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Automatic ZCS Retrieval and Coding of Control Modules

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 136 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 760Li, 2008 BMW 650i, 2007 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Control units which store the ZCS code (Instrument cluster, EWS) require that the data be transferred out of the faulty module to the coding software first before automatic coding can continue. If the defective control module cannot communicate with the coding software then coding would have to continue manually.

After installing a replacement module the software searches for all ZCS codable modules according to the stored ZCS code.

The ZCS is copied by the coding software and stored in memory. The program extracts the necessary information from the copied ZCS and generates coding data for the exchanged module. The coding software automatically sends the data to the control module which codes it for a particular vehicle version

Vehicles that have Vehicle and Key Memory capabilities modify the ZCS code in a particular module to enable certain features.

When recoding or replacing a module the ZCS will be restored to the basic settings and individual changes to the code will be lost, as well as the modified functionality.

To prevent from returning a vehicle to a customer without the VKM selections, always use the "Print List" option of the Vehicle/Key memory menu.

Verify from the list that any changes made are restored to the vehicle.

Fig 1: Identifying Automatic ZCS Retrieval And Coding Of Control Modules
G03402887Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.