Every control module on the 2024-2026 BMW 3 Series G20 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Integrated Heating/Air Conditioning (IHKA) 3.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash, above transmission tunnel
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Dash removal typically required; LCI models may have enhanced integration
Electronic Transmission Control / Transmission Control Unit (EGS/TCU) 2.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Transmission housing or tunnel near transmission
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Adaptation and VIN coding required; ZGW authentication mandatory
Electric Power Steering (EPS) 2.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column or rack housing
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement
Head Unit / Central Information Display (HU/CID/EVO) 2.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center dash behind iDrive screen
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ iDrive 8.0 on LCI models; FSC codes for navigation/features may need reactivation; enhanced security
Body Domain Controller / Footwell Module / Front Electronic Module (BDC/FRM/FEM) 1.8 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Driver footwell behind kick panel
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Central body control; replacement requires full vehicle order coding and ZGW authentication
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, left front near brake master cylinder
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Brake bleeding and calibration required after replacement; ZGW authentication required
Central Gateway Module (ZGW/CGW) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +2.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind glove box or center console area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Security gateway; replacement requires dealer-level authentication and may require multiple module re-coding
Car Access System (CAS) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +2.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area or behind dash
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ All keys must be re-programmed; ISN sync with DME required; ZGW authentication mandatory; Digital Key 2.0 support on LCI
Active Cruise Control Radar / Driving Assistant Professional (ACC/DAP) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Front bumper center behind grille
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Radar calibration and alignment required; LCI models may have enhanced ADAS features; ZGW authentication required
Instrument Cluster / Kombi-Instrument (KOMBI) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel in driver binnacle
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Mileage programming requires dealer authentication; ZGW locked; LCI may feature updated display
Door Module (TRSVC/FZD) 1.2 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.4 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside each door panel (typically front doors)
🔧 BMW ISTA or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Controls windows, mirrors, locks per door; coding usually straightforward
Digital Motor Electronics / Digital Diesel Electronics (DME/DDE) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, rear firewall or left side near shock tower
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ ISN synchronization with CAS required; ZGW authentication mandatory; enhanced security on LCI models
Advanced Crash Safety Module (ACSM) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center console tunnel or under front seats
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Crash data must be cleared; occupant detection calibration may be required
Top View Camera / Rear View Camera (TVM/RFK) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Trunk lid (rear camera) or mirrors/grille (surround cameras)
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Surround view system; calibration required after replacement
Adaptive Headlight Module / Camera-Based Driver Assistance (AHL/KAFAS) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlight assemblies or windshield camera housing
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ KAFAS includes camera for lane assist; calibration required; LCI models may have enhanced ADAS requiring ZGW authentication
Tailgate Module (HKL) 1.0 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.4 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside trunk lid (sedan) or liftgate (wagon)
🔧 BMW ISTA or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Controls power trunk/liftgate; not present on all trims
Digital Display Key Module (DDK) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with CAS or separate module near steering column
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Digital Key Plus (UWB) on LCI models; requires dealer programming and key pairing; not on all trims
Electronic Damper Control / Vertical Dynamics Management (EDC/VDM) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Trunk area or under rear seat
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Adaptive suspension; calibration and ride height adaptation required; not on all trims
Telematics Communication Box (TCB/TCU) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Trunk area, left or right side panel, or under rear seat
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ ConnectedDrive services; 5G capability on LCI models; SIM and subscription activation required
Fuel Pump Control Module (EKPM) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Trunk floor under access panel or near fuel tank
🔧 BMW ISTA or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Basic coding; most aftermarket tools can handle
Park Distance Control (PDC) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Trunk area or rear bumper
🔧 BMW ISTA or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Parking sensors; basic coding
Seat Module (SM) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under front seats (driver and/or passenger)
🔧 BMW ISTA or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Controls seat memory and heating/ventilation; basic coding sufficient
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour?
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