What the heck is coding, anyway?

+ What’s the difference between coding, programming, and retrofitting? (Short version)

Coding, programming, and flashing are often interchangeably used by dealers, BMW coding services, and others on forums. Our definitions are below:

Coding changes settings on your car to enable or disable functionality.

Programming enables you to do a replacement of vehicle modules and write your vehicle’s identification data.

Retrofitting allows you to change your car’s options list, either adding or removing an option (such as deleting air suspension or adding paddle shifters)

+ What’s the difference between coding, programming, and retrofitting? (Long version)

Coding, programming, and flashing are often interchangeably used by dealers, BMW coding services, and others on forums. Our definitions are below:

Coding: The most straightforward of the three. Many BMWs have hidden functionality built right into their modules which are disabled from the factory. Some may be disabled per regulatory requirements, some may be for liability reasons, and others still may be disabled because vehicle outfitting.

Programming: Most BMW modules contain vehicle identification data (VID) such as mileage or VIN. This is done to create redundancies within the different modules in the car to safeguard against mileage/odometer fraud. Unfortunately, this same safeguard makes easy replacement of a failed module impossible. When we program a module, we erase the donor car VID, and write new VID accordingly.

Retrofitting: This process allows us to change the vehicle order (VO/FA) of your vehicle, enabling or disabling various options. Once a vehicle has been electronically retrofitted, a “revert-to-stock” action can be executed, allowing the new option setup to take effect. This service is required in transmission conversions, removal of problematic equipment (such as E53 air suspension) or addition of desired equipment (such as paddle shifters, heated seats, etc).

+ Can you code my car? What sorts of things can you do?

Great question! Check out the BCNA order list for an overview of some of our cars. If yours is not on the list, please submit a request, and a list of options available for that chassis will be provided to you.

+ I have a question that’s not covered here. What do I do?

Awesome! Please use the Contact Us link, and we’ll be in touch.