So I took my 2010 328i to a local euro shop for a brake fluid service. A few hours later they call and say that the lights aren't working. I had no problems prior to dropping off the car. At the end of the day the shop calls and says I need a new FRM / footwell module and it will cost over $500 to replace (in addition to the brake fluid service).

Needless to say, I am super skeptical about the entire situation. The shop insists that the FRM failure is just a coincidence. They told me that from failure is common. I never had any lighting, window, or other electrical problems before I brought it to the shop.

Currently, I have asked them not to work on the car so that I can take it to the dealership. I don't trust them. At any rate I will likely be out of pocket between $500-$1000.

I tried doing research on frm failures but found very little. Am I being taken? Any know anything about from module failure?

i've read over the years that a couple have been replaced, so definetly possible, however it seems to be quite rare. Mine has glitch in it, where the scroll wheel to raise and lower the headlights (halogen) sometimes works, but since I don't really care about that function anyway, I've just left it as it always stays in the highest setting anyway. But it's a bit of a coincidence to have just failed exactly when you took it to them, but I still don't know what options you have apart from taking it somewhere else for another opinion.

 

I agree it could just be a coincidence but it seems hard to swallow.
When you take it to the dealership ask them if they can determine the cause of failure before you go back to the first shop and raise hell unnecessarily.


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You can buy a used FRM and code it in. You can even upgrade from your FRM2 to FRM 3. You'll get a couple new features, nothing crazy.

FRM sits in the driver's side footwell, by the OBDII port. It's about the same location under the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay. I can't say for sure that fluid can leak into the cabin at that location, but I would pull the cover for the FRM module and see if there is any liquid there.

 

hi, do you know where i can find a diy how to code new frm module to e90? thanks

 

This really sucks. I'll need to take it to the dealer so that means pretty much missing a day of work on top of all the repair costs.

Also the windows are open and cannot be closed. So no lights and windows down. It is cold these days.

 

I would follow fdriller's advice before any evidence you have could evaporate. Should be easy to get to.

I recently did my first brake fluid job in the summer with a pressure bleeder. The cap wasn't sealed 100.00% and a bit leaked out, I was pretty careful with covering a lot of things, but flushed a bit of water down in the area for good measure (because it will eat paint). The water seemed to drip out nearby where the jack point is behind the wheel, FYI.

I don't know about other methods, but I have come across certain DIY mistakes made on other cars where they are nearly "gushing" out brake fluid. If a mechanic did this on accident, I could see them pouring a lot of water down in the area, I'm just dumbly guessing, some of the knowledgeable mechanics here might know what does typically happen.

It is a weird "coincidence". It's one thing if they were fixing a flat tire at the right rear, but that FRM is indeed right in that area where brake fluid goes, and roughly in the path of where my "dripping water" had flowed to.

 

So I took my 2010 328i to a local euro shop for a brake fluid service. A few hours later they call and say that the lights aren't working. I had no problems prior to dropping off the car. At the end of the day the shop calls and says I need a new FRM / footwell module and it will cost over $500 to replace (in addition to the brake fluid service).

Needless to say, I am super skeptical about the entire situation. The shop insists that the FRM failure is just a coincidence. They told me that from failure is common. I never had any lighting, window, or other electrical problems before I brought it to the shop.

Currently, I have asked them not to work on the car so that I can take it to the dealership. I don't trust them. At any rate I will likely be out of pocket between $500-$1000.

I tried doing research on frm failures but found very little. Am I being taken? Any know anything about from module failure?

Well, let's be fair - coincidences do happen - you may give them the benefit of the doubt.

In other news, shares of the Golden Gate Bridge are, as to TODAY, available for purchase! I am the sole broker, and must be contacted for this ground floor opportunity. HURRY! Shares are expected to triple in valve over the next 7 days and available lots of 100 shares are limited! Par value, for next 32 hours only, expiring midnight tomorrow, are $35/share. Please PM to purchase!!

Now then. Where were we? Footwell module! [VIEW PCB HERE] Looks like - thank God! - a conformal coating has been applied. For those not in the printed circuit board industry, that's a coating, usually clear or black, that protects the board from liquids and dirt. Big question: Will Glycol [brake fluid] compromise the coating? And if so, why on Earth did BMW put a coated board there?

Questions for the mighty Oracle to answer - I make no such claim for myself. But I would like a peek at your board, ZappBrannigan. Whattya say?? Hi res photo front & rear?

.

 

I don't have the car right now. I ask for the damaged module.

 

Be sure they know that early on - fax is good 'cause there's a receive receipt - they can't deny they got it - can't say they didn't know. Demand that board!

 

If water or brake fluid is entering the cabin from the vicinity of the brake fluid reservoir, you have bigger/more insidious problems than a dead footwell module.

Rule #1 when repairing consequential damages caused by a leak: You begin by fixing the leak. :thumbup:

 

The shop owner says he will pay for the repair cost if the dealer says the shop caused the problem. So this may be something that cannot be proven. Makes me think that fluid did not leak on the module, as that would be obvious evidence.

 

Having replaced the FRM I can tell you that it isn't much fun since I am a big guy and it was winter when I did it.
Mine was actually fine but I coded the car back to the OEM settings.
It is possible that the FRM failed but for a total failure that is highly unusual. Usually when an FRM fails it is because someone shorted a light or window motor. The FRM 3 I believe can be reset like a fuse.
The only way the dealership can tell if the problem was the shops is if there is a fluid in the wiring harness to FRM that can be detected. I have not seem brake fluid make it inside the cabin when some was spilled before but then again it is impossible to rule everything out.

A serviceable FRM 2 or 3 is not expensive and you can have coding done externally if you have a laptop with wifi connection. Some of our members in the coding section offer this service to members. You might want to check that out.

Again total failure is very rare compared to some areas on the FRM failing...

 

what section and where is the location of members that do BMW CODING? cant find it on here thanks

 

Mr willemse

Which number on the FRM can I use to buy a used one.Can I use a FRM of a 2011 on a 2007 E90

 

Hi guys, I recently encountered all my lights signal didn't work, remote locks not expo ding and power windows is not working. What was wrong?

Thanks in advance

Regards,
Billy

 

Foot well module

Just to let you guys know. I replace my module with a used unit from either 2007 or 2008 328i. My vehicle is 2011 328i and had no interior lights, no control over the headlights, Windows wouldn't work ect. Of course after battery replacement. I've read several times throughout the posts that a used unit would require programming. Not sure why or how but all is working normal with my vehicle with no programming. No numbers matched on the unit but the number located in the square. Hope this information is helpful.

 

Just to let you guys know. I replace my module with a used unit from either 2007 or 2008 328i. My vehicle is 2011 328i and had no interior lights, no control over the headlights, Windows wouldn't work ect. Of course after battery replacement. I've read several times throughout the posts that a used unit would require programming. Not sure why or how but all is working normal with my vehicle with no programming. No numbers matched on the unit but the number located in the square. Hope this information is helpful.

There is now an extended warranty out for certain FRM modules

 

Frm footwell module

Right after my car left the dealership from them fixing recalls , the Airbag replacement and the Gas Tank the check engine light came on and and guess what the issue is the Footwell Module. Well little did i know BMW FOOTWELL MODULE: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 8 YEARS/125,000 MILES. I am NOW the unhappy owner of not one but 2 BMW vehicles and my 2011 BMW X5 that almost has 125977 miles Footwell Module goes out. I called BMW Warranty and guess what !! They refuse to assist with covering the issue that they know is a problem that will arise!! To many issues with both of my cars 528xi and the x5.

 

Im having a similar issue. My 2010 323 failed to start 3 straight mornings so i had to boost it. Not knowing i shouldnt, i boosted it from the battery using a truck. It would start fine after that and no lights of a low battery. Only in the am -20. Started this morning no issues no boost but signals, interior light's and headlights dont work. Everything else is fine. ??? FrM module? Or a fuse.

Would dissconecting the negative wire on battery to reset computer work??

 

I have a 2012 328-1 hard top convertible. Was installing an aftermarket back up camera that ties into the navigation-display system. First thing it says to do is disconnect the negative terminal at the battery.

Worked on installing, but didn't connect it electrically. Windows were all down as we're in and out of the car. I reconnected the negative battery cable, and windows won't go up or down, remote works but no chirp, no turn signals.

My local repair shop in the Santa Cruz, CA area, said to bring it in. The ran their computer on it, tested fuses and said it was the FCM( footwell control module). Cost was about $500 list. Known common uncommon problem. They said they didn't have the $10k computer system and it needed to go to a dealer. They said that I can't take it out as, the whole car will be dead. I got the part from Knaz BMW in Illinois. They, like some of the dealers, have an online branch, and I got 30% off. https://www.bmwpartsnow.com. My independent shop provided me with the part number that I needed. For my car with my features this was the part .

ECM
Part Number: 61-35-6-827-064 Other Names: Foot-Well Module 3 613020

I was told by my local shop and the dealer guy that these FCM's go sometimes for no reason, and that they're in series with other control modules and that they have to be programmed once installed. That is you can't just install it and drive. He said your car won't even start with the module changed out unless it's programmed. He said in 2015 BMW created a single module( for that year forward) and have all the functions in that one and it seemed to get rid of this problem. I guess it happens in other models as well.

My independent shop theorized that if one put a battery charger on the cables and then disconnected the battery,that would be one way to solve the "uncommon" problem that seems to be out there. One of the guys at the shop had this same exact problem.

Sort of cold driving in winter with the windows all down.

 

Some Extended Coverage



I have just found out that some cars are covered with an extended warranty for 8 years 12k miles.
http://www.bmw-rp.com/production/bmw/reimbursement_bmw_portal.nsf

Check with the dealer for your vin and see if it's covered before buying the part.

 

I live in Canada, got a couple quotes to either fix or get a new FRM module. $1300-1600 New with programing. Or $500-600 to fix old one at a chip tuner repair shop.

I went on EBAY and ended up ordering a compatible FRM module from Sweden for $150. I watched YouTube videos on how to take the old FRM module out which was easy then installed the new one. The car runs without the FRM foot module. You just won't have break lights or signals. I drove it to a chip tuner to get coded and programmed for $80. It's all fix and working fine for a total of $ 230 bux.

I recommend if your ever wanting to get angel headlights don't pay the $2000+. Go on EBAY and get a refurbished FRM module that will power them and buy the lights on EBAY or find a deal. You can get it done for maybe $800-$1200.

 

guys will be guys they stick together thank u for ur advice..