & GUI.
At a later time, peruse "User Manual v1.4," as it is more comprehensive & may be confusing or overwhelming at first.

VO vs FDL Coding

See Notes on Retrofits

NOTE: "CODE" = VO Coding. "Code FDL" = FDL Coding

3. Connecting To Vehicle:

• E-sys Launcher: Select actual chassis (eg. F015 for 2014+ X5)
  
• E-sys Connection Target: representative mainseries (eg. F025 for X5). See Target Window Below.
  • Info in "Launcher Targets and Chassis" PDF & "install instructions" in linked guides (above)
• NOTE: Incorrect Launcher Chassis selection results in unmapped (ie without descriptions) ECU in FDL-Editor and Incorrect Connection Target results in "doesn't map to an item" read errors

For proper connection:

• Make sure motor is running if car is not connected to External Charger.
  • This maintains battery voltage (See note below), provides power to all ECU's, and allows HVAC to run for more coding session.
• Disable Third party Security Suites (ie Antivirus / Firewall / etc)
• LAN Adapter is set for DHCP and not using a Static IP.
• The Target Connection Window should not be blank (See multiple target connections for different chassis)

CAUTION WARNING: Besides initial connection, the following conditions can corrupt ECU's if vehicle & computer communication is disrupted:

• Vehicle shutdown during coding because battery voltage is not maintain using either engine or external PSU
• Lose or low quality cable / adapter.
• Computer shuts down due to loss of battery.

4. Helpful Hints & Acronyms:

• NEVER select "Code Default Values." It actually refers to an "Initial [unprocessed] State," which is not equal to "factory values."
• Develop or utilize a system to track changes that works for you. One way is using BMW Coding Database
  • Search descriptions or function values & import codes (via selecting "To Car Profile") into created Car Profiles
• E-sys Vehicle Files Backup:
  • Net-Coded Data: "Reading Coding Data" ==> processed car data in the form of an *.ncd's file (C:\data\CAF).
    • Prior to saving FDL-editor changes or "Reading Coding Data," move or copy these files to another location; otherwise, they will be overwritten
    • Using TokenMaster's NCD / CAFD Tool (NCD Compare) is just one way these can be used to highlight differences.
  • Comparatively, FA's (C:\data\FA) & SVT's (C:\data\SVT) must be manually saved after read from vehicle. Use as offline reference, but always read SVT from vehicle
• Normal Behavior & What to Expect:
  • Prior to coding, backup your vehicle key profiles to a USB stick using idrive menus b/c saved preferences, including seat settings & hotkeys, may be erased depending on which ECU's you code
  • When VO or FDL coding, the associated car functions will power cycle (eg., HU_NBT turns off and show boot animation)
  • After FDL coding certain ECU's, various errors in the instrument cluster (eg, KOMBI) or head unit (eg, HU_NBT(2)) may appear
    • It is fine as long as E-sys pop-up shows "Report – "0" Errors"
    • For KOMBI, you may have to reset clock
    • Others (eg. ACSM or ICM) will clear with driving or External Transmitter as described in ShawnSheridan's install instructions
• Other Acronyms
  • VCM = Vehicle Configuration Management. The following two are pulled when "Read":
    • FA = Fahrzeugauftrag (German for Vehicle Order): Vehicle Profile, including VIN, upholstery, & factory options. Same information as found in Decoded VIN.
  • SVT = Software Variant Table: Lists all vehicle ECU's & their current firmware. Like FA's, it contains zero actual vehicle coding parameters.
  • ECU = electronic Control Unit (Complete CAFD_ID's LIST). SVT will list ECU name & CAFD_ID (eg, HU_NBT & CAFD_00000DED, respectively). Know CAFD_ID's to load NCD's in FDL-Editor.
  • CAFD = Processed CAF

5. Cheat Sheets:

Coding Made Easier (Cheat Codes in E-Sys Launcher): See Video @1:25

NOTE1: Use Launcher Pro to sync or manually download latest Cheat Codes from Github. Place in one or more of the following directories:

• C:\Program Files (x86)\TokenMaster\E-Sys Launcher Premium\FDLCodes
• C:\Program Files (x86)\TokenMaster\E-Sys Launcher PRO\FDLCodes

NOTE2: Make your own using either this or this guide.

Make sure to "Review" potential changes before applying because funktions move around and present codes may not be relevant to vehicle.

• Cheat Sheets also found in linked Guide (Section 4 "Getting Started") as well as BMW Coding Database (link in Section 4).
• NOTE: Coding is Hardware Specific; this relates to ECU's and other components like Headlamps. See Technical Training Docs (On individual chassis threads), specifically "General Vehicle Electronics" for ECU Functions.
  • Example: DO NOT use Cheat Sheets or Launcher Cheat Codes meant for halogen lamps on Xenons or LED's.
  • Example: You will not find Fem_Body in a 5-series or BDC_Body in an M3.
  • Example: Folding mirrors via CA (Requires 322 CA) or keyFOB (Requires 430 / 430 Power Mirrors)
• Cheat Sheets (No longer Made and Updated)
  • Grouped by Shared ECU's (See Section 1 "Supported Chassis" & Section 6 "CAFD_ID's"):
    • F001 & F010 & F025. Main Module = FRM (CAFD_0000106D) and CAS (CAFD_0000000F).
    • F020. Also used F030. Main Modules are Fem_Body (Front, CAFD_00000794) & REM (Rear, CAFD_000007A1)
    • F030 Main Modules are Fem_Body (Front) & REM (Rear)
    • F015 & F048 & F056. Main Module is BDC_Body.
    • I001. Main Module is BDC_Body
    • G01, G05, G012 & G30. No Cheat Sheets. Main Module is BDC_Body (CAFD_000017BC or CAFD_00005FA9, CAFD_000017BD, CAFD_00001DF7, CAFD_00001DF8).

Hello sir.
I've downloaded the latest cheat code from github... can u tell me real quick how to install it?

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

Hello sir.
I've downloaded the latest cheat code from github... can u tell me real quick how to install it?

Copy the .xml files to C:\Program Files (x86)\TokenMaster\E-Sys Launcher Premium\FDLCodes.

Thanks sir. Much appreciated

Helooo, coded my cousin's F10 today and was unable to locate the file for changing i-drive screen to the M emblem, used the cheat sheet but couldn't see it. Is it possibly called something else on other models. Thanks guys.

Also when updating the software on the F10 there was no selection for DME, ICM or DSC. Anyone know why?

Originally Posted by Rico1902

Helooo, coded my cousin's F10 today and was unable to locate the file for changing i-drive screen to the M emblem, used the cheat sheet but couldn't see it. Is it possibly called something else on other models. Thanks guys.

If car has CIC Head Unit, and not NBT, then ///M Logo cannot be coded.

Originally Posted by Rico1902

Also when updating the software on the F10 there was no selection for DME, ICM or DSC. Anyone know why?

If you mean in Flash TAL, maybe these ECU's had no Updates. With each new release, not every ECU receives updated firmware.

Thanks again Shawn I will look into it.

Do you guys recommend any places to get an ENET cable?

Originally Posted by Degenerate

Do you guys recommend any places to get an ENET cable?

BimmerGeeks:

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/product-...eks-enet-cable

Hello,
Thank you guys for your help in advance.
Yesterday, I upgraded my fog lights into Led ones. However, when I tried to code them, in (FEM_ BODY) I was surprised to receive an error message telling me that " file for cafd xxxxxxxxxxxxxx not found" ( photos attached)
I checked the other modules, and I found another error message in (ACSM)

History of coding:
last year I coded 2 things only, M performance logo, and Auto Start/Stop memory. I followed the directions as advised by Shawn, and everything was fine.
After some long visits to the dealer because of a noise problem to be fixed under warranty 2 months ago, I noticed that I've lost these too codings; M performance logo, and Auto start/ stop memory. My thought was that the dealer has recorded the car, or reset it to default.
I don't know what exactly has been done to the car by the dealer. What do you guys think? and what can I do to solve this problem?
here are links to the photos in case the attached ones aren't clear
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...zQ3RXpoN3FZdTA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...2otZG9CZkZFQlU

Regards,
Albert

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

Hello,
Thank you guys for your help in advance.
Yesterday, I upgraded my fog lights into Led ones. However, when I tried to code them, in (FEM_ BODY) I was surprised to receive an error message telling me that " file for cafd xxxxxxxxxxxxxx not found" ( photos attached)
I checked the other modules, and I found another error message in (ACSM)

History of coding:
last year I coded 2 things only, M performance logo, and Auto Start/Stop memory. I followed the directions as advised by Shawn, and everything was fine.
After some long visits to the dealer because of a noise problem to be fixed under warranty 2 months ago, I noticed that I've lost these too codings; M performance logo, and Auto start/ stop memory. My thought was that the dealer has recorded the car, or reset it to default.
I don't know what exactly has been done to the car by the dealer. What do you guys think? and what can I do to solve this problem?

Regards,
Albert

No photo, but "CAFD not found [C012]" error just means it is time to update PSDZ. It is available to download in the other sticky.

Likely dealership flash programmed vehicle.

Hello Shawn,
Thx for your help, last year I coded my car with no experience in coding at all. I took the car to the dealer, and seems like they reset it to default. Or updated the software.
I tried to code it yesterday, but some files are missing.
I posted a thread before this one because I was scared that somethin was wrong with the car, then I did some research and found that I need to update my pasdaza.
please help

regards,
Albert

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

Hello Shawn,
Thx for your help, last year I coded my car with no experience in coding at all. I took the car to the dealer, and seems like they reset it to default. Or updated the software.
I tried to code it yesterday, but some files are missing.
I posted a thread before this one because I was scared that somethin was wrong with the car, then I did some research and found that I need to update my pasdaza.
please help

regards,
Albert

Something wrong with links in OP?:

Coding: (No Request) Latest Software Links

Originally Posted by Almaretto

No photo, but "CAFD not found [C012]" error just means it is time to update PSDZ. It is available to download in the other sticky.

Likely dealership flash programmed vehicle.

Thanks for your reply, Almaretto. I've just seen it.
Do I have to reinstall PSZD, or just update it?
is there any instructions for the update?

thx

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

Thanks for your reply, Almaretto. I've just seen it.
Do I have to reinstall PSZD, or just update it?
is there any instructions for the update?

thx

Deleted existing psdzdata folder and replace with new version. Do NOT merge old and new.

Originally Posted by shawnsheridan

Deleted existing psdzdata folder and replace with new version. Do NOT merge old and new.

Sorry for the stupid questions, but I'm not very good with software stuff.
so, I go to data folder, and delete psdzdata folder only, and paste the new one.
would you kindly send me the link to the new psdzdata download, Almaretto sent me the link in the previous post, but I found many files their...

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

Sorry for the stupid questions, but I'm not very good with software stuff.
so, I go to data folder, and delete psdzdata folder only, and paste the new one.
would you kindly send me the link to the new psdzdata download, Almaretto sent me the link in the previous post, but I found many files their...

That is exactly what is written. Delete existing and replace with new. Link to PSDZ contains two files, one is PDF and other is archive; you need the ladder.

Thank you Almaretto!! you are my savior!!!!
one last question, is it ok to code the car while engine is running? My battery is a bit old and I don't have a charger.

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

Thank you Almaretto!! you are my savior!!!!
one last question, is it ok to code the car while engine is running? My battery is a bit old and I don't have a charger.

Engine should be running, unless coding DME/DDE (Engine ECU).

Originally Posted by Almaretto

Engine should be running, unless coding DME/DDE (Engine ECU).

I did some coding before with engine off maybe because I've used ISTA+ for diagnosing problems and erasing fault memory and the engine should be off .. that's why I thought coding is the same.

Thanks alot

Originally Posted by Albert Goodman

I did some coding before with engine off maybe because I've used ISTA+ for diagnosing problems and erasing fault memory and the engine should be off .. that's why I thought coding is the same.

Thanks alot

I use ISTA+ with engine on. If clearing faults (on newer versions), program will power cycle vehicle.

Engine is run to maintain battery voltage and provide communication to all ECU's. If you are quick, and do mostly offline coding, then engine does not have to be on. However, you do not want vehicle to auto-shutdown while coding and potentially corrupt ECU's.

I've made some progress trying to do a little coding on my 328i and have reached the point where I want to backup default. Instructions say engine should be off however everywhere else instructions is suggest keeping the engine on while coding to keep battery power up. In my case during the read of defaults the car just turned itself off (timed out) as the engine was not running. Is there really a downside to running the engine while backing up default settings? Thanks in advance,

Originally Posted by slothinker

I've made some progress trying to do a little coding on my 328i and have reached the point where I want to backup default. Instructions say engine should be off however everywhere else instructions is suggest keeping the engine on while coding to keep battery power up. In my case during the read of defaults the car just turned itself off (timed out) as the engine was not running. Is there really a downside to running the engine while backing up default settings? Thanks in advance,

You should run motor all the time unless you are coding DME module, and since there is nothing to code in DME anyway, you don't even have to worry about it.

And coding backups are worthless. You can reset ECU to factory settings simply by VO Coding it.

I coded the Sport Display on my 2011 F10 535iX. It showed the units of kW for power and Nm for torque. When I floored the car, the torque meter maxed at 400 Nm which is about 300 ft-lb that matches my car's spec. Recently I coded the hp and ft-lb units for the Sport Display. However, when I floor the car, the max torque still reaches the the scale of 400 which now should mean 400 ft-lb. Am I missing something? Or the Sport Display is just imitative?