Vehicle and Key Memory
Vehicle Memory/Key Memory (VKM)
This feature provides the flexibility of allowing the owner to customize certain functions of select vehicle systems and automatically identifies users of the vehicle by a key identification signal provided by the remote keyless entry system (FZV). VKM coding is done at the time of delivery during the QC I.
Vehicle & Key memory is marketed as a combined feature but is actually two separate functions of the select vehicle control systems.
Vehicle Memory
The owner is provided with a list of available system functions that can be customized to their liking. Prior to delivery, the DISplus or MoDiC, is used to encode the owner's chosen selections into the appropriate control modules.
These choices become a permanent function of the control module and can only be changed by re-encoding with the DISPlus or MoDiC at a BMW center.
Key Memory
This feature provides the added convenience of identifying users of the vehicle whenever a lock or unlocked signal is generated via the individual FZV keys. A maximum of four FZV keys can be used with the Key Memory feature.
Each of the four keys generate a unique key identification signal (key number) that is transmitted simultaneously with the lock/unlock signals to the General Module. Key Memory does not respond to Lock/Unlock requests from the mechanical drivers door lock.
Most of the key memory functions require the vehicle be configured using the "KEY MEMORY" function of the DISplus or MoDiC. However, there are a few features that store settings automatically without configuration such as IHKA blower speed and temp setting.
The key ID signal alerts the GM to communicate with select control systems over the K Bus to store (when locked) or reset (when unlocked) certain driver adjustable settings.
There are features that functions as both a Vehicle & Key Memory feature.
Example: the Automatic Seat Adjustment feature is encoded as a Vehicle Memory Function with the following possibilities:
- when unlocking,
- when opening a door after unlocking
- or not active at all.
If active, the seat positions are stored and reactivated by the Key Memory function for individual users of the car.
The Vehicle & Key Memory feature has been integrated into the E38 and E39 since the 1999 model year (9/98 production). The Vehicle Memory function without key memory is also available via Coding Conversion for E31, E32, E34 and E36 vehicles. (reference SI 09 03 98)
Required Preconditions
Before configuring Vehicle or Key Memory Functions, connect a battery charger to the vehicle. This will ensure adequate battery voltage during the VKM configuration.
If battery voltage drops below 11.8 volts, the procedure will terminate.
Vehicle Memory Configuration Procedure
From the Coding/Programming Selection function of the DIS+ or MoDiC, Select "CAR MEMORY" and proceed by pressing the right arrow.
The system will scan for control systems capable of configuration based on the ZCS code.
After a short wait the system will display a list of detected control systems capable of Vehicle Memory configuration.
Using the owner's selection list, enter the systems selected for customization.
Example: The owner chooses not to have an acoustic acknowledgment when the DWA is disarmed.
- From the displayed list select "Anti Theft System" and press the continue arrow.
- From the Anti Theft Sub menu, select 4. Acknowledge.
The Acknowledge sub menu provides all possible options for the DWA Acknowledgment.
- Select 2. Disarm Acoustically, and press the continue arrow.
The next displayed screen is the "active/not active" selection.
The blue "=" sign indicates what mode this particular function is set to at the present.
- Select the "not active" function and press the continue arrow.
The system will accept the selection and bring the "CAR MEMORY" main selection menu back in the display.
If additional selections are required, enter into the systems displayed and repeat the steps from above.
- When all of the required Vehicle Memory configuration selections are entered, scroll down to the bottom of the main car memory menu and select "99 SET VEHICLE".
All of the selected configuration changes are now displayed. Check the displayed list against the Owner's selection list making sure all of the choices are entered.
Print this list out and place in the vehicle history file for future reference.
- Press the continue arrow to proceed with the configuration. The display will request that the ignition switch be "switched off and on again". Switch off for a minimum of 10 seconds, then switch back on. Press the "Yes" button to continue.
A bar graph indicating configuration progress is displayed along with the current battery voltage. This portion of the configuration varies in duration based on the total number of configuration selections. Watch the battery voltage level during the configuration. Low battery condition will terminate or possibly incorrectly configure the vehicle.
The display will change indicating the "Vehicle setting completed". Switch ignition off for 10 seconds and then back on.
Verify the configuration change(s) by activating the new function.
Pressing the Left arrow brings the Main Coding/Programming Menu back in the display.
Key Memory Configuration Procedure
From the Coding/Programming Selection function of the DISplus or MoDiC, Select "KEY MEMORY" and proceed by pressing the right arrow.
With the ignition switched on press the right arrow to allow the system to scan for control systems capable of Key Memory configuration.
After a short wait the system will display a key number selection list of the four possible keys. The display also indicates the identification number of the last key used
- Using the owner's selection list, select the key for key memory assignment and press the continue arrow.
The system will scan for key memory functions for the specific key.
Similar to the "CAR MEMORY" main menu, the "KEY MEMORY" main menu provides all of the possible configuration options.
As an example, the owner requires the selective unlocking feature be deactivated.
- Press 2. "CENTRAL LOCKING" and press the continue arrow.
- From the displayed list select "10 Selective central locking" and press the continue arrow.
The blue "=" sign indicates what mode this particular function is set to currently.
- Select the "not active" function and press the continue arrow.
The system will accept the selection and bring the Key Memory main selection menu back in the display.
If additional selections are required, enter into the systems displayed and repeat the steps from above.
- When all of the required Key Memory configuration selections are entered, select "99 SET VEHICLE".
The next screen displays all of the selected configuration changes.
Check the displayed list against the Owner's selection list making sure all of the choices are entered. Print this list out and place in the vehicle history file for future reference if necessary.
- Press the continue arrow to proceed with the configuration.
The next display will request that the ignition switch be "switched off and on again". Press the "Yes" button to continue.
A bar graph indicating configuration process is displayed along with the current battery voltage.
The display will change indicating the "Vehicle setting completed". Turn the ignition switch back off for 10 seconds and then back on. Verify the configuration change(s) by activating the new function.
Also located at the bottom of both the "CAR & KEY" selection menus are the possible selections:
- "97 FACTORY SETTING" - This selection automatically resets the original factory default settings
- "98 REJECT SELECTION" - This selection resets the last selected entry to the previous setting.
Symbols: = The equal sign signifies the current mode of function
> The arrow symbol signifies selected changes to be encoded when all selections are completed. This symbol can be seen when returning to a selection menu to check on selected modes of operation prior to "99 Set Vehicle".
* The asterisk indicates the factory default encoding function after encoding.
Vehicle/Key Configuration and the Conversion Feature
The ZCS Coding Conversion feature is still utilized for changing other system functions as in the past. For example: The Language Display Change for the instrument cluster display block is only available using the Coding Conversion feature.
Vehicle/Key Memory Service Considerations
Replacing Vehicle or Key Memory Configured Control Modules
If a Vehicle/Key Memory capable control module becomes defective and needs replacement, the specific customized data will be transferred over to the new replacement unit during the ZCS encoding process.
If this is not possible due to extensive control module failure, the owner must be made aware of the situation and requested to provide the options they originally selected. For this reason, it is advantageous to print the selected features as mentioned in the Vehicle & Key Memory configuration procedures.
FZV Key Initialization Procedure
Also mentioned in the BMW Features section of this manual, If FZV keys need re-initializing, make sure they are initialized in the same order.
Technician Awareness
Vehicle Memory/Key Memory Configuration obviously changes the functionality of the systems. Before concluding a specific system is defective, review the Vehicle/Key memory selection for the vehicle you are working on. This is most easily accomplished by selecting the "Print List" function. There may be an owner selected function activated that is not a common selection, causing misunderstanding of the system's function.
When working on a Vehicle/Key Memory capable vehicle, avoid using the FZV keys. Use the driver's door lock to lock and unlock the vehicle to maintain the owners memorized settings. If settings had to be modified as part of repair procedure, inform the client advisor of the situation so that they can inform the vehicle owner.