Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Vehicle Order
In 9/01 the ZCS vehicle data structure on the E46 was replaced with what is referred to as the Vehicle Order (VO) or Fahrzeugauftrag (FA). The vehicle order structure is utilized on all new models introduced/produced as of 9/01, such as E65/66, E60, E63/64, E83, E85 etc. Models such as E36, E39, E52, and E53 produced after 9/01 continued to be manufactured using the ZCS structure until production of the model is complete.
Vehicle Order for E46 as of 9/01 Production:
Vehicle Order for New Models as of 9/01 Introduction:
The vehicle order format contains information pertaining to the production of a specific vehicle such as:
Series Type - (E46, E65, E60, etc.)
Time Criterion - Identifies date the options/hardware equipment available for installation into the vehicle was standardized/"locked". This information does not refer to the production date of the vehicle. A problem with coding or programming may occur if a module or option based on a newer or older time criterion date is installed into the vehicle.
Model Code (Basic Type) - Base level from which the vehicle is "created/built".
Paint Code - Identifies the color of the vehicle at time of production.
Upholstery Code - Identifies the type of upholstery installed in the vehicle at time of production.
Assembly Number - Identifies the programmed part number for powertrain (Not used)
E-Wort - Identifies additions/options added to the vehicle that are not part of standard SA codes/options
HO-Wort - Identifies options installed at Center/Dealer using 3 digit option code (Currently not used.
Installed Option/SA Codes - Listing of accessories & equipment options installed in the vehicle.
The information contained in the vehicle order is used to identify the module(s)/system(s) that are/should be installed in the vehicle and also what if any control modules need to be updated if a new system/option is added or removed to/from the vehicle to ensure proper compatibility with the devices installed in the vehicle. The information contained in the vehicle order such as installed options, is modified whenever a new component (module/system) is installed and coded to the vehicle. If the new component is not properly coded to the vehicle the SA listing is not updated and problems can be encountered whenever a measures plan for the vehicle is created, vehicle needs to be recoded or VKM/Individualization functions are to be modified.
A listing of the components that need to be updated is provided whenever a measures plan is generated.
Example: Information contained in the VO of an E60
Series Type: E60
Time Criterion: Identified as 1203 indicates the date (month/year) that the list of available options/hardware available for installation into the vehicle was standardized/"locked". Although the vehicle referenced was produced in 6/04 the time criterion of 1203 is still valid and indicates that no changes were made to the available option packages/hardware available for installation into that specific model since 1203.
Model Code: Identified as NA53 indicates the vehicle and engine type plus provides information pertaining to the country the vehicle was built for (i.e. LH or RH drive). If an automatic transmission is installed it will be considered an NA63, however the model code contained in the VO will always reflect the base level which is a manual transmission vehicle.
Paint Code: Identified as 0475 indicates the color of the vehicle at time of production.
Upholstery Code: Identified as LCBA indicates the type of upholstery installed in the vehicle at time of production.
Installed Option/SA Codes: Listing of accessories & equipment options installed in the vehicle 1CA - Selection COP relevant vehicles
205 -Automatic transmission
248 - Steering Wheel Heating
2RA - LT/ALY wheels
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.