LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> BMW >> 2002 >> Z8 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> General Information >> OEM General Information >> Coding And Programming - Overview - All Models >> Coding & Programming >> DME Variant Code >> Variant Code Structure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Variant Code Structure

The four digit structure of the variant code is a two word hex code. Each hex character provides specific control module encoding information

Fig 1: Identifying Variant Code Structure
G03402935Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Each hex digit has a binary equivalent that provides four 1s or Os. This provides a total of 16 bits of information (or choices).

The control module assigns specific functions, characteristic maps and control module program constants based on the individual 1s and Os.

Fig 2: Identifying Variant Code Map Definitions
G03402936Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Intentionally miscoding a DME will not create any performance advantages and quite possibly could lead to engine damage.