[zellamay]

Our 2011 328i has a bad footwell module. I'm contacting the local dealer about warranty. If that doesn't work out, any suggestions as to what to do next/ where to go?

[e90yyc]

Do you have a cable and software? Probably makes the most sense to just find a junkyard replacement or to buy a used one online.

Even if you don’t have a cable this might be a good opportunity to pick one up. There are also turnkey solutions in the form of apps that you could consider if you don’t want to set up the software.

Replacing it through any “official” channel will likely be extremely expensive (dealer would be top of that list) as they’ll probably quote a new module. Failures do happen but it’s not a universal problem, so secondhand modules are usually a pretty safe bet.

If you already have cable/software then even better. Programming/coding process is pretty straightforward.

[Cpet]

My car was traded in on a new BMW by the original owner. As part of the pre-sale servicing, the footwell module was replaced. To give you a ballpark for a new part, it was listed on the repair order at around $735. This was over 3 years ago, so I'm sure the price is only higher now. I've always wondered if this was the reasoning for the trade in! Good luck with the fix.

[zellamay]

It's out of warranty, Dealer cost is $1500 p&l .... So I'll be looking for a cheaper alternative. If anyone in Phoenix area is experienced with this, I'll pay to have it programmed to the car. I have some INPA experience, but I'd have to learn the rest. One video I saw makes it seem possible, so if I have to tackle it, I will.

[bmwbob89]

Send it and have it repaired. Here is a link for one place I found with Gogle:
https://the-ecu-pro.com/garage/searc...caAuPWEALw_wcB

Here is another company I've used for DME problems and they are great:
https://www.bimecu.com/frm3-repair

[smass]

It is always a good idea to check your vin here http://www.bmw-rp.com/production/bmw...bmw_portal.nsf

[zellamay]

I'm starting to read on the differences. Apparently it's in what lighting the car has. If there is a simple answer, please tell me. ... as always, thanks...
It's a 2011 328i, made in 2010 in S Africa. I think it has Halogen lights, will get confirmation later today.

[zellamay]

I fixed it! Here is what I did: bought a junkyard FRM (don't buy FRM1 or FRMFA. Ours came with FRM3, but the junkyard FRM2 seems to be working) , downloaded INPA onto laptop and followed instructions on this video:

. (There were a couple of places where my software was not exactly the same as his, so I had to guess what to do. Either I got lucky or those decisions didn't matter much.) ..... Anyway, the $70 fix can be done, instead of $1500 from a dealer, or $500 to send mine somewhere for fixing.

[jadams161]

great info. I have an error stored for a communication (reverse gear) issue with the new frm a dealer put in last year for the prior owner. My car is at the dealer now and I asked them to update the software on it. Hopefully they don't brick it. Wish I saw this earlier.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by zellamay

I fixed it! Here is what I did: bought a junkyard FRM (don't buy FRM1 or FRMFA. Ours came with FRM3, but the junkyard FRM2 seems to be working) , downloaded INPA onto laptop and followed instructions on this video:

. (There were a couple of places where my software was not exactly the same as his, so I had to guess what to do. Either I got lucky or those decisions didn't matter much.) ..... Anyway, the $70 fix can be done, instead of $1500 from a dealer, or $500 to send mine somewhere for fixing.

Nice work!

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by jadams161

great info. I have an error stored for a communication (reverse gear) issue with the new frm a dealer put in last year for the prior owner. My car is at the dealer now and I asked them to update the software on it. Hopefully they don't brick it. Wish I saw this earlier.

I have the same error since I replaced mine to. I thought I hadn't done the coding/swap properly but maybe it's just how it is. I'm curious to know if your dealer removes it.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by bmwbob89

Send it and have it repaired. Here is a link for one place I found with Gogle:
https://the-ecu-pro.com/garage/searc...caAuPWEALw_wcB

Here is another company I've used for DME problems and they are great:
https://www.bimecu.com/frm3-repair

Idk how reliable repairing them as been for others but repairing mine only lasted ~ 5 months until I had to repair it again and then it let go again. Went ahead and just got a new FRM.

[jadams161]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

I have the same error since I replaced mine to. I thought I hadn't done the coding/swap properly but maybe it's just how it is. I'm curious to know if your dealer removes it.

Reading about the code....its basically a shadow code and is harmless. My dealer is worthless tho and I could not convey to the service writer what needed to be done. So I will see if I can reflash it my self with NCexpert and INPA.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by jadams161

Reading about the code....its basically a shadow code and is harmless. My dealer is worthless tho and I could not convey to the service writer what needed to be done. So I will see if I can reflash it my self with NCexpert and INPA.

Ok thanks for the info. Yes I also agree it can be ignored. But yeah I even tried running some kind of service function made for this purpose in ISTA and it still didn't work. Oh well Let me know if you find a way!

[toy4two]

i fry my FRM annually. Thanks Carly's lazy programmers. Its $39 to ship out to a guy in LA and fast turnaround. Just look on ebay