How to code LED bulbs on a FEM BMW (F20 to F33)

If you've swapped halogen bulbs for LED bulbs on a BMW with a FEM (F20, F21, F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F33 and others), code the car to expect LED for each bulb you changed. This stops bulb errors and flickering.

This guide is for information only. If you follow it, you do so at your own risk, and we accept no liability for any damage to your car or belongings.

Signs your car needs coding

• An error on the iDrive or cluster for each bulb or function changed.
• The LED bulbs flicker when you start the car.
• The LED bulbs flicker at random while the ignition is on.

Why it happens

Your BMW has a bulb check system designed for halogen bulbs. An LED bulb's resistance is much lower than a halogen bulb's, so it falls outside the expected range and the car shows an error. LEDs also react to the slightest voltage change, so when the car pulses the bulb to check the circuit is closed, the LED flickers and flashes.

Before you start

• This guide is for cars with a FEM only. Other BMWs use the FRM or LM: see LED angel eyes or bulbs flickering at start-up.
• Note which bulbs you changed to LED. Only those need coding.
• An app for coding F-series BMWs, such as E-Sys, with a cable suitable for coding.

Steps

1. Connect to the car and open the FEM, then 3061.
2. For each bulb you changed, set its KALTUEBERWACHUNG and WARMUEBERWACHUNG values, right and left, to nicht_aktiv.
3. Set its IS_LED values, right and left, to aktiv.
4. Save and apply the coding, then cycle the ignition.
5. Check the lights no longer flicker or show an error.

Coding values

Daytime running lights (halogen headlights)

• FEM > 3061 > TFL_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > TFL_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > TFL_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > TFL_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > TFL_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > TFL_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Side lights (halogen headlights)

• FEM > 3061 > POL_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > POL_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > POL_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > POL_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > POL_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > POL_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Front fog lights

• FEM > 3061 > NSW_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > NSW_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > NSW_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > NSW_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > NSW_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > NSW_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Front indicators

• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_V_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Side indicators

• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FRA_Z_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Low or dipped beam (halogen headlights)

• FEM > 3061 > AL_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > AL_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > AL_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > AL_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > AL_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > AL_L_IS_LED = aktiv

High or full beam (halogen headlights)

• FEM > 3061 > FL_R_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FL_R_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FL_R_IS_LED = aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FL_L_KALTUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FL_L_WARMUEBERWACHUNG = nicht_aktiv
• FEM > 3061 > FL_L_IS_LED = aktiv

Common questions

Why do LED bulbs flicker in a BMW?

The car pulses each bulb to check the circuit. A halogen bulb doesn't show it, but an LED reacts to the slightest voltage change and flickers.

Do I need to code every bulb?

No. Only the bulbs you changed from halogen to LED.

Which BMWs have a FEM?

The F20, F21, F22, F23, F30, F31, F32 and F33, among others.

My car doesn't have a FEM. What now?

Depending on the car, the setting is in the FRM or LM instead. See LED angel eyes or bulbs flickering at start-up.

Rather we did it?

We can code your car in person at our Oldbury workshop or remotely. Not sure where to start? WhatsApp us on 0121 295 1900.