You may find a lot of articles and forum posts refer to the T5 BCM, but what exactly is a BCM and why does it matter to the retrofits you can do on your T5.

So, What is a BCM? BCM stands for Body Control Module and it is the module that controls the main functions within the vehicle, such as headlights, foglights, central locking etc. It monitors and controls these circuits directly, via relays or via communication with the specific module for that function. The communication is done via the CAN bus network within the vehicle.

Where is the BCM located on a T5?

The BCM is located on the off side of the vehicle, behind the dashboard. To get access to it, you will need to remove the lower dash panel located beneath the steering wheel. Rather than create my own guide on how to remove it and get access, I’ll link to this guide as it has great pictures and steps on how to find your BCM .

Why it matters which BCM you have

There are 5 different types of BCM which could be found on your T5, however, not all of them support the same features. For example, there are only 3 which support Cruise Control and only 2 which support Bi-Xenon headlights.

The part number of the BCM will be in the format of 7H0 937 0xx where xx will be either 86, 87, 88, 89 or 90. Below you will find the features that each model support.

7H0 937 086

Supports Multifunction steering wheel (MFSW), Remote central locking, Anti-theft system, Outside mirror heating and seat heating.

7H0 937 087

Supports the same features as the 7H0 937 086 model but with the addition of Cruise Control and Anti-theft system LIN-databus, which is used for the Alarm horn.

7H0 937 088

Supports the same features as the 7H0 937 087 but with the addition of Start/Stop.

7H0 937 089

Supports the same features as the 7H0 937 088 but with the addition of certain lighting functions (such as LED DRL, Bi-xenon, etc.)

7H0 937 090

Supports the same features as 7H0 937 089.

So what does all this mean? Well depending on what functionality you are wanting to retrofit, you need to ensure that you have the correct BCM. The most common retrofit people want to perform is to fit cruise control, so if you have the 7H0 937 086 BCM and you want cruise control, then you will need to upgrade to a BCM which has a part number of 7H0 937 087 or higher. All BCM’s support the features of the part number with the lower number, i.e. 087 will support all the features that 086 will have.

Part number suffix

The part numbers can also be suffixed with a character and it’s important to make sure you have the correct one for your vehicle. Why? well depending on the model of the BCM, it could be using a different frequency for the remote central locking, therefore you won’t be able to recode your remote fob to work with the new BCM. You can see which frequency your vehicle uses by checking on the key itself, open up the key blade which should expose some writing, within that you should see the either 434 MHz or 315 Mhz. Part numbers suffixed with the letter B, D, F, H, K, M, P, R, T all work on the 434 MHz frequency and part numbers suffixed with the letter A, C, E, G, J, L, N all work on the 315 MHz frequency 

I hope this post helps someone out and if you have any questions, drop a comment below and i’ll try and help you out.


99 Comments

steven bircham · 27th September 2019 at 8:15 pm

Hi Andy I have a 2015 t5.1 fitted with 7HO 937 086p
To fit cruise, mfd is it just upgrade to 7HO 937 087p
Many thanks Steve

    Andy · 27th September 2019 at 9:31 pm

    Hi Steve,
    Yep 087 will let you retrofit cruise. When you say MFD, what is it you’re after exactly as you might need something else?
    Cheers,
    Andy

      Marc · 28th October 2019 at 11:14 am

      Hi Andy,
      Does the same rule apply to instrument cluster upgrades? ie, will a BCM suffixed with letter J only work alongside an instrument cluster suffixed with the same letter?

      Thank you,

      Marc.

        Andy · 2nd November 2019 at 2:23 pm

        Hi Mark,

        Not as far as I’m aware, the part number suffix on the BCM is independent of the instrument cluster.

        Cheers,
        Andy

          stuart David pearson · 8th June 2020 at 8:46 am

          Hi Andy my BCM number is 7H0937087H I understand that this supports both cruise and mfsw but does it support raise on mfsw or just on a stalk

          Cheers

          Stu

          Andy · 30th June 2020 at 8:16 am

          Hi Stu,
          Sorry I’m not sure what you mean by support raise on mfsw? Sorry I couldn’t be more useful, let me know some more details and I’ll see what I can do.
          Thanks,
          Andy

      Edwin · 12th January 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Hi, Andy
      My 2013 VW T5 ‘s Control Module BCM 7H0937087B has been broken and damaged during accident. Can the vehicle start without this item

        Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:50 pm

        Hi,
        I’m not sure it would as when I’ve removed my the whole dash goes dead, and the dash has the immobiliser in. I guess you could give it a go?

Ian · 23rd November 2019 at 8:30 pm

Hi Andy, I have a 2011 T5.1 fitted with an 086F BCM. I have a defect where when I have the vehicle lights on , the wipers constantly work even though not switched on. When the lights aren’t on all is OK. When I switch off the engine at any time, the wipers start up for around 20 seconds then go off.

I’m told this is caused by a defective BCM. Is that feasible and if so, where can I source a suitable replacement. Is it plug and play or do I need to get any reprogramming done?

Thanks,

Ian

    Andy · 28th November 2019 at 3:27 pm

    Hi Ian,

    Looking at the pinout of the BCM, the wipers are indeed controlled by the BCM, so it’s entirely possible that the BCM is defective. In terms of a replacement, unless you’re lucky enough to get one with the exact same level of functionality, you will likely need it coding. However, it’s still always advisable to code it to the same as what your existing BCM was. To do this you will need a tool called VCDS by RossTech, however it’s not the cheapest thing for a one off, so you might be better speaking to a local auto electrician or VW specialist.

    Thanks,
    Andy

Stig · 25th November 2019 at 10:17 am

Hi. Thanks for clearing that up:) Good info. Do you know what ZOR stands for? Mine is 2010 ZOG 86, but I found one ZOR 89 I want to purchase, can I use that one?

    Andy · 28th November 2019 at 3:30 pm

    Hi,

    Thanks for the positive feedback, much appreciated. Where is the ZOG number written? I’ve not come across that before.

    Thanks,
    Andy

      ricardo gouveia · 9th January 2020 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Andy
      I’ve recently had a mk7 gti steering wheel fitted to my 2014 t5.1. The issue I’m having is the illumination not working due to the bcm.
      Do you know which bcm I would need to fix this problem?
      Thanks
      Ricardo

        Andy · 16th January 2020 at 6:04 pm

        Hi Ricardo,
        As far as I’m aware, the illumination should still work, just some buttons may not work as there was a firmware change on the later models, so even though they both use linbus, only the later BCMs will understand the commands for cruise control. Have you confirmed voltage at the pins on the coil spring connector?
        Thanks,
        Andy

David Chandler · 25th November 2019 at 11:17 pm

Hi. My current bcm is 7H0937086F. Would I be ok to fit 7H0937090D? Thanks

    Andy · 28th November 2019 at 3:32 pm

    Hi,
    You may have issue’s with trying to fit that one as the headlight wiring (and possibly some other functionality) is wired differently. If you look at the connector on the head light switch, if it has 10 pins then it *should* be fine, however if it’s 17 pin then it won’t work and you’ll need a wiring modification. It’s something I’m looking at doing on my Van at the minute, so will put up a tutorial as and when I’ve done it.

    Thanks,
    Andy

Lewis · 5th January 2020 at 9:03 am

Hi Andy, great guide, I’m trying to retrofit a complete t6 interior to a t5 I have all the equipment and harness steering wheel etc from a t6, have you had any experience retrofitting a bcm from a t6? Thanks

    Andy · 16th January 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Hi,
    Thanks for the positive feedback!
    I’ve not had no experience, but it sounds an interesting project, I’ve thought about it myself. Let me know how you get on. With regards to fitting the BCM, from what I’ve heard, it should just be straight plug and play as per the T5.1. Do you have a part number for it?
    Thanks

Adam Box · 7th January 2020 at 7:34 pm

Many thanks for this really helpful guide, it is genius! After following your instructions I was disappointed to find that my newly purchased T5 has the BCM ending in 086 meaning I can’t easily fit an after-market cruise control. I have started looking for an 087 BCM but would like clarification about the frequency prefix: my key is 434Mhz, but where on the part number is the prefix; is it the ‘H; in 7H0 937 086, or something else?

    Andy · 16th January 2020 at 6:02 pm

    Hi,
    Thanks for the positive feedback! The prefix will be on the end of the part number, so 7H0 937 086H. With regards to the frequency, any you buy from a UK vehicle should be fine.
    Thanks

barry giles · 22nd January 2020 at 9:39 pm

Many thanks for this very helpful guide i own a transporter t5 2.5 130 2007 with already fitted cruse control so can i fit a mfsw?,and could you please tell me whats the difference between a bcm and ccm?.Regards Barry

jon diver · 3rd February 2020 at 3:58 pm

hi Andy , ive just fitted a polo 6CO mfsw to my 2010/11 t5 gp all buttons working but theres no illumination, from above i understand that the BCM needs updating to allow illumination to happen . I have 7H0 937 087H bcm and have been told i need as close as possible part number replacement but ending in P for this to allow illumination . Can you help at all . many thanks jon

    Andy · 3rd February 2020 at 4:43 pm

    Hi Jon,

    Have you enabled everything in VCDS? Did you have to modify any wiring to get the buttons working? I’ve seen a few cases of illumination not working but they were more related to the button modules than the BCM. Everything is controlled via the Linbus, so as long as that’s connected up along with the 12v switched signal, you should be fine.

    Cheers,
    Andy

jon diver · 4th February 2020 at 7:05 pm

hi Andy , thanks for your reply . fitted 2 repair wires in connector behind steering wheel.
1 .connector 9 12v spliced in to connector 15 light switch block .
2. connector 10 spliced in to connector 17 BCM.
selected mfsw tick box in VCDS . All works apart from illunination, did i miss something in vcds ? cheers jon

    Andy · 5th February 2020 at 10:00 am

    Hi Jon,

    That all sounds correct to me. Have you confirmed there is 12v at the pin on the MFSW connector? If so, it sounds like it could be the MFSW buttons themselves that don’t support being controlled via the BCM. What is the part number on the MFSW buttons?

    Cheers

jon · 10th February 2020 at 4:50 pm

hi Andy , do i have to take the buttons out to get part number .steering wheel part number is 6C0 419 091 BN E74. there is 12V up to black 5 pin plug for the buttons . pin number 2 .many thanks jon

    Andy · 19th February 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Hey Jon, The part number for the buttons should be on a sticker on the side of them, you’ll probably need to remove the airbag to get at them unfortunately.

      Neil · 18th April 2020 at 2:29 am

      Hi, I have read on several forums that the button illumination on some mfsw models will not work with 2010-2014 bcm models. My wheel is from a polo 6c and the red buttons don’t illuminate in 2013 T5 (they are fully functional though).

        Neil · 18th April 2020 at 2:33 am

        Forgot to mention the polo 6c button part number is 6C0959442 ICX.

        Andy · 21st April 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Hi,
        Yeah this is because the illumination is controlled via the linbus on later steering wheels. You’ll need a BCM which controls the illumination via the linbus or buttons which aren’t controlled via the linbus. As I understand it, the part number you have, without a suffix, would work. Anything else is controlled via linbus. There is a mod you can do which forces the illumination on if you’re a bit handy. See this forum post for details about your issue and the workaround https://forums.ross-tech.com/showthread.php?13233-Transporter-T5-1-MFSW-Retrofit-(no-illumination)

Alex · 13th April 2020 at 1:22 am

Andy Could you please tell me which BCM supports CC from the steering wheel? I got CC on my stalk and 087 BCM, but I would like to fit a latest model steering wheel and use CC from it.

    Andy · 14th April 2020 at 8:16 am

    Hi,
    From what I know, the T6 (and presumably T6.1) uses a different communication method than the linbus that they T5.1 uses. This to me means that you’ll need the same BCM that is used on the T6, which has the same part number, except it starts with 7E0 instead of 7H0. However, this has never been tried or tested my be and I’ve not seen anything on the forums which would confirm this. Please let us know how you get on if you decide to fit a T6 BCM as well.

Sam · 26th April 2020 at 1:18 am

Salut Andy ! Merci énormément pour cette article qui va beaucoup m’aider . J’ai un T5 2014 sans cruise control , ni volant multifonctions . Mon BCM est 086M 🙁 .
Que veux dire M ? Seulement la fréquence ?
J’aimerais par la suite changer le volant pour un multifonctions Dois je prendre un 087 P ? K ?
Merci beaucoup pour ta réponse
Sam

    Samuel · 26th April 2020 at 1:27 am

    J’ai trouvé un 090B de Skoda Fabia , serait il compatible d’après toi ?

    Andy · 27th April 2020 at 9:44 am

    Salut Sam, Désolé, je ne parle pas français mais j’espère que Google Translate sauvera la situation. Le suffixe M n’est pas seulement la fréquence, mais aussi les codes PR (équipement) que votre fourgonnette prendra en charge. Malheureusement, je ne trouve pas ce numéro de pièce dans la liste que j’ai, donc je ne peux pas dire avec certitude quel remplacement vous auriez besoin. Un centre de service VW devrait être en mesure de vous conseiller. Le câblage de l’éclairage change sur les BCM 88/89/90 et il ne serait donc pas pris en charge. Sur ceux-ci, le BCM contrôle les phares, où comme sur le vôtre, cela se fait au niveau de l’interrupteur.

    In English:
    Hi Sam, The M suffix is not only the frequency, but also what PR codes (equipment) your van will support. Unfortunately I can’t find that part number in the list I have, so I can’t say for certain which replacement you’d need. A VW service centre should be able to advise you. The wiring for the lighting changes on the 88/89/90 BCMs and so it wouldn’t be supported. On those ones, the BCM controls the headlights, where as on yours, it is done at the switch.

Dean · 4th May 2020 at 7:05 am

Hi Andy, thanks for the in depth description; extremely helpful.

I have a 2015 T5.1 T28 Startline which has a 7H0937086P BCM which does MFD, remote locking, heated mirrors etc. Can you tell me if a T6 7E0937090D would fit please, as I want to fit cruise, upgrade to a flat bottom Golf 7 wheel and add Fog light illumination when turning. If not, would a 7H0937087M be sufficient?

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

    Andy · 5th May 2020 at 3:43 pm

    Hi,

    Only the 086 and 087 BCM’s are interchangeable without doing any wiring modifications. There are significant differences between the 2. It is possible to retrofit wiring to support the 88,89,90 BCM’s but I’d only recommend it if you’re competent with wiring. Let me know if you’d be interested in that project as I’m soon going to be doing it on my own van.

    Thanks,
    Andy

      Dean · 5th May 2020 at 5:32 pm

      Thanks for the reply Andy. I’m an aircraft engineer, so have a certain amount of dexterity and experience. Is there much advantage in going for the 90 or would the advantages be overburdened by the amount of effort to rewire. Also, would an 087 from a SEAT or Polo etc be a straight swap? Sorry for the extra Qs.

        Andy · 5th May 2020 at 5:56 pm

        Interesting, flying is another hobby of mine!

        Anyway back to your question. The only benefit it would give you is that you could add the features from the higher spec vans, such as auto headlights, xenon headlights, fog lights, cruise control (and maybe a few other things that escape me). In terms of modifications, you’d need to run a couple more wires from the battery fusebox (one for headlights, one for foglights), install a relay and then re-pin a couple of connectors and add a couple of fuses to fusebox C. The difficult part would make making up the looms using the proper connectors as you need some uncommon crimping tools.

          Dean · 17th June 2020 at 8:41 am

          Hi Andy,
          Scoured your extremely informative site but couldn’t find anything on retrofitting cruise. So sorry for even more Qs.

          I’ve bought a retrofit OEM cruise stalk assembly complete with associated wiring to wire to the BCM, but I’m also wanting to fit a flat bottomed Polo 6C0 steering wheel.

          So, my question is, can the steering wheel cruise switches be used instead of using the retrofit stalk?

          TIA for anything you may be able to provide.

          Andy · 30th June 2020 at 8:24 am

          Hi,
          From what I’ve read/been told, this will depend on the BCM that you’ve got. If it’s a T5.1 (aka GP) then it will have to be controlled by the stalk as the BCM has inputs that controls the cruise control where as the steering wheel uses Linbus to communicate and as a result the BCM won’t be listening for those commands. It may (and I use may in the loosest possible way) with a T6 BCM as I’m under the impression this uses the linbus to control cruise. The T5.1 shares a lot of the components from the 6R polo in terms of the electrical system and I suspect the T6 will share a lot of the 6C components.

          Hope this helps.
          Cheers,
          Andy

        Bradley · 5th November 2020 at 6:21 pm

        Hi I have a be t5 very basic it has the 7H0 937 049 BCM please could advise what I would need to do to be able to fit a MFSW ?

        Thanks in advance.

          Andy · 9th November 2020 at 5:13 pm

          Hi,
          Which MFSW are you wanting to get working? It sounds like you’ve got the T5 pre facelift?
          Cheers,
          Andy

Todd · 4th May 2020 at 7:37 am

Hi Andy, very informative post! Much appreciated as good info can be hard to find!
I have a 7H0937086 fitted to my T5.1. I’ve managed to find a 7H0937089 BCM, which I’ve ordered and I was wondering if it’s a straight swap using VCDS? From research I’ve heard there can be issues regarding the headlights? Thank you in advance

    Andy · 5th May 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Hi,

    Unfortunately it’s not a straight swap, I fell for the same when I tried to fit a 090 BCM into my van. As mentioned in the other post, it is possible to get these BCMs working in the lower spec vans, but it’s quite involved. If it’s something you’d be interested in, let me know as I’ll put a post together with all the info in.

    Thanks,
    Andy

      Todd · 7th May 2020 at 4:40 am

      Thanks for your prompt response Andy!
      I’m 100% interested as it’s something I hope to do. I am a mechanic by trade so I’m more than willing to put in the work, but I’m personally lacking on experience for this type of update/retrofit.

      Thanks again and I look forward to the info.
      Todd

Thomas Lowe · 29th June 2020 at 3:51 pm

Hi Andy,

Ive got a 2015 T5 with an 86P BCM. I managed to get an 88 with no suffix so that i can retrofit cruise control. I have purchased a new indicator stem assembly with CC but the guys i bought from were trying to get my to buy a new 87 BCM from them for £450 saying that mine wasn’t compatible. Just out of curiosity is it possible to have CC on the MFSW from say a Mk 7 golf?

Feel free to email me with as much info as you can give me. As an avionics engineer im really interested in how the electrical system on my van works and what features i can play with providing i have the right equipment

    Andy · 30th June 2020 at 8:31 am

    Hi,
    I very much doubt you will be able to get the 88 BCM to work in your van. The 86 wiring is considerably different from the 88, 89 and 90 versions, for example, the 86 controls the lighting via the headlight switch where as the 88, 89 and 90 control them via the BCM. So while it will fit, you will find you have no headlights and possibly other systems not working. Again I doubt the stalks from a MK7 Golf will fit, you’d have more success with fitting stalks from a 6C Polo or a Mk2 Fabia (don’t know the platform name of the top) as these share electrical components.

    In terms of wiring diagrams, you can buy these direct from VW using https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do which will give you access for a specific amount of time. You can then print to PDF all the diagrams that you need. This will give you all the info you need to retrofit anything to your van. I imagine compared to avionics wiring, the vans are far simpler 🙂 Most systems communicate on a 2 wire CANBUS and the rest of the wiring are generally ground, 12V (either permanent or switched) and the inputs/outputs for the module.

    Hope that helps,
    Cheers
    Andy

      Thomas Lowe · 30th June 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Andy,

      The stalk i have is for my model, the golf part i was curious about was the MFSW. Do you know which models of steering wheel are compatible with a T5?

      Checked out the website you suggested, lots of good info on there. that will come in handy. thanks for the tip

        Andy · 30th June 2020 at 3:18 pm

        Hi,
        I’ve read somewhere that the Golf MFSW buttons will work, however they won’t illuminate. I’ve got a MFSW from a Passat in my T5.1, it all comes down to the part number of the buttons themselves, if they have the part number 6C0 959 442 with no suffix then they will work and illuminate, I think the ones with suffix C/D (D is adaptive cruise) are MFSW buttons with Cruise, but the Cruise won’t work.

        Cheers,
        Andy

Thomas Lowe · 29th June 2020 at 5:39 pm

Where can i find wiring diagrams and the info on what can be fitted and what rewiring is needed?

Gareth · 4th July 2020 at 11:26 am

Hi Andy
Thanks for all the great info. I’ve got a T5.1 with a 086K BCM, if I upgrade to a 087 and the relevant stalks would I be able to get MPG etc up on the MFD or is that another upgrade I would require. Many thanks

    Andy · 6th July 2020 at 9:51 pm

    Hi,
    Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it as always. You don’t need the 087 BCM if you just want the midline MFD (midline will give you MPG as well as distance to empty etc). I’ve just finished putting together a ‘how to guide’ on adding the midline features to a lowline cluster. https://www.veedubhub.co.uk/upgrade-t5-1-lowline-instrument-cluster-dash-to-the-midline-with-3-wires/

    You will however, need a MFSW or have stalks with the up and down buttons on the end of the right hand side stalk.

    Thanks,
    Andy

Rob Harrison · 19th July 2020 at 10:40 am

Would an 087 bcm from a polo work ? I have an 6c mfsw from a polo working.

Cheers,

Rob

    Andy · 15th August 2020 at 3:41 pm

    Hi Rob,
    I couldn’t really say as I’ve never tried it. I would have thought that it would work, as in it fits, but not sure all functionality would be there, or not work as it should. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
    Cheers
    Andy

Mark · 15th August 2020 at 2:23 pm

Hi Andy my t5 05 plate has problems every time I use the windscreen washer. Every time I pull the stalk to wash the engine cuts out. I have installed a new pump and that is fine. Wipers work fine.
Totally confused
Thanks

    Andy · 15th August 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Hi,
    That does sound mental. If I had to guess then I’d say there is a short circuit somewhere when the switch is on. Have you tried another stalk? I’ll see if I’ve got the wiring diagrams for the wipers.
    Cheers,
    Andy

Stefan · 31st August 2020 at 4:43 pm

Hi, I have a 2014 caravelle bluemotion and looking to retro fit an auto light switch. Apparently it requires a certain bcm for it to work correctly. Could you tell me Which one is required, I have as standard cruise control (087)and start stop(088).
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks.

    Andy · 1st September 2020 at 9:01 am

    Hi,
    Do you know which BCM you have? I suspect it will be the 090 one, which should support auto-headlight switch however just checking that you already have the windscreen with the sensor? If not you’ll need a new windscreen in addition to the sensor (and maybe mirror) and the wiring loom back to the BCM. Alternatively, a friend of mine has this aftermarket switch and it has worked great, you can hide the sensor towards the bottom of the dash or up the A Trim pillar towards the top and makes for a far simpler solution than replacing the windscreen.
    Thanks,
    Andy

Sverre Lervik · 3rd September 2020 at 12:32 pm

Hello.

I have BCM 7H0937086F, to install my Cruise control kit i need a BCM above 086.

I Can get a used BCM form a 2010 T5 with Partnumber 7H0937087B.
Can i use this one for my upgrade?

VIN donor car: WV1ZZZ7HZAH239433

2011 T5.1
My car VIN: WV1ZZZ7HZBH134423

    Andy · 14th September 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Hi,

    It could work but I’ve always been under the impression you need the same part number suffix and software version, or newer to maintain compatability.

    Thanks,
    Andy

Stuart · 14th September 2020 at 1:23 pm

Hi Andy,

Brilliant website and excellent tutorials by the way.
My BCM am 087K, has failed on my T5.1, deadlocking the passenger door and refusing to work of the key fob. I’ve found a 7E0937090 but reading through your replies I’m not sure this will be a straight swop and work, do you know if it will? If it will does the radio frequency from the key fob match this part no? Thanks in advance.

    Andy · 14th September 2020 at 1:47 pm

    Hi Stuart,

    Thanks for the feedback, always appreciated.

    Unfortunately not, the 87 version uses the same simpler wiring that is controlled via the headlight switch rather than by the BCM. You can double check that’s the case by removing your headlight switch and checking the connector, if there’s a big 17 pin connector then it’s the simpler wiring, if it’s a small 10 pin connector, it’s the more complex wiring but will work with the BCM you mentioned. Is it just the remote functionality that’s stopped working? I’d try just relearning the remote the car. I’ll see if I can find the procedure somewhere for you.

    Thanks,
    Andy

      Stuart Zinn · 14th September 2020 at 8:50 pm

      Thanks for the reply Andy, the remote appears to arm and disarm the alarm, well at least the lights flash when you press the fob, the big problem is when the fob is pressed it won’t release the deadlocks, I have to do this manually and obviously the passenger door is bolted shut. The obvious check with the under floor mat, wiring blue/red wires being badly connected or broken appeared as a red herring because my van is immaculate under there and the wiring is still perfect at the connection. If you can find the relearning process I’ll definitely give it a go. My last resort is to change the BCM and it’s dam difficult to fin an 87 version to replace mine hence the previous question.
      Thanks again Andy

      Stuart

        Andy · 15th September 2020 at 9:34 am

        So just to confirm, it’s locking the doors but not unlocking? on both doors? If you have a multimeter you could probe the BCM output wire to check if it’s sending a signal, or if you have access to VCDS that would be even better. The thing I find a bit strange is that the BCM talks to the controllers in each door on different outputs, so you’d expect one to fail, not both. I’ve also heard of a microswitch failing in the motor that can cause the issue you describe, it could be worth opening one up and checking with a multimeter. As you said the 87 BCM is in high demand as everyone is wanting one to upgrade to cruise control etc, so the price unfortunately reflects that, I’m trying to find other alternatives to the BCM to save you buying one on the off chance it’s that.

          Stuart Zinn · 17th September 2020 at 8:48 pm

          Hi Andy thanks for the pointers. Right, so it locked the doors all of them the night before, but when I tried to open it the next morning the lights flashed but it wouldn’t open.the only way I was to use the key blade individually on each door with a lock hence the passenger door remaining deadlocked.
          I’ll put a multimeter on it this weekend and check for the voltage as you say, I’ve not got a vcds at the mo but I’ve a friend who has if I can’t figure this out.

          Thanks
          Stuart

Kevin · 1st November 2020 at 5:08 am

Hi Andy,

Thank you so much for all this.

I have a 2015 5.1, absolute base model, it has the 86 BCM. I have aquired an MFSW from a 2015 5.1. I want to insall it and at the same time upgrade the dash MFD. To get all the buttons on the MFSW to work (including for the radio) would it be as easy as following the instructions in you low line to mid line dash upgrade and enable the MFSW in VCDS? Or are there some other wires I will need to install for the MFSW operation?

Thanks!

    Andy · 9th November 2020 at 5:12 pm

    Hi,
    In order to get the MFSW working you’ll need to add an additional 2 wires. One for +12v and the other for the linbus. The pins on the stalk connector are:
    Pin 9 to +12v (headlight switch can be used as the power source)
    Pin 10 to Pin 17 on the ‘B’ BCM plug
    Cheers,
    Andy

Nick · 8th November 2020 at 6:30 pm

Hello, I’m after Retro fitting cruise to my T5.1 and I have an 86H ending bcm unit.
Can I fit a 090 ending module providing it’s the same frequency as mine.
Looking to purchase a used Bcm.
Thanks

    Andy · 9th November 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Hi,
    Unfortunately not, there are a lot of differences in the wiring between the 86/87 BCM models and the 88/89/90 BCM models. It’s 100% possible to add the additional wiring and modify your wiring to work with the 90 BCMs but it’s not something that is for the faint hearted. You’ll need to make custom wiring looms, add additional relays and fuses to make it work. Once you factor in the cost of the tools and equipment needed to make it compatible it’s often cheaper to buy an 87 BCM.
    Cheers,
    Andy

      Nick · 9th November 2020 at 10:09 pm

      Hello Andy, thank you for the information on which bcm I need , ill keep a look out for an 087 unit, also if I get a cruise stalk with the MF function on to show more fuel mpg display etc will the 087 bcm be ok.
      Thanks

        Andy · 10th November 2020 at 9:22 am

        Hi,
        I don’t think it’s the BCM which controls whether or not MFD will work, it’s more the instrument cluster. I’ve got MFD working on my baseline T5.1 with an 086 BCM by just adding the 3 wires and the MF stalk (or fit an MFSW). You don’t want the MF stalk and MFSW as the stalk will cancel out the steering wheel if you use it.
        Cheers,
        Andy

Rob mellow · 18th December 2020 at 12:46 pm

Hi Andy , I have a 07 T5 with possessed front wipers and door locks my bcm is a 7H0937049R I can find replacement parts where the numbers match but struggle to find an exact one with the letter (prefix)? Could I maybe go to an ‘S’ or newer , my van is proper poverty spec no Aircon no electric windows etc . Any help would be much appreciated .
Thanks

    Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:49 pm

    Hi, sorry I’ve been away from the website for a while! Did you manage to get this sorted? Thanks Andy

Michael · 13th January 2021 at 12:11 pm

Hi Andy,

Thanks for all the info, it’s invaluable. I’m having re-occurring and more frequent wiper problems and am going through the system eliminating possible culprits, motor seems constant once it triggers and bonnet switch is seemingly OK as it affects full and intermittent wiper, so probably down to BCM / Stalk / possible ground fault. I’m trying to source a second BCM to try and looking at your guide to numbers, mine is quite significantly different, so I thought I’d ask your advice. Mine is detailed as 7H0 937 049 AD, I have found another which is close, 7H0 937 049 AC, I wondered if you know whether it would be suitable or where I could source a suitable replacement. On a budget ideally : )

    Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Hi, sorry I’ve been away from the site for a while. Did you get this sorted? There’s some people advertising on eBay for bcm repairs for your model of t5, might be worth a shot?

James · 7th April 2021 at 6:16 pm

Hello Andy, very informative, thank you.
I have a 2007 1.9 T5 BCM 049R, i have major issues with the electrics, the hazard warning lights just activate and the horn goes off all of the time whether stationary or driven. The vehicle is totally unusable for the last 2 years and is particularly bad when it rains. I cannot get a replacement BCM part anywhere. I did have aftermarket DRL lights fitted a fey years ago. any advice would be gratefully received.
Many thanks
James

    Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:53 pm

    Hi James, sorry I’ve been away from the site. Did you manage to get this sorted?

stewart · 11th April 2021 at 12:19 pm

Hi Andy,
Absolutely great info on here.
I have a 2015 t5.1 and trying to fit a MFSW to it I have bought one from a Jetta that looks exactly the same as the t6 wheel I already have the BCM that controls the cruise control and on board computer can you tell me what steering wheel module is required to make it work and if it does or am i wasting my time?

    Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:55 pm

    Hi, that should work fine as that’s exactly what I’ve got fitted to mine. You don’t need a module for the wheel as the signal goes from the bcm to the buttons. Depending on your model of buttons you might have some buttons that don’t work, but hopefully with the Jetta one you should be fine

BILL Williams · 14th May 2021 at 5:41 pm

hi,I have a 2008 t5 with a bcm 7HO937049 AE,
I want to retro fit cruise control stalks, and a mfsw,what can you suggest thanks, Bill

    BILL Williams · 14th May 2021 at 7:25 pm

    the wire plugs on my bcm are totally different to the one’s on a 87

      Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Yes they will be as the facelift uses a totally different wiring platform, similar to the ones in polos

    Andy · 14th May 2021 at 7:57 pm

    Hi,
    This guide is for the t5.1 and the t5 is drastically different and not compatible. You can fit mfsw and cruise but you’d need this guide. http://vwxporter.blogspot.com/2016/10/button-podging.html?m=1

Alex · 1st June 2021 at 4:04 pm

I have used VW T – 5/2 p. 2010. with manual Windows and central locking doors.I need contact with specialist electrician for VW T 5 and info about :
Please, can you send me writen info for the front right door with electric lock VW Model 3B1837016CC (watch the picture and data below), based of next data :
– in the right front door I have five-core cable to electric lock with the following wires :
– purple (slightly thicker)
– green – white (slightly thinner)
– brown-yellow (slightly thinner)
– brown (slightly thinner)
– brown – black (thin)
My question is, – when does this cable disconnect from the connector and connect to the computer and central unit, which of these wires has power supply (+) and which (-) to lock the lock, – and which of these wires has power supply (+) and which (-), to unlock the lock ?
Thank you in advance !
Cordially, Alex Email : askocajic@gmail.com

    Andy · 10th June 2021 at 7:31 pm

    Hi Alex,

    The following applies to your vehicle:
    purple (slightly thicker) – Power for door lock motor (presume these are +12v to lock, Gnd to unlock, or vice versa)
    green – white (slightly thinner) – This is referred to as Central locking lock unit whatever that means. It’s an input to the BCM.
    brown-yellow (slightly thinner) – Power for door lock motor (presume these are Gnd to lock, +12v to unlock, or vice versa)
    brown (slightly thinner) – Gnd for Brown/Black wire and Green/White wire.
    brown – black (thin) – Door lock switch to detect if it’s locked or not.

    Hope that helps!
    Andy

Rick · 30th June 2021 at 5:34 pm

Hi Andy The problem I have with a 2011 T5 T32 Sportline with an 087 BCM is that the rear tailgate handle will not open the tailgate. An auto electrician has looked at it for a few hrs and can’t solve it. He can operate the actuator via his computer but not using the vans wiring. He has checked the wiring under the seat for corrosion and micro switch and actuator in rear tailgate are all fine. Do you have any idea what the problem is. The auto elec man thinks it may be a short in the BCM as no power seems to getting to the micro switch. Is this plausible? Thanks, Rick

    Andy · 1st July 2021 at 9:41 am

    Hi Rick,
    Do you have the PR Code sticker? usually on the underside of the dash/drivers seat frame. If it has PR code 4E0 then it uses an electric tailgate opening, this means that when the handle is opened, it grounds pin 21 on BCM connector 73A (which I think is the left handed one). This tells the BCM to actuate the motor (which sounds like it works fine as it can be done via diagnostics). I’d be tempted to check continuity to ground on that pin when the handle is actuated. The microswitch won’t have power as it also grounds the BCM pin when it’s closed, so that would explain that happening. You should no continuity when the hatch is open (or closed depending how the switch is wired).

    Hope that helps
    Cheers,
    Andy

      Rick · 1st July 2021 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you for that Andy. I cannot see a 4E0 anywhere is the PR Code sticker the one with the Type, paint and engine info? Mine was on the driver’s seat frame.
      Does this info help
      W440 20 – 2 – 8487 210 EN
      7EA 141
      OE1 – 4UF 4X0 4R1 4K3 N0A 5TC
      I can get more info if needed.
      I will also check out pin 21.
      Thanks again
      Rick

        Rick · 5th July 2021 at 11:34 am

        Hi Andy
        I’ve looked into the codes a bit more and wondered whether the 4K3 code fo central locking with deadlocks would change the PIN number that I need to check. I don’t want to connect pin 21 to ground and short something because the wiring is different for 4K3. I would appreciate your response. Regards Rick.

          Andy · 5th July 2021 at 11:48 am

          Hey Rick,
          That’s a fair point, as I can’t send you the wiring diagram that I have, you can use VW’s own system to purchase the wiring diagram for your vehicle, it only costs a few euros and should give you the confidence that it’s the right wiring diagram for your options, take a look on https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do

          Cheers,
          Andy

Rick · 9th July 2021 at 5:17 pm

Hi Andy
As I don’t have 4E0 but I do have 4K3 will this change the PIN number that I need to check to get the tailgate handle to work?
Thanks
Rick

Rick · 9th July 2021 at 5:21 pm

Sorry about that. Your response to my previous question only came up when I posted this last question. Bizarre. Thanks again, Rick

    Andy · 9th July 2021 at 5:28 pm

    No worries, I came across this the other day which should help you.

    http://www.1946vw.co.uk/vwbooks/vw_info/T5_pdfs/Onboard%20Supply%20Unit%202009%20onwards.pdf

    Thanks, Andy

      Rick · 27th July 2021 at 4:45 pm

      Hi Andy
      The problem with the tailgate handle not operating was found to be corroded connectors behind the rear trim panels on the passenger side towards the back. The culprit is believed to have been condensation running down the inside of the metal panels into the connectors. They have been cut out and solid cables put on to replace them. So, in the end nothing to do with the BCM. Thanks for your help, cheers, Rick

Daniel Vallejo · 27th July 2021 at 3:55 pm

Hi Andy, I have a 2011 Amarok. With bcm # 6r7937087 J. The A/C, outside temoerature and fuel gauge want off all at once. A mechanic told me it might be the BCM, I found one online but it ends with a letter “D” instead of a “J”. Do you think it would work with mi truck?

Gytis · 15th December 2021 at 10:37 am

Hi Andy,
maybe you can help .. 2012 vw caravelle t5 7h0937086 replacement 7h0937089F, changed due to cruise control.Everything works but no interior lighting, maybe you are facing this problem? If you can help, thanks.

    Andy · 20th December 2021 at 1:11 pm

    Hi,
    There is a significant difference in the wiring looms between 86/87 bcm and 88/89/90 bcms and they’re incompatible with each other. You’ll need an 87 bcm if you want cruise on a van that was using a 86 bcm.
    Thanks
    Andy

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