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BMW, luxury and exotic car programming and coding in South Florida.
BMR Auto in Dania Beach codes, programs, repairs and clones control modules for BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, and recovers locked lithium batteries, in the shop or by mail through our mail-in service.
At a glance
Programming and coding at BMR Auto.
- BMR Auto codes, programs and clones control modules for BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce in Dania Beach, Florida.
- Footwell module (FRM) repair is the electronics job BMR Auto customers mention most in their reviews.
- BMR Auto clones engine (DME), transmission (EGS) and access (CAS3 and CAS4) modules so a replacement works with the original keys.
- BMR Auto recovers locked BMW 12-volt lithium batteries and repairs Mercedes 48-volt batteries.
- BMR Auto finishes most mail-in module and electronic repairs within one business day after the part arrives.
- For Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and the exotic makes, BMR Auto explains on this page what each maker lets an independent shop program.
- BMR Auto quotes every programming job before the work starts.
Coding, programming, cloning
What each word means.
Shops and forums use these words loosely. This is what we mean by each, so you know what you are paying for.
Coding
Turns on, turns off or adjusts functions your car's software already has, such as mirror folding, lighting or display options. Mercedes calls it variant coding.
Programming
Writes a new or updated software version into a module, also called flashing. It is how many factory fixes are delivered.
Cloning
Copies a failed module's identity and data, including the VIN, immobilizer data, software and coding, into a replacement of the same part number, so it works with your original keys. The original is left unchanged.
Adaptation
Teaches the car about a new part, for example registering a new battery so charging matches it, or relearning a transmission.
Retrofit
Adds hardware the car did not leave the factory with, then codes the car to recognize it. Some retrofits need an enabling code from the maker.
Tuning
Changes the engine or transmission calibration to alter performance. It is the only one of these that normally affects emissions, and we do not do emissions-affecting tuning.
The jobs we do
Programming and module jobs, and where each is done.
Prices depend on the car and the module. Call BMR Auto or send the VIN, and we will quote the job before any work starts.
| Job | What it fixes | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell module (FRM, FRM3) repair | Lights, turn signals, windows or mirrors dead after a flat battery | Shop or mail-in |
| DME (engine computer) cloning | A used or replacement engine computer made to work with your keys and coding | Shop or mail-in |
| 8HP transmission module (EGS) cloning | A used transmission module matched to the car's immobilizer | Shop or mail-in |
| CAS3 and CAS4 cloning | A failed access module replaced while keeping your original keys | Shop or mail-in |
| 12V lithium battery recovery | A locked or deeply discharged lithium battery brought back, cells tested | Shop or mail-in |
| Mercedes 48V battery recovery | The mild-hybrid battery recovered instead of replaced | Shop or mail-in |
| Programming after a repair | A new or used module coded to the car | Shop |
| Software updates | Factory fixes delivered by software | Shop |
| Battery registration and coding | A new battery registered so the car charges it correctly | Shop |
| Feature coding and retrofits | Comfort and convenience functions; added hardware coded in | Shop |
Owners outside South Florida can mail a module in for repair. Florida law gives you the right to a written estimate before work begins; see your rights under Florida law.
How we protect your modules
Many bricked modules trace to unstable voltage during a write.
A module that loses power while it is being written can stop working altogether. These are the steps that prevent it.
Original data saved first
We read and save the module's original data before anything is written.
Stable power throughout
A dedicated power supply holds the voltage steady for every flash.
Tested before and after
Modules are tested before and after the work, and on a clone the original module is left unchanged.
Honest about used parts
If a damaged module cannot be reprogrammed, we tell you before you pay. Ask us before you buy a used part, and we will tell you whether it can be adapted to your car.
Module repair and cloning
Drop the car off in Dania Beach, or mail us the module.
Footwell module (FRM, FRM3)
On many BMW and Mini models, a flat or disconnected battery can wipe the footwell module's memory. Lights, turn signals, windows and mirrors stop working. We rebuild the module's data and refit your original module, so it does not need new coding.
Engine (DME) and transmission (EGS) modules
The engine computer, and on 8HP cars the transmission module, are paired to the car's immobilizer, so a used unit will not start the car until its data is matched. Cloning copies your original module's data into the replacement.
On newer F- and G-series cars the body module holding that data is harder to work with; ask us first.
Access modules (CAS3, CAS4)
The CAS holds the key and immobilizer data on many E- and early F-series BMWs. Cloning it into a replacement keeps your original keys working.
Programming after a repair
A replaced module has to be coded to the car. Some faults are fixed by a software update alone: on several G-series models with a battery drain that sets a body-module fault, BMW's published fix is reprogramming the transmission module.
On Mercedes, replacing the ignition switch, ESP, SAM or airbag modules needs online SCN coding through Mercedes.
Lithium 12V and 48V battery recovery
Many dead lithium batteries are locked, not worn out.
When a lithium 12V battery on a newer BMW is drained too far, its own management system locks it to protect the cells. The car may report an aged auxiliary battery, read zero volts or refuse to wake, and the dealer quotes a new battery. We also repair Mercedes 48-volt batteries.
We test the cells and the battery management system before and after the recovery, and a pack with damaged cells is replaced instead. If your car is still under a factory or emissions warranty, check whether the battery is covered before you pay anyone for it. See lithium, hybrid and EV batteries.
“KJ at BMR was able to completely revive a dead BMW lipo battery in less than 1 business day for a fraction of the price of what a new battery would cost.”
Alex F. · BMW lithium battery · Google
Feature coding and retrofits
Switch on what your car already has.
Coding changes how functions your car already supports behave. Retrofits add hardware and code the car to accept it. What your car can do depends on the model, the year and the software it carries, so tell us the car and the feature you want and we will tell you whether it can be done.
A dealer software update can reset coding in the modules it updates. Tell us before a dealer visit if you have coded features you want to keep.
Keys and immobilizers
Keys have their own page.
We program added and replacement keys for BMW and Rolls-Royce, and make McLaren keys with every key lost. Ignition and key programming on many Mercedes models is done only by the dealer.
Programming by brand
What each maker allows an independent shop to do.
Every maker controls programming differently. Some of the newest cars need an online unlock from the factory before a module can be written. This is where each make stands.
BMW and BMW M
BMW electronics are our specialty. We program and code BMWs with dealer-level software, repair footwell modules, clone engine, transmission and CAS modules, register new batteries and recover lithium batteries.
Mini
Mini uses BMW's systems, so the same coding and module work applies. Footwell module reprogramming on the Mini Cooper S is a job we do.
Rolls-Royce
The Ghost, Wraith and Dawn run on BMW electronics, which is the work we know best. Battery drain on the Ghost and Wraith can leave modules with faults after the voltage drops, and we start there.
Recall and warranty software updates are done free at a Rolls-Royce dealer. Ask us before booking programming work on the electric Spectre.
Mercedes-AMG
Variant coding is done locally. Replacing the ignition switch, ESP, SAM or airbag modules needs online SCN coding through Mercedes. We repair 48-volt lithium batteries.
Ignition switch and key programming on many models is dealer-only.
Porsche
Newer Porsches need an online unlock before a module can be written, and the newest need factory PIWIS. Used infotainment, gateway and body modules come up locked to their original car.
Ask us before you buy a used module.
Bentley and Lamborghini
Bentley and Lamborghini use Volkswagen Group systems, with the same kind of online protection on newer cars.
Tell us the model and the module, and we will tell you before you book whether the work can be done here.
Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Aston Martin
Generic scan tablets cannot change McLaren configuration or program keys. With every McLaren key lost, BMR Auto repairs and reprograms the car's own body control module: see McLaren all keys lost. Maserati models from 2017 sit behind a secure gateway. Ferrari offers subscription diagnostic software to independents, with limits.
Call us with the model and the job, and we will tell you plainly whether it can be done here or has to go to the dealer.
Land Rover and Range Rover
JLR sells independent shops programming access through its TOPIx portal for all non-security modules. The subscription does not cover programming a new instrument cluster, body control, powertrain control or RFA module, and key programming and security modules need an accredited Independent Operator or locksmith.
Tell us the model year and the module, and we will tell you before you book whether the work can be done here.
What we will not do
No emissions tuning, no deletes, no disabled safety equipment.
We do not do emissions-affecting tuning, emissions deletes or defeat-device software, and we do not disable catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, EGR, particulate filter or evaporative monitoring. Federal law prohibits emissions tampering and federal civil penalties still apply; Florida law bars selling or driving a tampered car.
We do not disable airbags, seat belt reminders or other safety equipment required by federal safety standards. Federal law bars repair businesses from disabling that equipment. When we clone a module, it carries the car's own factory software.
Your warranty
Does coding affect my factory warranty?
Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty just because work was done at an independent shop. It can still deny a specific claim if it shows a change caused the failure. Engine tunes are what get flagged. Cloning a module with its factory software is a repair.
What owners say about our electronics work
The dealer often answers a module fault or a dead lithium battery with a new part. We repair the part when it can be repaired, and we price that work fairly, with the respect and honor we would show a friend or a member of our family. BMW and Mini owners say it in their own words.
“I had my Footwell Module on my Mini Cooper S reprogrammed the other day by BMR Auto. They were very professional. Clean shop. Great and reliable price.”
Sean · Mini Cooper S · Google
“He was able to reset my FRM very quickly and at a totally fair price. It’s clear these guys are super professional and knowledgeable.”
Adam L. · FRM reset · Google
“Was able to send in my Foot Well Control Module for my 2011 M3 and got it back in the same week.”
Jonathan P. · BMW M3, mail-in · Google
Mail-in repair, nationwide
Not in South Florida? Ship us the module.
Owners anywhere in the US can mail a module or a lithium battery to BMR Auto for repair or cloning in the same shop. Send a request and we reply with a quote, the shipping address and what to put in the box.
Programming and coding questions
What is the difference between coding and programming?
Coding changes settings in software your car already has. Programming writes new or updated software into a module. See what each word means.
How much does programming or module repair cost?
It depends on the car, the module and whether the job is done in the shop or by mail. Call BMR Auto or send the VIN with a short description, and we will quote the job before any work starts.
Will coding or programming void my factory warranty?
Using an independent shop does not by itself void your warranty under federal law. A manufacturer can deny a specific claim if it shows a change caused the failure. Engine tunes are what get flagged; cloning a module with its factory software is a repair.
Will a dealer software update erase my coding?
Often yes, in the modules it updates. Tell us before a dealer visit if you have coded features you want to keep.
Is a cloned module as good as new, and will my keys still work?
A clone carries your original module's VIN, immobilizer data, software and coding into a unit with the same part number, so your original keys keep working. Not every damaged module can be cloned, and we tell you before you pay.
Can you program a used module I bought online?
On BMW the part number must match and the immobilizer data must be synced. On Mercedes, safety and theft modules need online SCN coding. On Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini, used modules can come up locked to their original car. Ask us before you buy.
My BMW says "aged auxiliary battery" or the battery reads zero volts. Can it be saved?
Often it can. The battery has usually locked itself after a deep discharge. We test the cells and the management system, recover the battery when the cells are healthy, and tell you when it needs replacing.
Do I need coding after replacing my battery?
The new battery has to be registered so the car charges it correctly. If the battery type or capacity changes, the car also has to be coded for it.
Can I mail my module instead of bringing the car?
Yes. Send a mail-in request with the car and the part, and we reply with a quote, the shipping address and what to put in the box.
Do you do ECU tunes, deletes, or turn off safety warnings?
No. We do not do emissions-affecting tuning or deletes, and we do not disable seat belt reminders, airbags or other safety equipment. Federal law prohibits emissions tampering and bars repair businesses from disabling required safety equipment, and Florida law bars selling or driving a tampered car.