2010 BMW 135i FRM Testing

• Remove the FRM from your vehicle. It’s located behind the kick panel in the driver’s footwell.
• Mail the part to us. We do not provide collection services.
• We diagnose and recommend whether repair or replacement is needed.
• We repair or clone your module. All repairs and clones are 100% plug-and-play — no coding or programming is required.
• Reinstall and drive. Your vehicle will recognize the repaired module immediately.

Most FRM repairs are completed within 1–2 business days. If cloning or sourcing a replacement is required, turnaround may extend to 2–3 days. Return shipping is fast and insured.

Yes. You can send a used FRM (from another BMW or MINI) as a donor unit. We will clone your original FRM data (VIN, vehicle order, and coding) to the replacement.

⚠️ Note: Customer-supplied donor units are not covered under warranty. When The ECU Pro supplies the replacement FRM, it comes fully tested and includes our 6-month warranty.

We require your original FRM and your donor unit - we our replacement price does include a donor unit. From these, we’ll transfer all necessary vehicle data to make the replacement plug-and-play.

If your FRM has extensive physical or water damage, we’ll recommend a replacement. We stock refurbished FRMs for most BMW and MINI models and can clone your original data to ensure plug-and-play installation.

Our FRM repairs are tested in actual vehicles and your will receive a video of your unit running in a vehicle.

Yes. All FRMs repaired or cloned by The ECU Pro are plug-and-play — no dealer coding, programming, or setup required.

The Footwell Module (FRM) is an electronic control unit that manages all exterior lighting, window, and mirror functions. It acts as the communication gateway between switches, sensors, and actuators. The FRM receives signals from the light switch, door modules, and CAN/LIN bus, and sends output signals to control headlights, windows, and mirrors.

\The FRM is found in the driver-side footwell:

• On left-hand-drive cars: behind the left kick panel
• On right-hand-drive cars: behind the right kick panel

• FRM (Footwell Module): Found in E-Series BMWs and R-Series MINIs (2005–2014). Controls lights, windows, and mirrors.
• FEM (Front Electronic Module): Found in F-Series BMWs (2014–on). Manages access control, immobilizer, and main gateway functions.

FRM3 is found in:

• BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 3-Series
• BMW E70 X5 / E71 X6
• BMW E84 X1
• MINI R55–R61 models

FRM1/FRM2: Earlier models (part numbers ending in 6135-9xxxxx) FRM3: Clearly labeled FRM3 or FRM3R on the sticker Diagnostic tools like ISTA or INPA can also display the FRM version.

Yes, sometimes. The hardware may be identical but requires cloning to match MINI-specific coding. We can perform this service and guarantee compatibility.

Yes. Hardware is identical, but mirror and lighting configurations differ. We clone your FRM data to ensure correct regional setup.

The FRM communicates with:

• CAS (Car Access System) – immobilizer and key functions
• JBE (Junction Box Electronics) – power distribution
• FZD (Roof Function Center) – interior lighting and sunroof

These work together to manage comfort and safety systems.

Indicators or hazards not working

• Headlights or taillights stuck on
• Windows not closing or responding
• No communication with FRM
• Interior lights not working
• AC or blower fan inactive

• A0B0 / A0B1 – Short circuit in light circuit
• 9CBC / 9CBD – Window motor communication fault
• A3B3 – LIN bus communication faul

These typically indicate internal FRM corruption or circuit failure.

Stepper motor faults relate to the adaptive headlight leveling system. The FRM commands external stepper controllers via LIN bus. If these signals are missing or implausible, fault codes are stored. We can repair this function by reprogramming or replacing the driver circuitry.

If your lights, windows, or mirrors have stopped working and your diagnostic scanner can’t communicate with the FRM, it’s likely corrupted. About 90% of cases can be repaired; water or burnt PCB damage typically requires replacement.

Yes. Use a diagnostic tool such as ISTA, Autel, or Launch. If it shows no communication or coding corrupted, the FRM is faulty.

If a replacement FRM wasn’t cloned with your original data, it will lack window initialization data. Our repairs always retain or clone the original configuration.

A stuck transistor or shorted light driver inside the FRM can cause headlights to remain on continuously. This is a common repairable fault.

Low voltage or sudden spikes during jump-starts can corrupt the FRM’s EEPROM data. This often results in no communication or locked lights/windows. Always maintain a strong, healthy battery.

Yes. Interrupting a software update or using the wrong coding file can corrupt the FRM’s flash memory. We can usually restore these units through bench programming.

In most cases, water damage requires a replacement FRM

• Maintain a quality, healthy battery
• Avoid jump-starting or programming without a stable power supply
• Keep drain channels clear to prevent water intrusion
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal before FRM removal

Yes. Always disconnect the negative terminal first. This prevents voltage spikes or short circuits that can corrupt or damage the module.

1. Remove door sill trim.
2. Unscrew and remove the kick panel.
3. Disconnect the three FRM plugs.
4. Remove the module carefully.
5. Always disconnect the battery first.

The vehicle may start and move, but indicators, windows, and mirrors won’t work, and headlights may stay on. It’s safe only for short transport or diagnostics — not for normal driving.

Just your original FRM module. We’ll perform a full diagnostic and contact you with results before repair or replacement.

Yes. It’s one of the primary control units in BMW and MINI vehicles, working alongside CAS, JBE, and FZD to coordinate lighting, windows, safety, and comfort functions.

Replace old batteries early, avoid voltage drops, and never jump-start the vehicle with weak or reversed connections. Use a charger if storing your car long-term.

Yes, provided the hardware is not physically damaged. Most recurring failures are due to power-related issues, not poor repair.

FRM1: Basic lighting control FRM2: Adds LIN-bus communication for mirrors and windows FRM3: Adds adaptive headlights, light sensor support, and improved voltage protection

E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 3-Series E70 X5 / E71 X6 E84 X1 MINI R56, R57, R58, R59, R60, R61

Yes. Always connect a battery support unit during programming or coding to maintain a stable 13.5–14V supply.

Very common on E-series BMW and R-series MINI vehicles, especially between 2007–2013 models. A single low-voltage event can cause permanent corruption.

Yes. Once repaired and reflashed properly, the module performs like new. We use high-spec components and factory-grade software.

• Repairs or replacements supplied by The ECU Pro include a 6-month warranty.
• Warranty covers workmanship and internal failure.
• Customer-supplied donor units are not covered.

Simply send the module back with your original invoice. We’ll test and repair or replace it at no cost.

Yes. Our technicians provide phone and email support to help diagnose installation or power issues.