SEE LATER POST FOR RESOLUTION


Frustrated, need to vent. All comments welcome.

Decided to retrofit heated steering wheel. Purchased necessary parts, correct for my model/build.

2008 535xiT LCI 05/2007

Sport Leather steering wheel
Switch cluster with all switches.
SZL / Clock spring

Installed, and coded (perhaps incomplete) but the light does not come on. Even with ISTA Diag, the light does not come on, which should light up even if there was a heater element or temp sensor problem. (I.e., during diag, auto wiper light comes on, but does not activate wipers.)

For the steering cluster, the online wiring diagrams are a bit vague and incomplete for this vehicle. Some references show the steering mounted control module, which does not exist on the later models. Makes it difficult to trace wiring. And, all other functions work correctly. Since everything is tied to the CAN bus, can assume that is functioning correctly.

The VO has been updated correctly. The SZL and DSC have been initialized and calibrated correctly. What other modules need to be coded? Found vague references to KOMBI, and CIC (CCC,) but have not dug into them yet.

Appreciate any input.

 

ELE-242 Part 1 - 03/2007 to 09/2007

ELE-242 part 2 - 03/2007 to 09/2007

Forgive me for suggesting the obvious, you've checked both fuses? I don't have any experience with coding these, can't offer any further assistance.

 

Fuses F28 & F17 are both good, or other functions of the column and wheel would not work. Everything works as expected except heat.

Going to replace the Steering Column Switch Cluster. The part I was sent is genuine and coded without much fuss, but I cannot find any references to that part number. Took a lot of digging and it does appear to be correct, but too hard to find the information. That makes me suspicious.

Will be installing a part that is a known part number for my vehicle. There were few E61's made in general, and there were several changes being made aggressively as production started. I.e., The LCI tail lights' wiring looks like a high school project! The pre-LCI tail lights are professionally done.

 

After some frustrating days, scratching head.

Decided to double check part numbers and made a decision to purchase a 'known,' part for the SZL. The one supplied to me had questionable part number that I could not verify fitment.

And while driving in the rain, discovered the wiper switch was not for an E61, no rear wiper function.

Pulled everything out today, swapped my original switch stalks to the new SZL and swaped the clock spring from the questionable assembly above. Also double checked all connections.

Reassembled, re-coded and programmed the replacement SZL. Calibrated the steering angle sensor and cleared all errors.

SUCCESS! I now have heated steering in my E61.

 

Excellent, really appreciate the update and resolution. Heated steering really is awesome.

 

I’m looking to retrofit heated steering. I already have a steering installed with heating function. I’m buying a used SZL for my car from ebay with heating function.

Can you please tell me the steps/guide you followed to code the SZL. So far I’ve figured out that I need to do the following 3 steps -

1. Update VIN on SZL to my car’s VIN
2. Code SZL to factory setting
3. Reset steering angle calibration

can you please tell me how you did each step?

 

Those are a lot of steps to be writing out. You'd find it quicker by googling. I know I have the steps written on a couple forums. Even this one

 

Yeah I will try to google each step individually. Are the step that I've pointed above right? Like those are the 3 things I need to do or did I miss something?

Also, interestingly, ChatGPT gave me these steps. Not sure if I should trust it

Steps to Code the SZL VIN Using WinKFP

1. Verify Connection

• Connect your car to your laptop using the diagnostic cable.
• Open INPA to ensure the connection is working:
  • Look for the battery and ignition circles; both should be active.
  • Use INPA to verify the current SZL module's details.

2. Open WinKFP

• Launch WinKFP and ensure it is set to Expert Mode.

3. Select the Correct ECU

• Go to Comfort Mode → Update ZUSB.
• Select the correct ECU family for the SZL module.
• WinKFP will display the current part number (ZUS for the SZL module.

4. Input VIN

• In WinKFP, go to Comfort Mode → Enter VIN.
• Manually input your car’s full 17-digit VIN.

5. Program the SZL

• Select the ECU Family associated with the SZL.
• Ensure the target ZUSB is correct for your car model.
• Begin the programming process:
  • Click Done and confirm when prompted to start programming.
• Wait for the process to complete (this can take several minutes).

6. Verify Coding

• Once programming is complete, use INPA or Tool32 to check the VIN in the SZL.
• Ensure there are no errors or mismatched VINs.

 

Those steps are correct to program it but you also need to code and reset time to be 100%. I think you said you already coded it

 

No I haven't coded it yet. I'm still waiting for the used SZL to arrive from eBay that has support for heating.

Just reiterating here, so the 3 things that need to happen are -

1. Update VIN on SZL
2. Code it (to a blank .man file, right?)
3. Calibrate the SAS using Tool32 or INPA