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Changing the vehicle order, also called the FA or Fahrzeugauftrag, is one of the main steps when adding or removing retrofit options on BMW F and G models.


With E-Sys, you can update the stored equipment list so the vehicle recognizes new features such as upgraded lights, parking sensors, a larger display, a trailer module, or other compatible retrofit parts.


This process should be carried out carefully. Incorrect coding, weak battery voltage, or the wrong SALAPA code can cause communication problems with one or more control units.


What You Need

Before starting, prepare the following equipment:

  • Professional ENET interface
  • A current version of E-Sys
  • Full PSdZData files
  • Windows 7, Windows 10, or Windows 11 laptop
  • Laptop charger
  • Professional vehicle battery charger
  • Stable power supply of at least 25 amps
  • A 50-amp or 70-amp charger is recommended for extended coding sessions

A stable power supply is essential. Voltage dropping during programming can interrupt communication and may create unnecessary faults in the vehicle.


Important Safety Warning

Before coding all control units after changing the vehicle order, temporarily lock the ACSM module.

ACSM means Advanced Crash Safety Module. This module should be protected before carrying out broad coding operations. Airbag and safety-related systems require special care, and coding should only be performed by someone familiar with BMW diagnostic procedures.

Never work on a vehicle with a weak battery, poor-quality cable, or unstable laptop connection.


Step-by-Step: Editing the BMW Vehicle Order

1. Connect E-Sys

Start E-Sys and connect the ENET interface to the vehicle.

Select the correct model series. Do not choose the option marked _Direct.

Choose:

  • Connection via VIN
  • The correct target vehicle
  • Connect

After the connection is established, open Expert Mode.


2. Read the Existing Vehicle Order

Select Coding and locate the Vehicle Order section.

Click Read to load the current FA from the vehicle. Then click Edit to open the FA editor.

The vehicle order contains important information about the car’s factory equipment and configuration.


3. Calculate the FP

In the FA editor:

  1. Right-click FA
  2. Select Calculate FP
  3. Open the FA List tab
  4. Select SALAPA element

The SALAPA elements are equipment codes used by BMW to identify installed options.


4. Add or Remove the Required Code

Use the lower-left field to add or remove the correct SALAPA code for the retrofit.

For example, a retrofit may require a specific equipment code for:

  • Parking assistance
  • Adaptive lighting
  • Navigation
  • Comfort access
  • Harman Kardon audio
  • Trailer equipment
  • Display upgrades

Always confirm the correct code before saving. The wrong code can cause control units to receive an incorrect configuration.

After editing the FA, right-click FA again and select Calculate FP.

If E-Sys displays no error message, save the updated file.


5. Write the Updated FA to the Vehicle

Return to Expert Mode and open VCM.

In the Vehicle Order field, load the FA file you just saved.

Then:

  1. Right-click FA
  2. Select Calculate FP
  3. Open the VCM Master tab
  4. Click Write FA FP

The updated vehicle order is now written to the vehicle.

To confirm the change, use Read FA FP VIN and check that the new equipment code appears correctly.


Coding the Affected Control Units

Updating the vehicle order alone may not be enough. The control units affected by the retrofit must also be coded.

For example, battery-related changes may involve modules such as:

  • FEM
  • CAS
  • BDC

To code a control unit:

  1. Open Expert Mode
  2. Select Read ECU
  3. Locate the required control unit
  4. Right-click the module
  5. Select Code

Repeat the process for every control unit affected by the new vehicle order.

If you are unsure which modules require coding, coding all compatible control units may be necessary. However, this should only be done with a stable power supply and the correct PSdZData version.


Final Checks

After coding, check the vehicle carefully:

  • Confirm the retrofit works as expected
  • Read the vehicle for fault codes
  • Check warning lights on the instrument cluster
  • Test related switches and sensors
  • Confirm that existing features still operate normally
  • Clear only faults that are no longer relevant

Some retrofits also require hardware installation, wiring changes, calibration, or software activation. FA coding cannot replace missing hardware.

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