This guide is about dynamic cruise control (option 544) for BMW 1-Series (F2x), 2-Series (F2x), 3-Series (F3x), and 4-Series (F3x) for vehicles with LIM function.
If you want to retrofit the cruise control in a car without the LIM function, you’ll also need to replace the instrument cluster (KOMBI).
As always, before we move onto the retrofit, let’s take a brief look at how the system works.
Dynamic Cruise Control (Option 544)
Electronic cruise control with an additional braking function is known as dynamic cruise control. While deceleration is managed by engine drag torque on older models with basic cruise control (540), the “dynamic” component will maintain the set speed with brake interventions when traveling downhill.
It also has a Curve Speed Limiter, which slows down the vehicle in curves for more comfortable lateral acceleration. The car accelerates at the end of the bend before returning to its original speed. This function uses data from the steering angle sensor, among others.
The steering wheel’s button can be used to adjust acceleration and deceleration in two dynamic settings. You can change the desired speed conveniently in 1 or 10 mph or km/h increments.
Multifunction Steering Wheel Switches
The multifunction steering wheel buttons are split between two switch blocks. Left and right block work in tandem as master and slave.
The left switch block serves as a slave to the right switch block, which serves as its master. The electronics in the master detect and digitize signals from the left block.
Since you operate the cruise control with a left (slave) switch block, when retrofitting the cruise control you’ll need to replace both left and right switch blocks.
So, with that in mind, when you source the parts for this retrofit you need to be careful about the functions of your original switch blocks.
Find The Right Parts
When sourcing the parts for this retrofit, either new or used, I always use BMW’s parts catalog ETK.
The first step is to identify the vehicle via VIN. This will help the ETK to know which parts are installed in your BMW at the factory. Since now you don’t want to get the same parts just open the “condition evaluation” window and select the 0544 Cruise control with brake function = Yes.
This will give you the exact part number for your BMW.
Here’s the example for the F32 4-Series with only the LIM function from the factory:
And when you select the 544 option as “Yes”:
You’ll get the part number for this retrofit.
Of course, this method will work as long as your BMW is in “factory” condition. If you’ve previously retrofitted the M-Sport steering wheel, you’ll have to add this option to the mix.
Now with part search out of the way we can move to the actual retrofit.
Replacing The Multifunction Switch Blocks (M Sport)
As with any work that includes the removal of the airbag, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Remove the airbag
Insert T27 Torx screwdriver (1) , straight into the hidden opening until spring resistance is felt.
With a Torx screwdriver, press in wire spring clip (2) in the direction of the arrow until the airbag unit is freed. Repeat on the left side of the steering wheel, gradually raising the airbag from the steering wheel.
Raise the airbag unit to the back. Remove the airbag unit by disconnecting the plug connections (1).
Remove the steering wheel’s screws (1). On the backside of the steering wheel, remove the second release screw (2). Remove the front steering wheel design trim.
Note on installation: Make sure the design cover is properly seated.
The wire harness connects both multifunction steering wheel switches together (2). Release shift paddles release screws (1) if installed. Disconnect the plug connection (3) and feed out the wiring harness (2).
Note on installation: Make sure the electrical wiring is properly routed.
Remove the shift paddles (if installed) and release the switch block screws (1) on the backside of the steering wheel. Remove the wiring harness from both multifunction steering wheel switches on the front side of the steering wheel.
Note on installation: Make sure the electrical wiring is properly routed. Check that the shift paddles are properly seated. Check that the multifunction steering wheel switches are properly installed.
Replacing The Multifunction Switch Blocks (Standard, Sport, M)
As with any work that includes the removal of the airbag, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Remove the airbag
Release screws (1) on left/right on back of steering wheel (2).
Disconnect plug connection (1). Remove both multifunction steering wheel switches (2) together with cover from the steering wheel.
Installation note: Make sure the multifunction steering wheel switch (2) is fitted correctly. Make sure electrical wiring (3) is correctly routed.
Remove switch of multifunction steering wheel (1) from cover (2). Install the new switches.
Installation note: Make sure electrical wiring is correctly routed.
With the cruise control multifunction switch blocks installed you are ready for the coding part.
F2x F3x Cruise Control Coding
- Launch E-Sys and connect the car (F020)
- Select Expert Mode → Coding
- Read and activate FA
- Calculate FP and save
- Open FA editor and add 544 to the FA
- Save and write to VCM
- Go back to Expert Mode → Coding
- Code: FEM_BODY, KOMBI, ICM, DSC
