My job as the BMW Catalog Manager at FCP Euro makes it a necessity that I live and breath BMW. However, even I can admit that I don't have the answers to everything. What I am good at is teaching myself and learning as I go. One such topic I learned this past year and have a grown a deep understanding for is BMW's part numbering system for the BMW catalog we offer online.
- There is no warranty for the correct alignment between abbreviations and meanings, because all the sources are not directly related to BMW but to third party documents Due to unsufficient technical knowledge, I wasn’t able to translate every module name from English to Germen language or vice versa.
- This is for a BMW Bluetooth MULF TCU Repair and Coding service for your BMW bluetooth module not working. If you have a BMW E90 3 Series or E60 5 Series, E70 or E87 1 Series or similar and if your car is fitted with a factory fitted bluetooth module known as the MULF or TCU then we can repair this.
- The ability to program a module is limited to the number of times it has already been programmed and the hardware version of the control module itself. What is I-level (or Integration Level)? The ECU’s in a BMW are not meant to be updated individually, rather as a collection which BMW tested and knows all work fine together.
- Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm.
BMWSections.com Archived Manuals, Documents & Resources for BMW Motor Vehicles
Technical acronyms, abbreviations and terminology as seen in the BMW user manuals and BMW service documents.
A
AAR - Automatic Air Recirculation.
AB - Airbag (airbag system).
ABL - Brake system warning Lamp.
ABS - Anti-lock Braking System.
AC - Air Conditioning.
ACC - Active Cruise Control.
ACS - Active Comfort Seats.
ACSM - Advanced Crash Safety Module.
ADB / ADB-X - Automatic Differential Braking.
ADAS - Advanced Driver Assistance System.
ADS - Engine intake air control.
ADV - Windshield wiper pressure control.
AEGS - Automatic Electronic Gearbox Control (also EGS).
AFM - Air Flow Meter.
AGD - Suction silencer.
AGR - Emission reduction.
AGS - Adaptive transmission control.
AG - Automatic Gearbox (transmission).
AHL - Adaptive Headlights.
AHK - Active rear-axle Kinematics.
AHK - Trailer hitch.
AHM - Trailer Module (not US models).
AHPS - Advanced HPS.
AIC - Automatic Interval Control (rain sensor).
AKF - Activated carbon canister.
AKS - Active head restraint.
AKS - Pressure regulating device.
ALC - Automatic Light Control.
ALR - Automatic Lamp Range Adjustment.
ALR - Automatic-locking retractors.
AMM - Air Mass Meter.
AMP - Radio system AMPlifier.
ARI - Car radio information system.
ARRB - Automatic Rear Roller Blind.
ARS - Active Roll Stabilization.
ASC - All Season traction.
ASC - Automatic Stability Control.
ASC-EZA - ASC w/ engine timing and injection intervention.
ASC+T - ASC+ Traction control.
ASK - Audio System controller (Kontroller).
ASR - Self starter block relay.
AST - Automatic Slip control (marketing term).
AST - All Season Traction.
AT - Antenna.
ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid.
ATL - Exhaust gas turbo charger.
AS - Active Steering.
AUC - Automatic air recirculation.
AUT - AUTomatic transmission.
AVT - Antenna amplifier Tuner.
AZD - Tightening torque specifications.
A/D - Analog/Digital.
B
B - Benzene (petrol, gasoline).
BAT - BATtery.
BC - Board Computer.
BC1 - Body Controller (#1).
BL - Brake Light.
BLS - Brake Light Switch.
BMBT - Board Monitor.
BMW - Bavarian Motor Works (Bayerische Motoren Werke).
BS - Block diagram.
BST - Battery Safety Terminal.
BVA - Brake pad wear indicator.
BZM - Center console control center.
BZMF - Center console control center, rear.
C
CA - Comfort Access, also Client Advisor.
CAN - Controller Area Network (Multiple ECU Controller).
CAN-Bus - Controller Area Network (bus).
CANH-Bus - CAN bus, High.
CANL-Bus - CAN bus, Low.
CANP - Fuel tank ventilation valve.
CAS - Car Access System.
CBC - Corner Braking Control.
CBC - Cornering Brake Control.
CBS - Condition Based Service.
CCC - Car Communications Computer.
CCM - Check Control Module.
CD - Control Display.
CDC - Compact Disk Changer.
CDS - CD player.
CDV - Clutch Delay Valve.
CEL - CELsius.
CID - Central Information Display.
CIM - Chassis Integration Module.
CIP - Coding, Individualization, Programming.
CO - Carbon monOxide.
COMBI - Electronic Instrument Cluster.
CON - CONtroller.
CPO - Certified Pre-Owned.
CSL - Club Sport Lightweight (Club Sport Leicht).
CU - Copper.
CVM - Convertible top Module.
CVT - Constantly Variable Transmission.
CW - Drag coefficient.
CWP - Cold Weather Package.
D
D-Bus - Diagnosis bus (same as TXD).
D1 - Xenon light/ gas discharge.
DBC - Dynamic Brake Control.
DBS - Dynamic Braking System.
DCC - Dynamic Cruise Control.
DCS - Dealer Communication System.
DD - Dynamic motor Drive.
DDE - Digital Diesel Electronics.
DE - Diagnostic Unit.
DIN - German industrial standards.
DIS - Diagnosis and Information System.
DISA - Differential air intake control.
DIVA - Continuously variable length intake runners.
DK - Throttle housing/valve.
DKB - Throttle w/ brake intervention.
DKE - Throttle Increase.
DKI - Throttle position.
DKR - Throttle reduction.
DKT - Throttle position signal.
DKV - Preset throttle position value.
DM-TL - Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage.
DME - Digital Motor Electronics.
DOHC - Double Over Head Camshafts.
Double VANOS - Steplessly variable intake and exhaust valve timing.
DRL - Daytime Running Lights.
DS - gasket set.
DSC - Dynamic Stability Control.
DSP - Digital Sound Processing.
DTC - Diagnostic Trouble Code (SAE).
DTC - Dynamic Traction Control.
DWA - Theft deterrent system.
DWS - Tire pressure Warning System.
DZM - Revolution counter.
E
E-KAT - Electrically heated catalytic converter.
EBV - Electronic Brake force proportioning.
ECE - European market version.
ECM - Engine Control Module (SAE term).
ECO - Controller for I-Drive system.
ECU - Electronic Control Unit.
ED - European Delivery.
EDC - Electronic Dampening Control.
EDC-K - Electronic Dampening Control - Continuous.
EDK - Electronic throttle valve.
EDR - Electronic throttle control.
EDS - pressure regulator.
EFH - Electric window lifter.
EGS - Electronic transmission control.
EH - Electronic-Hydraulic.
EHC - Electronic Height Control.
EKM - Electronic body Module.
EKP - Electric fuel Pump.
ELV - Electronic steering lock.
EM - Electro-Mechanical.
EMF - Electro-Mechanical parking brake.
EML - Electronic Motor Load regulation.
EMV - Electro-Magnetic sensitivity.
EO - Component location.
EPC - Electronic Parts Catalog (also ETK).
EPROM - Erasable/ Programmable chip Memory.
ESS - Electronic anti-theft device.
ETK - Electronic parts catalog (also EPC).
ETM - Electrical Troubleshooting Manual.
EV - Injection Valve.
EWS - Electronic drive-away protection.
EZA - Same as ASC-EZA.
F
FB - Function description.
FBC - Fading Brake Control.
FBD - Remote control services.
FBZV - Radio frequency locking system.
FDRS - Fold Down Rear Seats.
FGR - Vehicle Speed Control (Cruise Control).
FH - Window lifter.
FHK - Rear Heater/ air conditioner.
FLC - Automatic Light Control.
FRU - Flat Rate Unit.
FS - Crash Sensor.
FTM - Flat Tire Monitor.
FZV - Central lock receiver.
G
GAL - Speed dependent sound volume.
GM - General Module.
GMR - Yaw moment control.
GPS - Global Positioning System.
GRII - Cruise control.
GRS - Rotation Rate Sensor.
GS - Belt Tensioner.
GWK - Torque converter lock-up control.
H
H2 - Xenon headlights.
HA - Rear Axle.
HC - Hydro Carbon.
HD - Heavy Duty.
HDC - Hill Decent Control.
HFM - Hot Film air mass Meter.
HG - Manual Gearbox (transmission).
HKL - Hydraulic trunk lid Lift.
HLM - Hot Wire Air Mass Meter.
HPS - Head Protection System.
HR - Heater control.
HU - Head Unit.
HUD - Heads Up Display.
HVA - Hydraulic Valve Adjuster.
HWS - Headlight Washer System.
Hz - Hertz (Cycle).
I
I-Bus - Information bus.
IB - Interior lighting control signal.
IHKA - Automatic Heating and A/C.
IHKAF - IHKA w/ micro filter.
IHKR - Regulated Heating and A/C.
IHKRF - IHKR w/ micro filter.
IHKS - Standard Heating and A/C.
IHPD - Internal High Pressure Deformation.
IHR - Integrated Heater control.
IKE - Instrument cluster Electronics.
ILH - Interior Lighting, rear.
ILV - Interior Lighting, front.
IMS - Instant Mobility System.
IR - Infrared.
IRS - Infrared Locking System.
ISC - Idle Speed Control.
ISIS - Intelligent Safety and Information System.
ISN - Individual Serial Number.
ISOFIX - Standardized mounts for child restraints.
ITS - Head airbag assembly/ Inflatable Tubular Structure.
IVM - Integrated power supply Module.
J
K
K-Bus - Body bus (Karosserie).
KAT - Catalytic converter.
KATON - Converter creating (signal).
KD - Kick-Down.
KHI - Interface for headphones.
KL - Terminal designation.
KL15 - Run bus (ignition switch run position).
KL30 - Battery bus (hot at all times).
KL31 - Ground bus (chassis ground).
KL50 - Start bus (ignition start position).
KLR - Accessory bus.
KO - Compressor ON signal.
KOMBI - Instrument cluster.
KOREL - Compressor relay signal.
KR - Contact Ring.
KSK - Knock Sensor.
KVA - Fuel consumption signal/value.
KW - Crankshaft.
KW - KiloWatt.
L
LCM - Lamp Check Module.
LDP - Leak Diagnosis Pump.
LEV - Low Emissions Vehicle.
LEW - Lateral acceleration sensor.
LHD - Left-Hand Drive.
LKM - Lamp control Module.
LL - Closed throttle.
LM - Light Module.
LMM - Air flow meter/sensor.
LMR - Light alloy wheel.
LRA - Vertical headlight aiming.
LSM - Steering column memory.
LSZ - Lamp Switching center.
LVA - Air supply system (for EHC system).
LVDS - Low Voltage Differential Signaling.
LWR - Vertical headlight aim control.
LWRT - Low Weight Reinforced Thermoplastics.
LWS-5 - Steering angle sensor.
M
M-Bus - IHKA/IHKR stepper motor bus.
MAL - Center armrest.
MBC - Maximum Brake Control.
MDK - Motorized throttle valve/system.
MFC - Multi-Function Controller.
MFL - Multi-Function steering wheel.
MFS - Multi-Function Steering Wheel.
MFU - Multi-Function Clock.
MID - Multi-Information Display.
MIL - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SAE), 'check engine'.
MIR - Multi-Information Radio.
MMC - Multi-Media Changer.
MoDiC - Mobile Diagnostic Computer.
MOST-Bus - Media Oriented System Transport bus.
MRS - Multiple Restraint System.
MSR - Engine drag torque Regulation.
MV - Magnetic Valve (solenoid Valve).
N
n-ab - Rotational speed, transmission (rpm).
n-mot - Rotational speed, engine (rpm).
NAVI - Navigation module.
NG - New Generation (N73 engine).
NG - Tilt sensor.
NOX - Nitrogen Oxides/ exhaust gas recirculation.
NSD - Rear muffler.
NSL - Rear fog Lamp.
NSW - Fog lamp.
NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient.
NW - Camshaft.
O
OBC - On-Board Computer.
OBD - On-Board Diagnosis.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer.
P
P-Bus - Periphery bus.
P/N - Park/Neutral position.
PB - Pin assignments.
PBS - Parts Bulletin System (in TIS).
PCD - Performance Center Delivery.
PDC - Park Distance Control.
PDI - Pre-Delivery Inspection.
PGS - Passive Go System.
PM - Power Module.
PP - Impact Pad.
PTC - Positive Temperature Coefficient.
PuMA - Product and Measures Management in After sales.
PWG - Pedal position sensor/ potentiometer.
Q
R
RA - Repair instructions.
RAL - Aluminum wheels.
RAL - Standard color.
RAM - Random Access Memory.
RDC - Tire pressure Control.
RDS - Radios side.
SMG - Sequential Manual Gearbox.
SP - Schematic.
SRA - Headlight/fog light cleaning.
SRS - Supplemental Restraint System.
SSD - Steel sliding roof.
SSH - Seat Satellite, rear seat.
ST - Connector views.
Steptronic - Transmission shift control.
STVL - Satellite, left front door.
STVR - Satellite, right front door.
SULEV - Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (not coined by BMW).
SVS - Speech processing System.
SWR - Headlamp cleaning system.
SWZ - Special tool listings (in TIS).
SZL - Switch center, steering column.
SZM - Central switch center Module.
T
TAGE - Door handle Electronics.
TCM - Transmission Control Module.
TD - Engine speed signal (ignition pulse).
TD - Technical Data (in TIS).
TDD - Technical Documentation Disk.
TE - Fuel evaporation control.
TEL - TELephone control unit.
TEV - Evaporative purge control.
THZ - Tandem master cylinder.
ti - Injector ON Time (duration).
TIS - Technical Information System.
TL - Part throttle / load signal.
TLEV - Transitional Low Emission Vehicle.
TMBFT - Door Module, passenger side.
TMBFTH - Door Module, passenger side rear.
TMC - Traffic Message Channel.
TMFAT - Door Module, driver's side.
TMFATH - Door Module, driver's side rear.
TP - Tandem Pump.
TP - Traffic Program.
TPC - Tire Pressure Control.
TPM - Tire Pressure Monitor.
TPS - Throttle Position Switch/Sensor.
TR - Engine speed signal (rpm).
TR - TRansistor.
TRG - Fuel level sensor.
TRI - Technical Reference Information (also SBT).
TRS - Battery isolation Switch.
TSB - Technical Service Bulletin.
TSD - Torsional vibration dampener.
TSH - Door lock Heating.
TSZI - Transistorized coil Ignition system.
TU - Technical Update (as in M50tu).
TXD - Transmitting Diagnosis line.
U
U-batt - Battery voltage.
U-vers - Supply voltage.
UERSS - Rollover bar.
URS - Rollover protection System.
USIS - Ultrasonic passenger compartment Sensor.
V
Bmw Module Names With Pictures
V - Vorn (front).
V - Vehicle road speed.
VA - Front Axle.
VAC - Voice Activated Control.
VANOS - Variable camshaft timing.
VAT - Front axle support.
VDC - Vehicle Distribution Center.
VEP - Distributor-type injection Pump.
VID - VIDeo module.
VL - Full load (wide open throttle).
Bmw Module Names
VPC - Vehicle Preparation Center.
VSD - Front muffler.
VVT - Valve tronic.
W
WBG - Hazard warning switch.
WIM - Wiper control Module.
WK - Torque converter lock-up clutch.
WSS - Wind Shield.
WT - Valve tronic control unit.
X
Y
#
Z
ZAB - Ignition fade-out (reduction).
ZAE - Central Airbag Electronics.
ZAS - Ignition starter switch.
ZCP - Competition Package (M3).
ZCW - Cold Weather Package.
ZGM - Central Gateway Module.
ZHP - Performance Package (Available on US-Market e46 330i/Ci/Cic Only).
ZK - Cylinder head.
ZKE - Central body Electronics.
ZKH - Cylinder head cover.
ZMS - Dual-Mass flywheel.
ZPP - Premium Package.
ZS - Central lock.
ZSD - Center muffler.
ZSP - Sport Package.
ZV - Central locking system.
ZVM - Central locking Module.
ZWD - Idle control valve.
References
1. Various BMW vehicle manuals
2. Wikipedia: Automotive acronyms
(c) 2008-2020 BMWSections.com. Independent from BMW AG
The E32 is an electrically complex vehicle. When you remove a piece of trim panel chances are that you will discover some sort of control module. Personally I like to know how it all works. So I started looking for all the control modules in the car.
Most of these modules and locations are for my 1987 735. And I'm sure BMW will put some of the control boxes in other locations on other cars.
If any of you are wondering WHY I've taken apart most modules...well it all comes down to because I can and I have to know :)
Servotronic
Usage: The servotronic module controls the variable power steering on the E32.
Location On my car it's located behind the leftside speaker kickpanel.
History: There are at least 2 versions of this modules. The one in the picture and the grey cigarete box.
Images:
IHKA
Usage: The IHKA control module is the brain of the climate control system in the car.
Location: It's located behind the heaterbox. You can reach it by removing the carpet panel on the passengerside of the car.
History There are also at least 2 versions of this module (and more I don't know of). The newer one has different connectors.
Images:
OBC Horn Relay
Usage: This relay controls the OBC gong
Location: It's located on under the rear seat on the leftside. It's bolted to the metal panel in front of the ZKE module carrier.
History: Unknown. Cars with a factory alarm system will have this unit incorperated into the alarm control module (DWA)
Images:
LKM
Usage: The LKM or 'Leucht Kontrol Module' controls the lights on the car.
Location: It's located in the fusebox on the leftside under the bonnet.
History/Versions: There are many versions of this module as it is country dependant. And on top of that there are two versions an LKM-B (base model) and an LKM-L (luxus model). The L-version allows the checkcontrol to monitor more bulbs without them having to be on. It also provides the 'Lights?' message when you exit the car with the lights on.
Images:
CCM
Usage: The CCM or 'Check Control Module' checks all the sensors (and modules as the LKM) to check the status of the washerfluid, oil level, coolant level, oilpressure,...etc
Location: The modules is located under the bonnet in the fusebox on the left.
History: Again there are many versions. Some report 'door open?' and others don't
Images:
ZKE
Usage: The ZKE or Zentral Karoserie Elektronic (or central body electronics) consists of 2 modules. A RM or Relay Module and a GM or Gereral Module.
The relay module is just what is says. A module with a collection of relays in it. The GM uses it's TTL signal level to operate power consuming devices such as the electronic window motors.
The general module is the brains of the ZKE. It controls the wipers (and programming there of), the electrical windows and the central locking system and the interiour lighting.
Bmw Model Names
Location: It's located on the left under the rear seats.
History: There are multiple versions of this module. My car seems to have a newer version wich gives some aditional features like one touch windows down on all four windows.
Images:
AUC Control Modle
Usage: This modules tells the IHKA system to go to recirculation mode when the outside air has a too high CO amount (other gases..unsure)
Location: It's located behind the leftside speaker kick panel next to the servotronic module.
History: unknown.
Images:
IR Control Module
Usage: This module controls the infra red remote locking system. The unit has it's own unique code which can be programmed in to the IR remove via the DWA led.
Location: It's located under the rearseat on the left. Right in front of the RM and GM modules.
History: The IR remote locking system was available from 88 to 92.
Images:
Park ventilation Relay
Usage: The parkventilation relaybox controls the park ventilation function that can be programmed through the OBC.
Location: The relay box is located on top of the passengerside glovebox panel.
History: Unknown.
Images:
None yet
Electrical Rear Sunblind
Usage: This module controls the rearsun blind operation
Location: It's located under the rear parcel shelf next to the electronic sunblind.
History: Unknown
Images:
None
Instrument Cluster code plug
Usage: The code plug stores vehicle dependant information such as fuel tank capacity. It also stores the service intervall information and the total milage.
Location: In the older versions it's inside the brown connector of the cable harnass that goes to the instrument cluster. On the newer version from 2/89 it's located in the back of the instrument cluster.
History: There are 3 versions: ->2/89
Images:
Transmission Control Unit
Usage: The TCM controlls the EH automatic gearboxes on the E32
Location: It's located behind the speaker kick panel on the passengerside of the car.
History: There too many version of this module to mention (eg. EGS AGS)
Images:
None yet
Ruck...sperre
Usage: This fancy relay disalows the auto tranny to be switched into reverse while driving.
Location: It's located behind the speaker kick panel on the passengerside of the car under the TCM.
History: Unknown
Images:
None yet
Motronic
Usage: This unit controls the fuel injection of the engine. The R6 and V8 engines have one while the V12 has two of these.
Location: The motronic module is located in the E-box on the right side under the bonnet.
History: Lots of versions.
Images:
None yet
ABS / ASC
Usage: This unit controls the antilocking brakes and anti skid control (where equiped
Location:
History: There are many versions of this unit with and without ASC and ASC+T
Images:
None yet-> 9090 ->
Cruise control
Usage:
Location:
History:
Images:
None yet
Airbag Module
Usage:
Location:
History:
Images:
None yetSiemens vanaf 09-91
EDC Control Module
Usage:
Location:
History:
Images:
None
PDC Control Module
Usage:
Location:
History:
Images:
None
Trailer Module
Usage: This module links the trailer lighting to the check control module.
Location: It's located on the leftside behind the rear carpet trim in the boot of the car.
History: Again many versions available
Images:
None
DWA Module
Usage: This is the brain of the factory anti-theft system.
Location: If you have DWA the module is located in the place of the OBC horn relay
History: There are at least 3 versions of this module: DWA2 (upto 1990) , DWA 3 (1990 to 1992) and DWA 4 (from 09/1992).
Images:
None
If you would like to add any comments, remarks and/or corrections to this procedure, feel free to email Mike Oswald and we'll put it on our site. Share your experiences with us so others may benefit from it.