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Variant Code Procedure: Notes

In the event that an M1.x control module needs to be replaced or recoded the process can be accessed through Progman with CIP 15.0 or higher.

To perform the procedure from CIP the Model series must be selected.

Then select the body (E32, E36 ...)

Fig 1: Selecting Model Series Selection Menu
G03397919Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Select: "Progammierung" 

Advance screen to the right two times to enter the programming/variant coding selection screen.

Fig 2: Selecting Progammierung
G03397920Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

From the "Selection" screen:

Select: "DME Variant Code" 

Select: "Exchange Control Unit" 

Select: The Engine version installed on the connected vehicle to be coded Ex. "M40/42/43"

The following steps are based on the selection of "M40/42/43":

"M40/42/43 4-Cyl. has been selected ? Y/N"

Select: "Y" 

"Is the vehicle fitted with a DME M1.7.3 (M43 engine from 9/95) ? Y/N"

Select: "N" 

Select: 1 "New Coding" 

Select: 1 "Adopt code from old control unit"  and follow the procedure indicated once selection is made.

OR

Select: 2 "Enter code manually"  (See ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ECM/DME INFORMATION  for Variant Code) and follow the procedure indicated once selection is made.

If DME M1.X control module replacement is required, determine which method of variant coding you will need.

NOTE: For vehicles produced with the M42B19 engine (M1.7.2 Engine Control Module) a replacement EPROM was made available for vehicles produced 1/94-12/95 to address a service issue. Since the control module for this engine requires a variant code in order to assign the correct operating data to the program a variant code must still be assigned to the module upon installing the EPROM.