How to remove a FRM module from a BMW?

The BMW FRM module is an electrical hub responsible for controlling different exterior/interior light functions, power window drive, exterior mirrors along with the central locking system.

When faulty, an FRM module can cause several malfunctions related to these systems. Such as, adaptive headlights not working, headlights not turning on/off, indicators not working, all service lights on, etc.

In such an event, you will either have to replace your FRM module with a new one. Or get it repaired by sending it to a BMW repair shop.

To do both, you will first need to successfully remove your FRM module. So, In this article, we will show you How to remove a FRM module from a BMW. The article is meant for:

• People looking to upgrade their Footwell module
• Owners who want to diagnose their faulty FRM module
• BMW enthusiasts wanting to re-program or reverse engineer their vehicle.

What is the BMW FRM module?

The BMW FRM (Footwell Module) is an electrical hub located at the footwell of the driver’s side. This hub is responsible for receiving signals from the vehicle doors and controlling lights and windows. The FRM also interfaces with the car’s dashboard.

In simple words, a footwell module receives signals from various sensors and performs preset functions mapped to that signal. For example, the brake light turns on every time the brake is applied.

By using the same mechanism, the FRM module is used to control all light controls including headlight, tail light, adaptive lights to power windows, exterior mirrors, and the central locking system as well.

To read more about its functions, you can also check out our other article on the BMW Footwell module.

Symptoms of faulty FRM modules

Like any other electronic module on your car, the FRM module can fail due to the regular wear and tear, due to water infiltration, or to improper voltage that can happen for various reasons, which are beyond the scope of this article (overvoltage or under voltage).

But due to the wide array of functions it performs, a faulty FRM also has many recognizable symptoms.

These symptoms are:

• No adaptive headlights
• Malfunctioning tail lights
• Light switch not working
• Windows not going up or down
• Mirrors not opening/folding
• Dashboard light not turning off/on
• Headlights not turning off
• Indicator not working
• Licence plate light malfunctioning
• FRM not responding to diagnosis tools (e.g. no longer communicating with an OBD2 scanner)

So, once any of these symptoms become obvious, it is clear that you have a faulty FRM module that needs to be removed and repaired. You can read more about BMW FRM module issues here.

Where is the footwell module located?

The FRM module is located at the driver’s side footwell. To be more precise, if your BMW is a left-hand drive, your FRM module will be at the left-hand kick panel as shown in the image. Similarly, if you have a right-hand drive BMW, it will be in the right-hand kick panel.

The footwell module, despite being close to your foot is secured tightly to avoid any contact. Being a 128 pin, three plug control unit, it also has lots of wiring all hidden under the panel. Hence getting access will take a bit of effort.

To access the FRM module, you will first have to remove the door sill trim, unscrew the kick panel, and then get to the module.

Tools to remove a FRM

To remove the FRM, all you need are two simple tools. The first one is a star screwdriver along with a 10 mm hexagonal socket wrench.

How to remove the FRM

The process of removing the FRM is a four-step process. You start by removing the trim, take off all the screws and disconnect your footwell module. To do so-

Step1: First start by removing the door sill panels. Since these panels are not connected with screws, you can simply pull them out without using any tools. (Use the image below as reference).

The sill is held by clips at 4 points. Start with one side and pull it upwards with a little force. Do the same with the other side and you will successfully remove it. After removing the sill, you can leave the clips as it is.

Step2: Now we can get on with removing the sidekicka panel. This will let us access the footwell module.

But first, you will have to unscrew the bonnet release latch (the hood release). If the screw that secures this part is not visible, you might have to hold back the hood release to expose the screw. Unscrew it using a Phillips screwdriver.

After which you can take off the footwell cover. This plastic cover has a connector on its backside. Disconnect that cable before pulling the cover out of the way completely.

Step3: Your footwell module should now be visible. Depending on your car model, the FRM module is secured in place with one or two (one at the bottom and one at the top) 10 mm hex nuts. Use your 10mm socket wrench to remove them. You should be able to pull out your footwell module now.

Step 4: Disconnect the FRM module.

The FRM module has three connectors plugged in: one facing you and two on the opposite side. All three connectors have safety latches (the white part you see on the connector highlighted in Figure 9). Before you can unplug the cables, you need to press and pull the latch p, to release it. It might be a bit more uncomfortable to do this for the connectors on the opposite side, but you’ve got this, all you need is patience.

Congratulations on successfully removing your footwell module!

After repairing/replacing it, you can put the FRM module back the same way in reverse order. Just connect the three-pin connectors, screw the module back in, put the side kick panel, screw back the hood release and reattach the door sill.

FRM replace or repair?

You have finally removed the footwell module, so what now?

If you have a faulty FRM module, you have three options to fix this problem:

• Repair – have it repaired by a professional aftermarket BMW electronics repair shop
• Replace it with the same FRM model, either a brand new one from the dealer (expensive) or a second-hand unit from some marketplace (cheaper than new)
• Upgrade – replace it with a newer version FRM module.

But before doing any of that, there are a few things you must know.

Diagnosing FRM module

If you want to visit a repair shop to diagnose and confirm that your FRM module is faulty, you can have a mechanic plug in an OBD scanner and check the status of your FRM module. Here is an example of how a mechanic is using a tester to confirm that the FRM is sending out error codes.

Upgrading/Replacing FRM Module

If you want to upgrade your footwell to a newer model, it comes at a cost. The brand new module will be expensive, it will only come with a one-year warranty and you can’t plug and play it.

The new Footwell module will need to be coded for your specific car options, at an additional cost. For example, a car with halogen headlights will need different FRM coding than one with Xenon lights, even if they are the same car model. And getting it coded, also adds an extra cost.

Even if you choose to replace your FRM module with the same model (new or second-hand), the cost may be smaller than an upgrade, but it will still require coding the unit to support your car’s options.

So, what is the right thing to do?

Depending on the intensity of the problem, it’s almost always easier and more cost-effective to have your FRM repaired. You can also have it repaired by us.

Our repair procedure:

• You ship the BMW FRM module to us for repair
• We repair it and thoroughly test it to confirm full-functioning
• You pay safely
• We ship the BMW FRM module back to you

Wrapping it up

Wrapping up, in this article we have learned a little about the BMW FRM module, related problems, and symptoms of a faulty Footwell module. We have also learned how to remove an FRM module from a BMW. And have discussed repairing and replacing a faulty FRM.

We hope that this post has helped you learn more about FRM problems and solutions and will help you make better decisions.