All Things BMW
Comfort and Convenience
Often referred to as 'Comfort Opening' and 'Comfort Closing', this feature winds the windows up when locking the vehicle and winds the windows down when unlocking the vehicle. This is activated by holding down the lock/unlock button on the fob, so the car can still be unlocked without winding down the windows by tapping the fob button as usual. If the car has a sunroof, this can also be opened and closed with the fob.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: KOMFORTOEFFNUNG_FB, KOMFORTSCHLIESSUNG_FB, KOMFORTOEFFNUNG, KOMFORTSCHLIESSUNG
Notes: KOMFORTOEFFNUNG controls opening, KOMFORTSCHLIESSUNG controls closing. Change all to 'aktiv' to enable comfort opening and closing.
***Tested***: yes, works fine
For security or convenience, BMWs can be coded so that only the driver's door unlocks on the first press of the unlock button, then a second press is required to unlock the remaining doors.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: ZV_SELEKTIV
Notes: Changing this value from 'nicht_aktiv' to 'aktiv' should be all that is required to active this feature. Note that car key memory relating to this feature is also possible with SEL_ZV_SENDER_1.
***Tested***: yes, didn't work!
If you're constantly annoyed by having to pull the door handle twice to get out of the car, this is probably the coding modification for you. This feature unlocks the doors as soon as the engine is switched off, instead of waiting for the key to be ejected (the key can be ejected automatically using another coding modification, see below).
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with Start/Stop Button
Module: CAS
Parameters: ER_KEYOUT_AUTOVR
Notes:
***Tested***: NO, need to test relationship with one below
This feature automatically ejects the key when the engine is switched off, meaning the key no longer needs to be pressed in before removing it.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with Start/Stop Button
Module: CAS
Parameters: KOMFORT_EJECT, KOMFORT_AUS_IN_50MS
Notes:
***Tested***: NO
Instead of flicking a switch in the cabin to fold/unfold the mirrors, this can be done from the key fob as part of the lock/unlocking procedure. Hold the lock button for about 1.5s to fold the mirrors in.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with folding mirrors
Module: Depends on chassis and production date
Parameters: Various
Notes: E6x pre-Sept/2005, the required modules are probably TBMT/TBFT, parameter name BEIKLAPPEN_B_KOMFORTSCHL. Sept/2005 onwards, the module is probably KGM, parameter name ASP_BEIKLAPPEN. E8x and E9x the module is likely (N)FRM, parameter name SPIEGEL_KOMFORT_EINKLAPP. As an added bonus, if you want the mirrors to fold in instantly on pressing the lock button (instead of having to hold it the default 1.5s), look in the CAS module for KMFRT_SCHLIESSEN. Change the Hex value to 00 (you will need NCS Dummy to do this).
***Tested***: NO
The car can be automatically locked when the vehicle reaches a prescribed speed. This speed can be coded to suit the user. The feature can also be switched off if it was turned on as default and is no longer wanted.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: VR_GESCHW_EINMALIG, VERRIEGELUNGSSCHWELLE
Notes: Set VR_GESCHW_EINMALIG to 'aktiv' to enable the feature. VERRIEGELUNGSSCHWELLE sets the speed at which to lock. Options are: 'wert_01' - 2km/h, 'wert_02' - 4km/h, 'wert_03' - 8km/h, 'wert_04' - 16km/h, 'wert_05' - 24km/h, 'wert_06' - 32km/h. NCS Dummy can be used to choose a different speed if required.
***Tested***: partially, didn't work very well
The car can be coded to make a small beep when the vehicle is locked or unlocked using the fob (double beep for unlocked, single beep for locked). Since the central locking tends to be quite quiet on BMWs, this is a nice confirmation that you have locked your vehicle. Once enabled, this feature can be turned on and off from the iDrive. The beep volume is also programmable.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with alarm
Module: CAPPL
Parameters: ACOUSTIC, K9416_QUITT_AKUST_ENTSCH, C9413_QUITT_AKUST_SCHAERF
Notes: Set to 'aktiv' in all cases. For those with no CAPPL module and a CIC module instead, try ACOUSTICAL_LOCK_CONFIRM. There are also a number of values in DWAI and DWAS, most significantly BUZZER_HIGH_LEVEL which controls the volume. Change from 'wert_06 wert_07' to 'wert_04 wert_05 wert_08' (each wert on a new line) to increase volume. Those with iDrive should see new settings under the locking menu after enabling these features. This is a good resource if you are struggling to get this feature to work.
***Tested***: check individual lock/unlock
Sometimes, the automatic wipers begin a cycle just as the engine is switched off, leaving them in the middle of the windscreen. To allow them to finish the cycle even without the engine on, this feature can be enabled.
Compatability: Some E-Series BMWs (The 5 and 7 series are unlikely to have this feature).
Module: JBBF
Parameters: ZYCLUS_VOLLEND_KLR_AUS
Notes: Most E8x and E9x have the JBBF module. The parameter needs set to 'aktiv'. The E6x vehicles don't seem to have this feature unfortunately.
***Tested***: NO
The window winding functionality can be changed so that a single touch of the button winds the window all the way up/down. This can be interrupted by touching the button at any point.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: ***THIS MAY NOT EXIST ***
Notes:
***Tested***: does exist, search NCS Dummy
Both the audio and visual seat belt warnings can be removed for the passenger seat.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI (E6x), ABG? (E9x)
Parameters: SBR_BEIFAHRER (passenger), SBR_FAHRER (driver), CC_GURTWARNUNG (check control)
Notes: NEEDS TESTED!
***Tested***: NO
If the vehicle is unlocked, and no door is opened in a prescribed time, the vehicle will lock again. This should prevent the worry of accidentally pressing the unlock button as you leave the vehicle. The time before the doors lock is programmable.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: VER_AUT_X_MIN_DEFAULT, ZEIT_AUTO_ZV_VR
Notes: Set the first parameter to 'aktiv' and this should work. The default time before re-locking is 2 minutes. ZEIT_AUTO_ZV_VR controls the time and can only be changed with NCS Dummy. You can change the time in 5 second increments.
***Tested***: timing needs tested
Electric window functionality can remain active after the ignition is turned off, so that the engine does not need to be switched back on to wind up a window that was left open. The time this functionality remains active after ignition off is programmable.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: CAS
Parameters: FH_ABSCHALTKRITERIUM, SLEEPTIMER_FH_KLRAUS
Notes: Set the first parameter to 'aktiv'; this allows the windows to function with the ignition off. The second parameter sets the time the functionality remains for after the ignition is switched off. 'wert_01' - 1min, 'wert_02' - 2min, 'wert_03' - 16min.
***Tested***: NO
Lighting
On some vehicles, the lighting module won't allow both the full beam and fog lights to operate simultaneously. On a foggy night on country lanes, it can be nice to have both. This feature allows both sets of lights to be lit at the same time. This feature is enabled by default in some countries.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: LMA (E6x), (N)FRM (E8x/9x)
Parameters: FL_UND_NSW_NICHT_GLEICHZ
Notes: Change value to 'nicht_aktiv' and that should be all that is required.
***Tested***: NO
The back lighting on the instrument cluster is quite dim by default. This can be increased by changing the minimum voltage. This will also increase the back lighting on the iDrive screen (which can be controlled from within the iDrive settings).
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI, LMA (E6x), (N)FRM (E8x/9x)
Parameters: M_TAG_SKALENBELEUCHTUNG, U_POTI_DIMM_MIN
Notes: Changing M_TAG_SKALENBELEUCHTUNG in KOMBI to 'aktiv' allows the instrument lighting to be on with daytime running lights. For most people, this alone won't achieve the desired result. Go in to the lighting module (LMA for E6x, (N)FRM for E8x/9x), and change U_POTI_DIMM_MIN. This is the minimum voltage to the instrument cluster lighting. 5V is the highest value. I would recommend about 4V as the full 5V is quite bright when driving at night time. NCS Dummy is needed to do this.
***Tested***: NO
In the US, vehicles must have an amber sidemarker as part of the parking lights. However, in countries outside of the US, these lights tend to still be activated and look slightly odd (almost like the indicator is constantly on). These can be removed so that they don't come on when the headlights are activated. Alternatively, if they aren't activated by default, they can be coded in if required.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with Sidemarker
Module: LMA (E6x), (N)FRM (E8x/9x)
Parameters: SIDEMARKER_US
Notes: Change value to 'nicht_aktiv' and that should be all that is required.
***Tested***: NO
The sensitivity of the automatic headlights can be adjusted from the iDrive using this feature. If you feel the headlights switch on before necessary, this might be useful.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with automatic headlights
Module: CAPPL/CIC
Parameters: RAIN_LIGHT_SENSOR, C750A_SCHWELLWERT_NORMAL, C750A_SCHWELLWERT_EMPFIN, C750A_SCHWELLWERT_SEHR_E
Notes: Change RAIN_LIGHT_SENSOR to 'aktiv'. Change the other three parameters to par_frei. This should give 'normal', 'sensitive' and 'very sensitive' options in iDrive for controlling headlight sensitivity.
***Tested***: NO
The hazard lights flashing sequence can be altered. The options are normal flash, fast flash and double flash.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: LMA (E6x), (N)FRM (E8x/9x)
Parameters: BLINKIMPULS_WARNBLK
Notes: NCS Dummy is needed to do this. Values 0 and 1 are normal, 2 is fast flash and 3 is double flash.
***Tested***: NO
This feature can be quite versatile depending on the version of the light module installed. For vehicles pre-LMA2 (no welcome lights), this feature allows the dipped headlights to come on by pressing the trunk button; useful for finding your car in the dark. For vehicles with LMA2 (2007 onwards for the 5 series), the above is still possible but many additional features are possible with the welcome lights. Pretty much any of the cars lights (dipped, full, fogs, indicators etc.) can be used as welcome lights through coding.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: LMA (E6x), (N)FRM (E8x/9x)
Parameters: HEIMLEUCHTEN_FUNKSCHL, HEIMLEUCHTEN_ABBRUCH, HEIMLEUCHTEN_KL58G, SONDERTASTE_PANIKALARM (CAS), PANIK_ALARM (DWAI), FBD_PANIK_TOTZEIT (CAS)
Notes: HEIMLEUCHTEN_FUNKSCHL allows the home lights to be controlled from the boot/trunk button on the fob. Change to 'aktiv'. HEIMLEUCHTEN_KL58G allows the instrument lights to come on as part of the home lights. Set to 'aktiv' again (this isn't necessary to make the home lights work, just an additional feature). Now go into CAS and set SONDERTASTE_PANIKALARM to 'panikalarm'. The feature should now work. With just these parameters changed, the home lights might interfere with the boot/trunk opening function from the key fob. If this is the case, go into DWAI and set PANIK_ALARM to 'aktiv' and that should fix it. The fob button should now work like this: press - home lights, hold for around 0.5s - boot/trunk opens, hold for around 2s - panic alarm activates. Unfortunately, it seems the panic alarm feature must be enabled to get the home lights to work, but there is a work around if you don't want the panic alarm feature. Go back to CAS and find FBD_PANIK_TOTZEIT. This sets the time the fob button needs to be held before the panic alarm feature activates. You will need NCS Dummy to change it to a value other than 2 seconds. Set this to a high number - Hex FF (corresponds to 25.5s) will do the trick.
***Tested***: NO
This feature can be quite versatile depending on the version of the light module installed. For vehicles pre-LMA2 (no welcome lights), this feature allows the dipped headlights to come on by pressing the trunk button; useful for finding your car in the dark. For vehicles with LMA2 (2007 onwards for the 5 series), the above is still possible but many additional features are possible with the welcome lights. Pretty much any of the cars lights (dipped, full, fogs, indicators etc.) can be used as welcome lights through coding.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with LM2 module (2007 onwards for 5 Series, similar for other chassis)
Module: CAPPL, LMA2/(N)FRM
Parameters: VA_WELCOMELIGHT (CAPPL), WELCOME_LIGHT_ACTIVE (LMA2/FRM), WL_... (LMA2/FRM)
Notes: Changing VA_WELCOMELIGHT to 'aktiv' enables the feature. WECOME_LIGHT_ACTIVE to 'aktiv' puts option for welcome lights in the iDrive. If WL_MIT_FLC is changed to 'aktiv', the wecome lights will only come on when it is dark. Every other parameter beginning with WL_ in the LM2 module sets which lights are used as welcome lights. For each, the options are 'nicht_aktiv' (not active), 'soft_einschalten' (lights smoothly transition from off to on) and 'hart_einschalten' (lights immediately turn on). Lights that can be used are: WL_FL - high beams, WL_AL - low beams, WL_POL - corner LEDs, WL_NSW - front fogs, WL_BLK_V - front indicators, WL_BLK_H - rear indicators, WL_SL_1 - parking lights, WL_SL_2 - parking lights (not sure what the difference between _WL_SL_1/2 is, nothing in my tests), WL_NSL - rear fogs, WL_KZL - licence plate lights, WL_BL - brake lights. Change all those options to 'soft_einschalten' and your car will light up like a Christmas tree. Although it's tempting to turn all these options on, you'll find (as I did) that if you use the high beams and fogs as welcome lights, you will blind everyone within 20 metres of your car. There's probably a decent amount of battery drain too, although there is a feature which prevents activation of the wecome lights if the battery voltage gets below a threshold.
The one-touch indicator feature can be modified. By default, tapping the indicator gives three flashes. This can be removed so that only one flash occurs when the indicator is tapped. If you are desperate to have the indicators flash two or four times instead of three, this is also possible!
Compatability: Most BMWs with one-touch indicators
Module: LMA/(N)FRM
Parameters: MIND_ANZ_ZYKL_TIPP_BLK
Notes: 'wert_01' sets the signals so they only flash once. 'wert_02' is the default 3 flashes. Using NCS Dummy, the blink count can be changed to something else. Add a parameter with value '04' for instance for 4 flashes.
The angel eyes (circular lights around the dipped and full beam bulbs) are quite dim by default. The voltage can be increased through these bulbs to give a much brighter light. Beware that increasing the voltage is likely to reduce the lifetime of the bulb.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs with Angel Eyes
Module:
Parameters:
Notes:
***Tested***: NO, needs some experimentation
Retrofitting HID kits or xenons (among other things) can lead to bulb errors being flagged, because of the increased/decreased power draw. These can be corrected by coding out the hot/cold bulb warnings.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: LMA/FRM
Parameters: Lots
Notes: There is cold monitoring and hot monitoring of all exterior lights on the vehicle. That makes for lots of parameters, so I'll give you some examples but not an exhaustive list. 'KALTUEBERWACHUNG' is cold monitoring. 'WARMUEBERWACHUNG' is hot monitoring. To identify which light is being referred to: FL = high beam, AL = low beam, SL = parking/standing lights, NSW = front fogs, BLK = turn signals/indicators, BL = brake lights, RL_BL = tail lights, KZL = number plate lights, NSL = rear fogs, RFS = reversing light, ZU = supplementary lights. L and R generally refer to left and right. V and H refer to front and rear respectively. That should be enough to translate all the parameters. For example, WARMUEBERWACHUNG_BLK_V_R is hot monitoring of the right front indicator. Change the value to 'nicht_aktiv' to switch the monitoring off; this quite often fixes light flickering when some form of retrofit is done.
The angel eyes can be used as daytime running lights on some BMWs. The switching on/off of DRLs is controllable from the iDrive on some models.
Retrofits
Most BMWs pre-2007 don't have aux cable inputs for playing music from external devices, which is frustrating given the otherwise high spec of the vehicles. Often, the connectors for an aux input are present behind the centre console, so this functionality can be retrofitted quite easily. See my video on this. Once retrofitted, it is necessary to code the car, so that it knows it has an aux jack fitted. Once completed, the aux input appears in the sources list under 'Entertainment'.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: Vehicle Order, CAPPL
Parameters: +NAUX, AUX_CONFIG
Notes: It's probably a good idea (though may not strictly be necessary) to add aux to the vehicle order. This tells the car that there is an aux input installed. See here for how to change the vehicle order. Now go into CAPPL, find AUX_CONFIG and change to 'mounted'. You should now find that when 'Entertainment' is pressed in iDrive, there is a new source called 'Aux Input'. For info on how to do an aux cable retrofit, have a look at the videos.
CD Changer retrofits are quite straightforward in some vehicles as the connectors are already installed. The car must be coded so that it knows a multichanger is fitted. Once completed, the CD changer will appear on the sources list under 'Entertainment'.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs where a CD changer was an option
Module: CAPPL
Parameters: CDC
Notes: Change to 'aktiv' and the CD Changer should appear as a source in Entertainment in iDrive. On a related note, a lot of BMWs do support MP3 playback but may not have it enabled by default. In CAPPL again, look for MP3_CCC and change to 'full'. This should allow MP3s on CDs in both the changer and the head unit to be played. This feature is available by default in some markets.
iDrive and Cluster
A very popular modification. A digital speedometer can be displayed in the instrument cluster using this modification. This appears on the same screen as the range, average speed and average fuel economy; the screen can be scrolled between these settings and the digital speedometer.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: BC_DIGITAL_V
Notes: Changing this value to 'aktiv' is all that is needed. It will appear on the same screen as the average speed/economy etc. Scroll through all of these options to reach the speedometer.
***Tested***: yes
By default, the digital and analogue speedometers over-read slightly. The error is 2-5mph at 70mph (i.e. when the speedo reads 70, the real speed is 65-68). This can be seen when using satellite navigation which reads out the true speed. This error is intentionally coded in, this is common on most vehicles. The correction factor for both the digital and analogue speedometers can be turned off so that they read the true speed.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: BC_V_KORREKTUR, BC_DIGITAL_V_KORREKTUR
Notes: Change to 'nicht_aktiv' to give true speed. BC_V_KORREKTUR corrects the analogue speedometer, BC_DIGITAL_V_KORREKTUR corrects the digital speedometer (if enabled).
***Tested***: DOES THE ANALOGUE CORRECTION REALLY WORK? PROBABLY A WAY TO DO IT THROUGH IMPULSES PER KM
On vehicles with the capability to play DVDs or watch TV, the feature is disabled when the vehicle is in motion, meaning the passenger cannot watch TV on a journey. This can be disabled so that TV and DVDs can be watched while the vehicle is moving. Remember, this is for passengers only.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with TV/DVD functionality
Module: CAPPL (CCC)/CIC
Parameters: VIDEO_DENY (CAPPL), SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MIN (CIC), SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MAX (CIC), VIDEO_NUR_MIT_HANDBREMSE (CIC)
Notes: For those with the CCC, changing VIDEO_DENY in CAPPL to 'deny_never' should do the trick. Unfortunately, with the CIC things are more tricky. Make sure VIDEO_NUR_MIT_HANDBREMSE is set to 'nicht_aktiv' (it is by default in some markets). the two SPEEDLOCK parameters need to be changed to a high speed, so that the TV functions at normal driving speeds. There are no options available above 10km/h, which means a new parameter needs to be added. This can be done with NCS Dummy, and a tutorial on enabling exactly this feature is available in the user guide which can be downloaded here.
***Tested***: NO
A speed warning can be set, so that when exceeded, a warning symbol is displayed in the cluster and a tone is sounded. On some vehicles with iDrive, this feature can be enabled and the speed changed from within the iDrive menus.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: WARNUNG_GESCHW_LIMIT
Notes: Default options are 'nicht_aktiv' and '120_km/h'. If you have NCS Dummy, you can set it to any speed you choose. If you have iDrive, it's worth checking if the option is there instead of hard-coding it in the KOMBI module. Go to Navigation (or OBC) -> On-Board Info -> Speed Limit.
***Tested***: CHECK THE SPEED LIMIT iIDRVE path
The iDrive can be coded so that when the system first starts up, the default screen is any of navigation, entertainment or communication, instead of the home screen.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with iDrive
Module: CAPPL (CCC)/CIC
Parameters: VA_FB_COMMUNCATION, VA_FB_NAVIGATION, VA_FB_ENTERTAINMENT
Notes: Change one of thse features to 'aktiv' to make this the default screen. When the engine is switched on, after a few seconds the screen should automatically change to the selected screen.
***Tested***: NO
In some countries, the iDrive screen displays a disclaimer every time the engine is started. This can be removed by coding.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with iDrive
Module: CAPPL (CCC)/CIC
Parameters: LEGAL_DISCL (CAPPL), LEGAL_DISCLAIMER_TIME (CIC)
Notes: If you have the CCC, change LEGAL_DISCL to 'nicht_aktiv'. For the CIC, change LEGAL_DISCLAIMER_TIME to 'kein_Id'.
***Tested***: NO
On some vehicles, it is possible to add a read-out of the instantaneous fuel economy on the instrument cluster.
Compatability: E8x/E9x (only more modern versions, exact date unknown)
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: DIGITAL_KVA
Notes: Instantaneous fuel economy is added to the instrument cluster. Change to 'aktiv'. Scroll past average economy, average speed etc. to view. Not a lot of vehicles have this available in the KOMBI module.
***Tested***: NO
For those lucky enough to have an HUD, it is possible to add additional information to the HUD, including the current gear, indicators and a few other things.
Compatability: M5 (e60) or vehicles with HUD upgrade
Module: CAPPL/HUD
Parameters: M_SPORT_HUD (HUD), HUD_M (CAPPL), MDRIVE (CAPPL), BLINKER_AUSSTATTUNG (HUD)
Notes: Changing the first three of these to 'aktiv' should give an RPM gauge and the current gear in the HUD. The last parameter displays the turn signals on the HUD. Change to 'aktiv'. It should also be possible to display the cruise control target speed on the HUD if the car has the HUD.c05 module.
On vehicles with seat heaters and iDrive, a menu can be added so that when the seat heater button is pressed, a menu appears on the screen. This allows the amount of heat and the heat distribution for both the driver and passenger to be controlled.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with iDrive and heated seats
Module: CAPPL
Parameters: VA_SEATCLIMA_SHORTCUT, VA_SEATHEAT_SLIDER
Notes: Changing VA_SEATCLIMA_SHORTCUT to 'aktiv' means the iDrive screen flashes up when either seat heater button is pressed. From this menu, the heat distribution can be controlled (amount of heat to the seat and backrest). Changing VA_SEATHEAT_SLIDER should give a slider in iDrive to choose whether the seat heater intensity is on low, medium or high (you can do this from the seat heater button too).
On some vehicles, the satellite navigation voice can be changed between US and UK English and some offer the choice of a male or female voice as well. These options can be enabled with coding.
Other
On some vehicles with manual transmissions, the car can be coded to give suggestions of when to shift up or down on the instrument cluster.
Compatability: Some BMWs with manual transmission
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: SCHALT_PKT_BC, SP_ANZEIGE, SCHALT_PKT_DAUERHAFT
Notes: SCHALT_PKT_BC needs to be changed to 'aktiv'. SP_ANZEIGE also must be changed to 'aktiv' (this doesn't exist on the E6x KOMBI module so doesn't need to be changed). SCHALT_PKT_DAUERHAFT can be changed to 'aktiv' to make the shift indicator permanently display on the cluster.
On some vehicles, the fuel remaining before the fill-up reminder appears on screen can be altered.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: KOMBI
Parameters: TANK_SCHWELLE_RESERVE
Notes: Options are 'wert_01', 'wert_02', 'wert_03' and 'wert_04' on the E6x. The E8x/9x does not have 'wert_04'. On the E8x/9x, 'wert_02' is the lowest threshold (lowest amount of fuel before reserve light turns on) and 'wert_03' is the highest. It is certainly possible that this might change depending on the model variant, since fuel economy is very different between the lowest powered diesel and the highest powered petrols. Some investigation is needed here to see which value is best for you. NCS Dummy will help here.
The auto-recirculation setting on BMWs is quite useful, turning on the recirculation automatically when air quality is poor. However, by default, every time the engine is switched on, the default setting is no recirculation. By enabling this feature, the car will remember what the last recirculation setting was and automatically change to that setting when the engine is switched on.
Compatability: E-Series BMWs with auto-recirculation feature
Module: IHKA
Parameters: UMLUFT_MEMORY
Notes: Change to 'aktiv', job done.
Putting the air conditioning into auto mode starts up the air conditioning compressor regardless of the desired temperature. With this feature enabled, the compressor is only switched on if the air conditioning button is pressed.
Compatability: Most E-Series BMWs
Module: IHKA
Parameters: ABWAHL_AC (E6x), KLIMA_MIT_AUTO... (E8x/9x)
Notes: For the E6x, change the first parameter to 'aktiv', job done. For the E8x/9x, change any parameter starting KLIMA_MIT_AUTO to 'nicht_aktiv' (there might be three or four versions of this parameter to change).
***TESTED*** aktiv? or nicht_aktiv?