Every control module on the 2023-2026 BMW i7 — 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.
Electric Motor Electronics (EME) 3.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with electric motor assembly, rear axle area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls electric motor inverter and power delivery. Requires high-voltage safety procedures.
Integrated Heating/Air Conditioning (IHKA) 2.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dashboard, HVAC unit
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls climate including heat pump system for EV efficiency. VIN coding required.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) 2.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area or integrated with steering rack
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Requires steering angle sensor calibration and VIN coding after replacement.
Electronic Transmission Control / Transmission Control Unit (EGS/TCU) 2.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with single-speed transmission, rear axle area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Single-speed transmission control. Requires VIN coding and adaptation.
Body Domain Controller / Front Electronic Module (BDC/FEM) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind glove box, passenger side footwell area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Central body control. Controls lighting, wipers, comfort functions. VIN coding mandatory.
Night Vision / Pedestrian Detection (KAFAS/NV) 1.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Front grille area, center
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Infrared night vision camera. Requires calibration and integration with HU display.
Head Unit / Central Information Display (HU/NBT EVO/iDrive 8) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dashboard display
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ iDrive 8 system with curved display. Requires VIN coding and feature activation.
Vertical Dynamics Management (VDM) 1.5 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, center tunnel area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Coordinates suspension, steering, braking for integrated chassis control.
Central Gateway Module (ZGW/CGW) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind glove box or center console area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Security gateway. Controls all module access. Replacement requires dealer-level authentication and full vehicle recoding.
Rear Seat Module / Executive Lounge Control (RSM) 1.2 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under rear seats
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ i7 Executive Lounge package includes powered rear seats with massage, heating, ventilation. Separate module from front seats.
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, rear firewall area or under rear seat (electric motor controller)
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ i7 is fully electric; DME controls electric motor. Requires ISN synchronization with CAS. Dealer authentication mandatory.
Active Cruise Control Radar / Driving Assistant (ACC/KAFAS) 1.2 hr R&R security gateway +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Front bumper center, behind grille
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Adaptive cruise, collision warning, autonomous emergency braking. Requires radar aim calibration.
Instrument Cluster / Kombi-Instrument (KOMBI) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, driver side
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Full digital display. Mileage programming requires dealer authentication.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, left front near brake master cylinder
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Integrated ABS/DSC/traction control. Brake bleed and calibration required after replacement.
Door Module (FZD/TRSVC) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside each door (4 modules total)
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls windows, mirrors, door locks, soft-close. Each door has independent module.
Electric Charging Control Module (ECCM) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Near charging port, front fender area
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls AC/DC charging functions. Replaces traditional fuel pump module in EV architecture.
Car Access System (CAS) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +1.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area or dashboard
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls keyless entry, immobilizer, start/stop. All keys must be re-synchronized. ISN required.
Tailgate Module (HKL/HKFM) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside tailgate
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls power tailgate, soft-close, kick sensor.
Telematics Communication Box (TCB/TCU) 1.0 hr R&R security gateway +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear parcel shelf area or under rear seat
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ 5G connectivity. Requires SIM activation and BMW ConnectedDrive subscription pairing.
Advanced Crash Safety Module (ACSM) 0.8 hr R&R security gateway +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center console area, under front seats
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Controls all airbags and restraint systems. Crash data must be cleared with ISTA.
Adaptive LED Headlight Module (AHL/KAFAS) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in each headlight assembly
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Adaptive LED with matrix beam. Requires headlight aim calibration after coding.
Park Distance Control (PDC) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear trunk area or behind rear bumper
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Ultrasonic parking sensors front and rear.
Rear View Camera (RFK) 0.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Tailgate, above license plate
🔧 BMW ISTA + ICOM Next
⚠️ Backup camera with dynamic guidelines.
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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