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BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

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Recently updated on September 20, 2023 at 07:38 am

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

[Update: 20.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. With the so-called BimmerCode APP different vehicles can be connected via an OBD II connection coded will. The app is used for diagnosing a wide variety of vehicles. BimmerCode are currently mainly BMW models (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Z4, i3, i8), the current one Mini and the Toyota Supra supports. Similar apps are now available for almost all vehicles. Of course, this is a relatively great relief, since until recently such diagnoses were still over not entirely legal software's how NCS, INPA, Esys and ISTA-P had to be carried out on the PC. Now all of this can be done very conveniently via apps and OBD plugs such as OBDeleven, Carly or carista. But let's get to BimmerCode.

OBD dongle + € 34,99 are due

The app doesn't always work completely reliably and mistakes can quickly happen, especially in expert mode, but that's always a problem with coding. Therefore the encodings are always Perform at your own risk. Unfortunately the app is currently not free of charge but must be for one time 34,99 Euros can be acquired. In addition to purchasing the app, you will also need one OBDII supporting adapter, which from € 15,00 is commercially available as a WLAN or Bluetooth device. Before you pay for the app, you can also try it out on your car or in the Demo mode without adapter to test.

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

As soon as your Apple or Android smartphone, the BimmerCode app and the OBD II adapter are connected, you can really start. When the connection is established, the BimmerCode recognizes all supporting control devices such as the Head Unit, the Active Sound Design or the Front Electronic Module. In addition, special modules such as a Driving Assistance System, the Air conditioning or instrument cluster recognized and the data read out.

This is how Bimmercode is used:

  1. Switch on ignition. (G series vehicles - activate diagnostic mode - to do this the Start button 3 times press in quick succession without applying the brake / clutch).
  2. Parking brake must be applied, no gear engaged.
  3. Switch off electrical consumers (lighting, ventilation, heating, radio, etc.).
  4. Additional hardware that is connected to the CAN bus (e.g. JB4, reversing camera, exhaust flap control) may have to be deactivated or disconnected. The communication can otherwise be disturbed.
  5. For coding in original state be. CarPlay activation or navigation activation by third-party providers must be reversed before the change.

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

You can then use any control device check individually and see through which settings can be made. You will be amazed, because even a 1 or 3 series BMW with a supposed "Basic Equipment“The setting options are enormous. For example, the brightness of the ambient lighting, the daytime running lights, the temperature of the seat heating, the automatic locking or the installed battery power can be adapted in the front electronic module. We have it in ours G30 M550i tried and spontaneously that 330 km / h Alpina Design activated for the instrument cluster and a M graphic lost. Even if that doesn't quite fit together, it shows what is feasible.

In addition, very special functions can also be set. The exterior mirrors, for example, can be folded in automatically as soon as reverse gear is engaged or whether the MSA automatic start / stop function switched off automatically be. There are also other functions, for example in the head unit, where you can check the temperature in the tire pressure gauge or warnings such as the seat belt not being worn deactivate can. However, some functions should still not can be changed, such as the acoustic acknowledgment when locking or unlocking of the car. Like some other functions, this is prohibited according to the StVZO. There is more about this in our article "Acoustic acknowledgment of the alarm system permitted by law?"

Scope of the BimmerCode app

Overall, the app offers several hundred interesting features. These include functions such as active sound design, active cruise control, alarm system, ambient lighting, angel eyes, seat belt reminder, instrument cluster display options, audio, automatic transmission, exterior mirrors, battery, lighting, indicators, driving mode, tailgate, air conditioning, fuel reserve warning, reversing camera, windshield cleaning , headlight cleaning, seat heating, voltage monitoring, sports displays, automatic start-stop system, daytime running lights, doors/windows, video or warnings. Despite the actually very numerous functions, there are also a few missing. For example, a cruise control that always remains active or the dimming of the parking lights on the indicator side. But some functions are not so easy to implement.

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

A couple of questions and answers!

  • System requirements? BimmerCode runs with all iOS devices from iOS version 9.3 and Android devices from Android version 4.4.
  • Vehicles? almost all BMWs and Minis from 2008, Toyota Supra A90 (from 2019)
  • Encodings? depending on the vehicle type and the equipment of the vehicle. Common codings are:
    Active sound design
    Active cruise control
    Acoustic acknowledgment
    Acoustic pedestrian protection
    Alarm system
    Ambient lighting
    Angel Eyes
    Seat belt reminder
    Instrument cluster display options
    IDrive system display options
    Audio
    Mirrors
    Battery
    Welcome light
    Lighting
    Driving mode
    Emergency brake light
    Hatchback
    Air conditioning
    Comfort opening / closing
    Fuel reserve warning
    LED conversion
    Auto start stop function
    PDC
    Backup camera
    window cleaning
    Headlight cleaning
    Heated seats
    Scoreboards
    Lane Departure Warning
    Lane change
    warning
    daytime running lights
    turn signal
    Doors / windows
    Video
    Warnings
  • Any OBD adapter possible? Nein! Nicht every adapter works with BimmerCode. The following is an overview of accepted OBD adapters (as of 08/2021):
    Veepeak OBD Check BLE

    Vgate iCar Bluetooth

    Vgate iCar WiFi

    vLinker bluetooth

    vLinker WiFi

    NextLink

    DCAN USB cable

    ENET cable

    MHD ENET (black)

    MHD
    (orange)

    modBMW

    OBDLink CX

    OBDLink LX / MX / MX +

    OBD link
    SX / EX

    THOR

    UniCarScan

    Certain control units in the vehicle (especially in newer G-series vehicles) can only be read out and coded with certain adapters.

Findings from our test

As with the use of VCDS in vehicles from the VAG Group will too during use Bimmer code sometimes shows error messages on the display. These can be a bit shocking to drivers who have never coded before. But such error messages are completely normal because the control units are restarted during coding and therefore for a short time not available are. If you get the message "Coding error" at the beginning of the coding receive, a separate connection to the OBD II adapter can also be the cause. The problem can be solved by trying to connect again. Should an error occur with a control unit, then one should Restoration of the original backup. Who, however outside of expert mode moved, he can't really go wrong.

Conclusion to the APP BimmerCode:

The BimmerCode app can be used for a one-time investment of 35 EUR WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION MODEL be purchased. However, an adapter must also be purchased, which is not always inexpensive, but offers vehicle enthusiasts many exciting extras and functions. If you have already carried out such coding at a dealer, investing in the BimmerCode app is definitely worth it for you.

After all, a simple error readout at the dealer can cost around € 100. However, you have to consider that an error readout with BimmerCode CAN'T is possible. BimmerCode is suitable NUR for coding the vehicle. If you want to carry out an error readout, then you need BimmerLink. What BimmerLink is all about can be found in the article “BimmerLink: fault detection for BMW, Mini and the Supra!“Can be read. One thing is certain for us: only in the rarest case the costs of the BimmerCode App in combination with an OBD adapter should NOT pay off.

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

BimmerCode: Individual vehicle configuration made easy:

As the technology in modern vehicles grows, the need to be able to make individual settings also increases. Here comes Bimmer Code comes into play, an innovative solution that enables BMW, MINI and Toyota Supra owners to code their vehicle independently and thus configure it according to their wishes. Coding made easy: One of the outstanding features of BimmerCode is the ability to unlock hidden functions of the vehicle and design them according to your own preferences. Whether it is the activation of the digital speed display in the instrument cluster or activating video playback via the iDrive system while driving - the options are diverse. Users can also activate or deactivate functions such as the automatic start-stop system or the active sound design as they wish.

For those interested, the question often arises about the costs. Luckily, BimmerCode offers one free version the app. With this, in conjunction with a supported OBD adapter, users can check whether the desired codings are possible for their specific vehicle. When it comes to OBD adapters, this one stands out in particular UniCarScan UCSI-2000 Bluetooth OBD-2 adapter out. This adapter, originally developed for BMW motorcycle diagnostics, is ideal in combination with the BimmerCode app and is also great in terms of price. In summary, BimmerCode is a simple and efficient solution for anyone who wants to customize their vehicle, be it by unlocking hidden functions or configuring specific features.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

tuningblog has countless other articles on the subject of car and auto tuning in stock. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. In part, we would like to provide you with news but also off the tuning. In our category Tips, products, information & Co We have reviews of car or accessories manufacturers, new ones Tuning Wiki Terms or one or the other Leak veröffentlicht. Following an excerpt of the last articles:

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BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

Defective indicator - symptoms, replacement / repair and costs quickly explained!

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

Harley tuning made easy - "DON-Tuner" remapping tool from Don Performance.

BimmerCode - what can the APP do for BMW, Mini & Toyota?

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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

2 comments

  1. Hello friends, this application is available in Español? o unique se descarga y la venden en ingles.

    The unique function is with the Bluetooth reader or it works with the cable interface that can be used with ISTA or IMPA, which can be connected to a laptop or celular with the adapter and sea to App or Android.

  2. Good and extensive contribution from you, thank you very much. I already have a lot of experience with the Bimmercode app and have uploaded numerous videos and tutorials about Bimmercode on Youtube (@DANPROVED). I have also written a book about it that you can order from Amazon if any of you would like to delve deeper into the topic and the possibilities of the app. My book is called “Your Bimmercode Advisor”.

    Best regards
    DANPROVED

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