Cruise Control Retrofit for F20 - F30 (DIY Guide)

Hello everyone. In this article, I will explain the Cruise Control Retrofit for the BMW F20-based 1-2-3-4 series step by step. You don't need to pay a lot for services for such an easy process. You can do it yourself very easily. Make sure you have all the necessary tools. Your job will be easier Thanks to Bimmerpost for this helpful DIY Guide.

This do-it-yourself guide applies to the following cars:

BMW F20 1 Series 5-door hatchback
BMW F21 1 Series 3-door hatchback
BMW F22 2 Series Coupe
BMW F23 2 Series Cabrio
BMW F30 3 Series Sedan
BMW F31 3 Series Touring
BMW F32 4 Series Coupe
BMW F33 4 Series Convertible
BMW F36 4 Series GranCoupe

What does this DIY do?

Replace and code multifunction steering-wheel switch from LIM function to dynamic cruise control capability on BMW F20 or F30. This will allow the car to have dynamic cruise control capability. The set speed can be selected from 30 km/h to 180 km/h: in convenient steps of 10 or fine steps of 1. The set speed is displayed on the instrument panel via speedo dial and briefly on information display

Dynamic Cruise Control Features:

Dynamic cruise control is an electronic cruise control system with an extra braking function. This also includes the Curve Speed Limiter that reduces the speed in curves for comfortable lateral acceleration. At the end of the curve the car accelerates and resumes the original speed. The driver can change this in increments of 1 or 10 km/h. Acceleration and deceleration in two dynamic settings can be controlled by manipulating the lever on the steering.

Dynamic Speed Control: Holds set speeds over 20 mph. Can automatically apply brakes while going downhill.
Curve Speed Limiter: Reduces vehicle speed when being steered through a curve or corner.

Multifunction steering-wheel switch

The multifunction steering wheel contains a horn switch and airbag plus, depending on the model, buttons for controlling the radio, telephone and cruise control. The buttons are split between 2 switch blocks; left and right.

Functional Description

The left multifunction steering wheel switch block is directly connected to the right one via a plug connection. This means that all the button signals in the left multifunction steering wheel switch block are detected and digitised in the electronics of the right switch block.

The right multifunction steering wheel switch block sends the signals via the local interconnect network bus to the steering column switch cluster. The steering column switch cluster is the data interface between the local interconnect network bus and FlexRay. All button signals are sent as FlexRay messages.

The right multifunction steering wheel switch block is directly connected to the left one via a ribbon cable.

What will I find in this DIY?

This DIY will guide you on how to change/code the multifunction steering-wheel switch with cruise control function. The bimmer can be either F20/F30 series with automatic air condition.

Part required:

BMW OEM Multi steering-wheel switch.
Leather steering wheel PN: 61319261859(This one works on EU F30, but half the cost of non-US PN: 61319316952)
Sport leather steering wheel PN: 61319261861

Tools required:

Flat head screw driver
Torx screwdriver T10, T20
Computer with esys installed(no need launcher pro or psdzdata full)
OBD/Ethernet cable
ESD strap
Wrench 10 mm

Installation Instruction for Multifunction Steering Wheel Swtich:

There are two ways to remove air bag. I recommend to remove air bag using the below method as it is easier plus it will not leave any mark on the steering wheel. This method is from YouTube as the link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRnxGSAHNNY . The BMW method is in the appendix, if you desire to do that way. The toughest part of this DIY is getting the air bag out.

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal

This will add safety from unintentional air bag deployment during removal. Important! Do not under any circumstances use force to pull off negative terminal. Pull off battery earth lead with IBS in an upwards direction, place to one side and secure.
Ground your body with car body with ESD strap (if you have one for extra protection)

2. Removing upper section of steering column shroud

Move steering column in "bottom" and "extended" position. Pull steering column gap cover up carefully and clip out gap cover.

Pull steering column shroud (1) up. Clip steering column gap cover (1) out of steering column shroud upper section. Important! Risk of damage! Carefully pull steering column shroud upper section (1) upward at rear and clip out.

3. Remove lower steering shroud

Press retaining lugs outwards a little and unclip steering column shroud downwards. Installation note: Align steering column shroud by means of retaining lugs to steering column and press up as far as it will go. Press steering column shroud on both sides together a little and then press upwards completely until retaining lugs snap into place. Check installation position, correct if necessary.

Tilt steering column shroud in downward direction. If necessary, unlock plug connection (1) on steering column adjustment switch and (2) emergency starting aerial and disconnect. Remove lower section of steering column shroud.

4. Turn steering 90 degrees to as illustrated below

5. Look back to the steering wheel from behind underneath steering column for the air bag hook as the picture below and use flat head screw driver to pry the hook and pull the air bag up on same side. Once the air bag is release continuing on the other side above the steering column to get the air bag release from both hooks. After remove airbag turns steering back to normal position.

6. Disconnect airbag and multifunction steering switch electrical connectors from the steering wheel

7. Remove the air bag and put it in an open space with BMW logo facing up.

8. Use Torx screw driver to loosen two screws to release the multifunction steering switch and trim from steering wheels.

9. Use Torx screw driver to release multifunction steering switch from the trim pieces (4 screws) and replace with new multifunction steering switch. (Need to transfer one electrical connector from the old switch to the new multifunction switch.)

10. Reinstall trim piece to steering wheel and route the wire back to steering wheel.

11. Reconnect the connectors for multifunction switch and air bag and install air bag back by pushing it in until you hear a snap. Check to make sure that air bag is secured firmly.

12. Assemble back the steering column shroud and aerial.

13. Reinstall the steering gap cover

14. Move steering column to the normal driving position.

15. Reconnect negative terminal.

16. Press start and check the followings:

Illumination lights on multifunction steering switch
Check the audio control
Press horn to check
Check for any fault from the instrument panel. Should be none!

17. BMW F20 - F30 Cruise Control Coding

Launch esys and connect to your car
Select expert mode
Read and activate FA (add option 544)
Read SVT
Select and code the following ECU: FEM - ICM - KOMBI

Quote from Bimmerpost