Swapping a BMW Instrument Cluster or Light Module? How to Copy ZCS and FA Coding

Replacing a faulty instrument cluster (IKE) or light control module (LCM) with a used part is a common money-saving repair on classic BMWs. But a used module still carries the coding from the car it came out of: things like the vehicle order (FA) and the central coding key (ZCS) that tell it what equipment your car has. If they don't match, you can get odd behavior, warnings or features that don't work.

What ZCS and FA are

• ZCS (central coding key) describes your car's model, engine and options. On these cars it's stored in both the EWS and the instrument cluster.
• FA (vehicle order) is the car's factory equipment list. It's stored in the instrument cluster and the light module.

PASOFT can copy ZCS between the IKE and EWS, and FA between the IKE and LCM, so a replacement module picks up your car's identity from the modules that stayed in the car.

Back up first

Open each module from the module list (double-click it) or the Units menu, and save its data before you change anything:

• IKE (cluster): click Read EEPROM. PASOFT automatically saves an IKE_wr.bin file to your log folder. Note where it is. If anything goes wrong, open that file with the open icon in the Internal HEX-Editor and click Write EEPROM to restore it.
• LCM and EWS: open Coding data and note or screenshot the current settings.

Also connect a battery charger or maintainer. A voltage drop while writing to a module can cause problems.

Copying the coding

1. With the car off, connect the cable to the car and laptop and open PASOFT. Switch the ignition ON, click Continue, then Close.
2. Note which module is new and which ones are original. You always copy from the original module to the replacement.
3. Open the module that was replaced and look under Coding data and Reprogramming for the ZCS or FA copy option.
4. Copy from the original module (for example EWS → IKE for ZCS, or IKE → LCM for FA), following the on-screen prompts.
5. Switch the ignition off and on, click Scan!, then clear any leftover faults with Clear DTC.
6. Check that lights, warnings and the cluster displays all work as expected.

What this doesn't do

Copying coding doesn't change the odometer reading, and we don't support or provide instructions for changing mileage. Altering odometer readings is illegal under federal law. If you replace a cluster, keep a record of the original mileage and the date of the swap.

Can't find the copy option, or not sure which way to copy? Email us your order number and a screenshot of what PASOFT shows, and we'll help through your included setup support.

Get set up

The PASOFT Scanner Kit includes the USB interface, cable and PASOFT software, with free remote setup support. If your car has the round 20-pin port under the hood, get the Kit + 20-Pin Adapter Bundle instead. Questions about your car? Email info@bmwpasoft.com with your model and year.