Looking to swap interiors?? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!

JupiterBMW · 03-25-2017, 06:02 AM

Fellow Bimmerpost members... Please read this if you have any intent of swapping interiors in your car!

I have swapped a few cars now, but my current M3 was my first E9x. I swapped from black to bamboo in my '11 M3 sedan. The donor car was an '08 M3 with all of the same options, heated, power, fold down rear... All seemed good, right?!

So, during the swap, I quickly learned that the front headrests are different. '09+ cars all have active head restraints (AHR) headrests, which have an airbag unit inside. This is step 1. If you're cross swapping, you'll need to get headrests that match your original model, and you'll also need to steal the wiring from inside the seats. Its a two wire pigtail connector, connects inside the headrest and runs down to the underside of the seat. You'll see it when you unplug the front seats, a small white, 2-wire connector... Kind of a pain in the ass to fish it out of the seat, but very manageable... On the flip side, if you have an '08 and don't have these headrests, you're all good, you can use either set. The '08 headrests have manual tilt though, the '09+ units do not tilt...

Once I did this, all was good. No airbag lights at all on the dash.

However, the car went to the dealer for some software work (Dinan engine/DCT software). When they plugged the car in, the Dinan software wouldn't load. Not only that, but the DCT computer essentially locked up and the car wouldn't move...

NINE days later... I got the car back. They did eventually get everything reprogrammed (with all the latest software too!) and the Dinan software installed...

Turns out that the seat module (on the underside of the front seat, one driver and one passenger) are coded to the car. So, being that my drivers seat module was showing for an '08 M3, when they ran the vehicle order, it didn't match the rest of the car and the computer wouldn't proceed. The passenger seat module was also from the '08 donor, however it didn't flag as being different, and the thought is because the memory functions are all stored in the driver's seat. Either way, my dealership had to have the car remote programmed from BMW NA in New Jersey. Eventually, all worked out just fine, but this will happen again the next time the car has to go to the dealer.

What else sucks?? The module part has been updated over the years, so the one in my original seats (a 2011 model) is completely different, including different connectors, than the 2008 unit that is currently in my car.

For day to day, this is fine, no codes or lights on the dash.. However, if the car has to go to the dealer again, they will have this same problem.

What to do... I either have to obtain my original seat module from the guy I swapped with (luckily we're friends and keep in touch) or, I have to buy a BRAND NEW one and have it coded to my car. However, nobody was sure if they would be able to code a 2008 module to my 2011 car (remember, different connectors). So, the other option is to locate a 2011 seat with the same connectors. From here I would have to obtain my original seat module, or buy a NEW one and have it programmed to my car. Ideally I acquire my original one, however this then leaves my buddy's car without a module, so one has to be acquired for his car so he has something to install...

I am still working this out... But, wanted to post my findings as this could be a potential nightmare for someone else.

You've all been warned, now good luck with your swaps!

roastbeef · 03-25-2017, 07:50 AM

Wow. I had no idea there was something inside the headrest.

6ixSpd · 03-25-2017, 10:03 AM

Nice.

I thought AHR info was common lol. The seat module can be programmed to your VIN using NCS Expert, I wasn't aware that the connects themselves are different. I've seen lots of people doing swaps and just leave the AHR plug disconnect in the non-AHR car or code it out vice versa.

JupiterBMW · 03-25-2017, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Nice.

I thought AHR info was common lol. The seat module can be programmed to your VIN using NCS Expert, I wasn't aware that the connects themselves are different. I've seen lots of people doing swaps and just leave the AHR plug disconnect in the non-AHR car or code it out vice versa.

Yes this is true. The dealership programming tools cannot individually play with only one module, which is why it's a problem there. I lost my coding setup in a laptop transition, so I don't have the ability just yet. Coding out the AHR is another option, but I didn't want to lose any functionalities...

FMLYSDN · 03-25-2017, 12:06 PM

Interesting. I seem to recall seeing a post in the forum that the only difference between LCI and Pre-LCI were tailights and I-drive.....

Thanks for sharing this info.

becausephilchow · 03-27-2017, 03:37 AM

Interesting. So, in short, if you're going to swap interiors, go for some sort of RECAROs or something to prevent all this headache? haha.

JupiterBMW · 03-27-2017, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becausephilchow

Interesting. So, in short, if you're going to swap interiors, go for some sort of RECAROs or something to prevent all this headache? haha.

If you've got the $$ to do it, go for it. I wanted to keep the interior as OEM as possible, not interested in Recaros... I am, however, now searching for another set of front seats from a 2011 model...

ccfj1 · 05-18-2017, 05:48 AM

I would use NCSexpert and default code the 2 seat module with your cars VO.

You may need to code any options to your car that the seat has (that your car does not), so do that before you default code the seats.

This should then align the modules to the car.

UPSROD · 05-18-2017, 09:31 AM

Also during a future sale, when the potential new buyer runs a VIN check the info will not match and could slow down the sale. I for one would not buy it!

ccfj1 · 05-18-2017, 09:40 AM

Just use winfpk to update the module and update the vin number, pretty simple, if the vin is not required for operation, then its not really a problem.

JupiterBMW · 05-18-2017, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccfj1

I would use NCSexpert and default code the 2 seat module with your cars VO.

You may need to code any options to your car that the seat has (that your car does not), so do that before you default code the seats.

This should then align the modules to the car.

Yeah, I used to code a lot when I had my E46, but I've changed computers, changed cars, and I never got the software set back up... I'll probably just pay someone to do it as the car is going back to the dealer again soon for some more Dinan coding...

Quote:

Originally Posted by UPSROD

Also during a future sale, when the potential new buyer runs a VIN check the info will not match and could slow down the sale. I for one would not buy it!

Yes, I understand this... I've swapped 3 BMW interiors now and I'm well aware that the VIN decoders won't match up... I am 100% transparent with this sort of stuff when selling cars. I explained this when I sold my E46 and still managed to sell it for almost 300% of Blue Book value. When I swap, I replace ALL clips behind the panels, so everything fits 100% tight as new. And that all being said, I'm not selling my E90, so not to worry...

ccfj1 · 05-19-2017, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UPSROD

Also during a future sale, when the potential new buyer runs a VIN check the info will not match and could slow down the sale. I for one would not buy it!

Really? for me it would not be a problem, if the OEM interior was rubbish eg: not sport etc (not that I'd buy a car without sports seats anyways), and someone had already done the upgrade from another car, then that for me would be a bonus.

I'm in the process of swapping the seats in mine from electric sport to m3 electric sport heated with lumbar support, and thanks to the info above I'll now code them to my car.

I have also oem retrofitted the EPS individual audio, rear electric sun blind and TV module, both the amp and tv have different vin numbers but work perfectly, I will recode the vin at some point, but like jupiter i'm not selling the car anytime soon, so its not a big deal.

merakulous · 05-19-2017, 08:30 AM

I would suggest the dealer's inability to load the Dinan engine and DCT software had nothing to do with your seats. My car was 100% stock and my dealer couldn't get the Dinan software to load. It did the same thing as yours - continually wouldn't load then locked the ECU requiring the car to sit at the dealer for 8 days while they figured it out with Dinan's help. I know there are others on the board that had the same issue. It's the Dinan upload system that is the problem there not your seats. But great info on the interior swap tips!

JupiterBMW · 05-20-2017, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merakulous

I would suggest the dealer's inability to load the Dinan engine and DCT software had nothing to do with your seats. My car was 100% stock and my dealer couldn't get the Dinan software to load. It did the same thing as yours - continually wouldn't load then locked the ECU requiring the car to sit at the dealer for 8 days while they figured it out with Dinan's help. I know there are others on the board that had the same issue. It's the Dinan upload system that is the problem there not your seats. But great info on the interior swap tips!

Hmm, with my car, a BMW engineer had to remote code the car from Jersey to bypass the seat module issue so they could then load the Dinan software. Once they did that, the Dinan software loaded just fine... I am pretty tight with my SA and the techs, they are good to me, so I am pretty sure they were straight with me... Why the big story if it wasn't true?

03-25-2017, 06:02 AM	#1
JupiterBMW Self Proclaimed Roundel Junkie 821 Rep 1,781 Posts Drives: '21 X7M50i, '18 X5d, '13 1M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Jupiter, FL iTrader: (8)	Looking to swap interiors?? YOU NEED TO READ THIS! Fellow Bimmerpost members... Please read this if you have any intent of swapping interiors in your car! I have swapped a few cars now, but my current M3 was my first E9x. I swapped from black to bamboo in my '11 M3 sedan. The donor car was an '08 M3 with all of the same options, heated, power, fold down rear... All seemed good, right?! So, during the swap, I quickly learned that the front headrests are different. '09+ cars all have active head restraints (AHR) headrests, which have an airbag unit inside. This is step 1. If you're cross swapping, you'll need to get headrests that match your original model, and you'll also need to steal the wiring from inside the seats. Its a two wire pigtail connector, connects inside the headrest and runs down to the underside of the seat. You'll see it when you unplug the front seats, a small white, 2-wire connector... Kind of a pain in the ass to fish it out of the seat, but very manageable... On the flip side, if you have an '08 and don't have these headrests, you're all good, you can use either set. The '08 headrests have manual tilt though, the '09+ units do not tilt... Once I did this, all was good. No airbag lights at all on the dash. However, the car went to the dealer for some software work (Dinan engine/DCT software). When they plugged the car in, the Dinan software wouldn't load. Not only that, but the DCT computer essentially locked up and the car wouldn't move... NINE days later... I got the car back. They did eventually get everything reprogrammed (with all the latest software too!) and the Dinan software installed... Turns out that the seat module (on the underside of the front seat, one driver and one passenger) are coded to the car. So, being that my drivers seat module was showing for an '08 M3, when they ran the vehicle order, it didn't match the rest of the car and the computer wouldn't proceed. The passenger seat module was also from the '08 donor, however it didn't flag as being different, and the thought is because the memory functions are all stored in the driver's seat. Either way, my dealership had to have the car remote programmed from BMW NA in New Jersey. Eventually, all worked out just fine, but this will happen again the next time the car has to go to the dealer. What else sucks?? The module part has been updated over the years, so the one in my original seats (a 2011 model) is completely different, including different connectors, than the 2008 unit that is currently in my car. For day to day, this is fine, no codes or lights on the dash.. However, if the car has to go to the dealer again, they will have this same problem. What to do... I either have to obtain my original seat module from the guy I swapped with (luckily we're friends and keep in touch) or, I have to buy a BRAND NEW one and have it coded to my car. However, nobody was sure if they would be able to code a 2008 module to my 2011 car (remember, different connectors). So, the other option is to locate a 2011 seat with the same connectors. From here I would have to obtain my original seat module, or buy a NEW one and have it programmed to my car. Ideally I acquire my original one, however this then leaves my buddy's car without a module, so one has to be acquired for his car so he has something to install... I am still working this out... But, wanted to post my findings as this could be a potential nightmare for someone else. You've all been warned, now good luck with your swaps! __________________ 2013 E82 1M3 - Carbon Black/Black S65/DCT Track Toy 2018 F15 X5d - Carbon Black/Nutmeg Individual Oil Burner Tow Rig 2021 G07 X7 M50i - Tanzanite Blue/Ivory White & Night Blue German American Family Rig Former Family: '13 F25 X3 35i, '11 E91 335is, '11 E90 M3, '10 E70 X5M, '14 F30 328d, '03 E46 330i Dinan3 ZHP, '04 E46 330i ZHP, '12 F25 X3 35i Last edited by JupiterBMW; 03-25-2017 at 06:07 AM..
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03-25-2017, 07:50 AM	#2
roastbeef Lieutenant General 11865 Rep 12,880 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4)	Wow. I had no idea there was something inside the headrest. __________________ Instagram; @roastbeefmike
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03-25-2017, 10:03 AM	#3
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6272 Rep 6,848 Posts Drives: '12 M3, '19 X5, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	Nice. I thought AHR info was common lol. The seat module can be programmed to your VIN using NCS Expert, I wasn't aware that the connects themselves are different. I've seen lots of people doing swaps and just leave the AHR plug disconnect in the non-AHR car or code it out vice versa. Last edited by 6ixSpd; 03-25-2017 at 10:29 AM..
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03-25-2017, 12:06 PM	#5
FMLYSDN Major 1254 Rep 1,485 Posts Drives: 2011 Frozen Grey E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 M3 Ind ... [10.00]	Interesting. I seem to recall seeing a post in the forum that the only difference between LCI and Pre-LCI were tailights and I-drive..... Thanks for sharing this info. __________________ MODE CARBON \| BLOG \| FROZEN GREY E90 M3
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03-27-2017, 03:37 AM	#6
becausephilchow Lieutenant 187 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 08 E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (2)	Interesting. So, in short, if you're going to swap interiors, go for some sort of RECAROs or something to prevent all this headache? haha.
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05-18-2017, 05:48 AM	#8
ccfj1 Tinkerer 100 Rep 538 Posts Drives: F25 X3 M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brighton, UK iTrader: (0)	I would use NCSexpert and default code the 2 seat module with your cars VO. You may need to code any options to your car that the seat has (that your car does not), so do that before you default code the seats. This should then align the modules to the car. __________________ 2014 F25 X3 335d M-Sport:
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05-18-2017, 09:31 AM	#9
UPSROD Colonel 1400 Rep 2,365 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Richland, Wa. iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	Also during a future sale, when the potential new buyer runs a VIN check the info will not match and could slow down the sale. I for one would not buy it!
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05-18-2017, 09:40 AM	#10
ccfj1 Tinkerer 100 Rep 538 Posts Drives: F25 X3 M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brighton, UK iTrader: (0)	Just use winfpk to update the module and update the vin number, pretty simple, if the vin is not required for operation, then its not really a problem. __________________ 2014 F25 X3 335d M-Sport:
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05-19-2017, 08:30 AM	#13
merakulous Private 37 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Saint Johns, Florida iTrader: (2)	I would suggest the dealer's inability to load the Dinan engine and DCT software had nothing to do with your seats. My car was 100% stock and my dealer couldn't get the Dinan software to load. It did the same thing as yours - continually wouldn't load then locked the ECU requiring the car to sit at the dealer for 8 days while they figured it out with Dinan's help. I know there are others on the board that had the same issue. It's the Dinan upload system that is the problem there not your seats. But great info on the interior swap tips!
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