New F06 Owner: What should I code first?

[SanDiego640]

As a “new” 2016 640i owner, I was stoked to learn of the coding possibilities. This is a whole new world that has opened up since I bought my last BMW, a 2006 E90.

I’ve been in Europe for a week, so I ordered a Veepeak OBD2 scan tool, and downloaded the BimmerCode software. I’m really looking forward to getting home and plowing into this.

I’m looking for your recommendations on top features to code for, and any traps to avoid, using BimmerCode for the coding.

Also, I sure would love to know whether the headlights on a 2016 (manufactured Jan 2016) are capable of being coded to something closer to the European specs on the glare free adaptive high beams.

Thanks for all the great info!

[Giggs11]

Seat belt buzzer, rolling windows up with with key fob and so on ....

[arucano]

go through the coding lists / spreadsheets and take a few days and decide what you really like. Don't worry about it too much since it is just as easy to undo. I would suggest that you start a record of what you are coding. It may come in handy later. If you get an error code when using iBmmerCoder, there is always a backup created to take a step back. Would advise you code one thing at a time and test it.
Enjoy and good luck

[MichaelInChicago]

Hi SanDiego640,

Which specific tool did you order? I went online but I am a little confused.

Thanks

[thedza]

auto folding mirrors/rolling windows up & down with key fob/comfort access is probably my favorite feature. everything else are pretty much individual preferences (speed to shut off cameras, lighting brightness, etc)

[Qsilver7]

What surprised me the most... because my 1st thought was that it would be "toyish"...but I ended up liking more than I thought I would is the

• sport dials (for HP/Torque)
• the TPMS screen with temp° & pressure

[SanDiego640]

Originally Posted by MichaelInChicago

Hi SanDiego640,

Which specific tool did you order? I went online but I am a little confused.

Thanks

Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth 4.0 OBD2 Scanner Code Reader for iOS & Android, Car Diagnostic Scan Tool for Year 1996 and Newer Vehicles in The US
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076XVQMVS..._yCuPDb2FG2JS6

Works like a charm together with the BimmerCode app.

[SanDiego640]

Best changes I have made so far via coding:

1. Switched off all seat belt lights and gongs; and welcome gong. This alone was worth the cost of the hardware and app. I can sit in the car, door open, seat belt unfastened, start the car and...peaceful silence.
2. Switched off the legal disclaimers/warnings on backup camera screen and iDrive startup screen.
3. Switched on the temp indicator for TPMS. So cool. Why don't they have this on by default?
4. Turned on flashing lights for brake force display.
5. Increased brightness of the ambient lighting.
6. Set auto start-stop to off by default. Again, this along is worth the cost.
7. Enabled Low Fuel Indicators 1 and 2. Before coding just one was on.

Some features that are listed were already switched on, such as the Sport gauges, etc.

What changes have you made that are big improvements that I missed?

[iamvanja]

All of the above +
mirrors folding (expected that would be ON by default, but glad it was fixable nonetheless)
remember seat ventilation / heating unless changed (i think the default is 45 minutes after the car is shut, then turn off).

[JBF650]

next Tuesday my Bluetooth decoder arrives and ill be ridding myself of the wretched auto stop start on default as a priority!

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI to be conscious of some of the convenience features that have a delay for implementation...to perhaps really think about your personal situation and how and where you drive. Like the convenience open/close/fold of the doors/windows/mirrors.

If you do NO delay or shorten the delay...you may end up wasting time trying to get the car like you want when using the feature. For instance, if you remove all delay from door/widow/sunroof/mirror folding...you could end up opening your sunroof and lowering your back windows when you simply want to unlock the driver's door or doors. Or you may want to delay the sunroof closing so that you can keep the interior vented on a hot summer day...but still roll all the front & rear windows up and lock the doors.

Then features like fog lights on with high beams...if you live in an urban area and all the streets, boulevards, parkways, highways, interstates you drive on 99% of the time are illuminated at night...do you really need this feature? But if you find yourself on non-illuminated roads (I drive one and it has no white edge lines either) that will have you driving through wooded or farm areas...and animals can jump out without warning...then fogs on w/high beams might be something that is actually useful.


Welcome light illumination interval is another interesting one. Again, if you live or park in areas that are not illuminated at night...lengthening the welcome light interval is a welcome treat...as well as illuminating additional lights (like fogs and tail lights), too.

The "flashing" brake force lights sounds nice (I did it)...but its something I have yet to see activated...its kinda hard to do when you're behind the steering wheel.