ZCS Structure

ZCS Structure

The 37 digit structure of the ZCS is subdivided into three segments. The segments represent specific information about the vehicle.
Each segment ends with a check digit. Check digits are utilized by the coding software to detect unacceptable manually entered codes.
Never change the ZCS digits or check digits unless it is necessary for special recoding functions such as a Canadian market car being moved to the US. This requires special attention and such situations require information from the BMW technical hotline 1-800-472-7222.

The segments of the ZCS are:







GM = Grundmerkmale, translated to english this means Basic Features. The GM segment contains 9 digits. It describes:
- What type of vehicle it is (E36, E38, Etc)
- Specifically, what body style the vehicle is and what body equipment is included, (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, / With sunroof, Without sunroof, wheel size, etc.)
- Country Specific coding identification
- Unique special equipment that affects the basics of the vehicle.
- Basic language variant

SA = Sonderausstattungs, translated to english this means Special Equipment. The SA segment contains 17 digits. It describes:
- All vehicle equipment such as:
- Power windows - crank windows,
- Power door locks - manual door locks
- Power sunroof - manual sunroof
- Headlight washer
- Heated door locks
- Heated windshield
- Xenon headlights
- EDC equipped
- ASC equipped...., etc.

The SA segment is configured to provide a total of 64 possible number combinations (option groups) for all series vehicles worldwide.

VN = Versionsnummer, translated to english this means Version Number. The VN segment contains 11 digits. It describes:
- Series specific coding data that are not reflected in the GM or SA segments. This includes, model year dependent data, software and hardware versions of the control modules installed, coding instructions, etc.
The VN is displayed as 40 possible combinations of digits. A deliberate change in the VN will cause the coding equipment to change the coding tables used for encoding a control module. This will affect the proper operation of a control modules coded with an incorrect VN.