How to Install BMW Remote Engine Start (Option 1CR) with E-Sys and an ENET Cable

This is the full self-installation guide for activating BMW remote engine start, factory option 1CR, on a BDC3 G-series car. It covers both halves of the job: adding 1CR to the vehicle order, and coding the individual control units that make the three-press key-fob start and the cabin preconditioning actually work.

It is written for owners who already have a 1CR Patch FSC, which works exactly like an original, generated against their VIN. If you have not ordered the code yet, start with the Remote Start FSC code product, or read the background article on how BMW remote engine start works first.

A word of honesty up front. This is expert-level coding. If you are not comfortable in E-Sys and the FDL editor, the safer route is to let us do it remotely for an extra 50 euro through the BMW Feature Installer service. Incorrect coding can cause faults, and the responsibility for a self-coded car is your own.

What you need before you start

• E-Sys installed on a Windows laptop, with a current set of PSdZData files.
• An ENET cable between the car's OBD port and the laptop.
• A stable power supply. Connect a battery charger or maintainer so the voltage never drops mid-coding.
• Your 1CR Patch FSC (it works exactly like an original) for this exact VIN.
• A backup of the original vehicle order and of every CAFD file before you change it. This is not optional; it is how you recover if something goes wrong.

Note that we supply the FSC and the coding know-how, but we do not distribute E-Sys or PSdZData and cannot provide those tools or support their installation. Those are sourced separately by the person doing the coding.

Part 1, add option 1CR to the vehicle order

The first stage puts the 1CR option into the car's vehicle order (the FA) so the system recognises remote start as a fitted feature.

1. Connect. Open E-Sys, choose the correct vehicle series, and connect to the car over the ENET cable.
2. Read the vehicle order. Switch to Expert Mode, open the FA area and read the current vehicle order from the car.
3. Add the option. Append the remote-start option to the end of the order by adding ,1CR to the option list, then save the modified FA.
4. Activate the FA. In the VCM section, load the saved FA and activate it so the new vehicle order is written to the car.
5. Code the car. In the Coding section, run a full code so the updated configuration is pushed to the control units.

On some cars the FA activation and a full code are enough for the feature to appear. On most BDC3 cars, though, you also need the targeted FDL coding in Part 2 for the three-press start and the preconditioning to behave correctly end to end.

Part 2, code the individual control units (FDL, Expert Mode)

This stage edits specific parameters in each relevant module using the FDL editor. Work through the modules one at a time. For every module the routine is the same:

1. Select the module in the ECU list.
2. Read and load its CAFD into the FDL editor.
3. Change the listed parameters to the listed values.
4. Save the CAFD, return to the Coding section and run Code FDL for that module.
5. Watch E-Sys for a success message, or note any error before moving on.

Coding each module takes a couple of minutes. Keep the charger connected throughout. Any parameter or module your car does not have can simply be skipped, the feature still works without the optional extras.

BDC_BODY3 (0x40), the core module

This is where the main remote-start permissions live. Set:

• TCM_REMOTE_START → aktiv
• RCM_ENABLE_REMOTE_ENGINESTART → aktiv
• ALH_AKTIV_IN_PWF_ZUSTAND → ab_Standfunktionen
• ASP_STANDHEIZUNG → aktiv
• VOKO_SHZ_ALHZ → VOKO_aktive_alle_Sitze (skip if the car has no seat heating)
• LRE_LHZ_VOKO → aktiv (skip if the car has no heated steering wheel)

DKOMBI4 (0x60), instrument cluster

• HMI_REMOTE_START_ENABLE → aktiv

DSC_BRS_IB (0x29), stability / parking brake

• C_EPBI_Remote_Start → aktiv

If this module does not contain the parameter, skip it and carry on with the rest.

FZD2 (0x56), roof / alarm module

• DWA Motor Remote → aktiv (skip if the car has no alarm system)

HU_MGU (0x63), head unit

• HVAC_REMOTE_ENGINE_START → aktiv

IHKA4 (0x78), climate control unit

• MIN_TANKINHALT_STANDHEIZEN → 2L
• STANDKLIMA_MOTORLAUF → AKTIV_Alle_Aktivierungswege
• HSH_ANSTEUERUNG_BEI_VOKO → AKTIV

SM2 driver side (0x6D) and passenger side (0x6E), seat modules

• SA_SHZ_VOKO_AKTIVIERUNG → aktiv on both modules

Skip both seat modules if the car does not have seat heating.

Module and parameter summary

Module	Address	Parameter	Value
BDC_BODY3	0x40	TCM_REMOTE_START	aktiv
BDC_BODY3	0x40	RCM_ENABLE_REMOTE_ENGINESTART	aktiv
BDC_BODY3	0x40	ALH_AKTIV_IN_PWF_ZUSTAND	ab_Standfunktionen
BDC_BODY3	0x40	ASP_STANDHEIZUNG	aktiv
BDC_BODY3	0x40	VOKO_SHZ_ALHZ	VOKO_aktive_alle_Sitze (if seat heating)
BDC_BODY3	0x40	LRE_LHZ_VOKO	aktiv (if heated steering wheel)
DKOMBI4	0x60	HMI_REMOTE_START_ENABLE	aktiv
DSC_BRS_IB	0x29	C_EPBI_Remote_Start	aktiv (if present)
FZD2	0x56	DWA Motor Remote	aktiv (if alarm fitted)
HU_MGU	0x63	HVAC_REMOTE_ENGINE_START	aktiv
IHKA4	0x78	MIN_TANKINHALT_STANDHEIZEN	2L
IHKA4	0x78	STANDKLIMA_MOTORLAUF	AKTIV_Alle_Aktivierungswege
IHKA4	0x78	HSH_ANSTEUERUNG_BEI_VOKO	AKTIV
SM2 (driver)	0x6D	SA_SHZ_VOKO_AKTIVIERUNG	aktiv (if seat heating)
SM2 (passenger)	0x6E	SA_SHZ_VOKO_AKTIVIERUNG	aktiv (if seat heating)

Verify and finish

1. Check the car's functions to confirm the coding took. The remote-start entry should appear in the iDrive climate menu.
2. Look for stored fault messages and confirm the new feature works.
3. Restart the car if the menu entry has not appeared yet, this is normal after coding the head unit.
4. Test the three-press start on the original key fob.
5. When you are satisfied, disconnect E-Sys from the car safely.

Things that trip people up

• The menu is missing. Almost always the head unit or climate unit has not been coded yet, or the car needs a restart after coding. Finish the full module list and cycle the ignition.
• A parameter is not in the module. That option is not fitted to your car. Skip it, the feature works without seat heating, a heated steering wheel or an alarm.
• Voltage drop mid-coding. This is the main real risk. Keep a charger on the car the whole time.
• Wrong car entirely. Remote start needs a petrol automatic with BDC3 and iDrive 7 or higher. On a diesel or a pre-BDC3 car, no amount of coding will give a clean result.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to unlock the ECU for this?

No. Adding 1CR and coding the modules does not touch the engine control unit or its software.

Can I do this without an ENET cable?

No. E-Sys communicates with the car over the ENET (OBD-to-Ethernet) cable. If you do not have one, use our remote coding option instead.

What if I only add 1CR to the FA and code the car, without the FDL steps?

On some cars that is enough, but most BDC3 cars need the targeted parameters in Part 2 for the three-press start and preconditioning to work reliably. Do both parts.

Is there any risk of damage?

The biggest risks are a voltage drop during coding and editing the wrong parameter. Back up every CAFD first and keep the car on a charger. If you are unsure, have us do it remotely.

Can you just do it for me?

Yes. Add remote coding for an extra 50 euro and we complete every module over the internet. You only need the car, an ENET cable, a laptop and a stable connection.

Next steps

Ready to activate? Order the Remote Start FSC code, or read the background on how BMW remote engine start works. For the full range of activations, see the FSC code catalogue, and if you would rather not code the car yourself, the BMW Feature Installer service does it for you.

E-Sys, ISTA and BMW are trademarks of their respective owners. They are referenced here for identification only, and TempaDrive is not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW.