This article lists BMW acronyms, technical terms, and abbreviations.

These BMW terms are frequently used by BMW dealerships and mechanics and are printed on electrical circuit diagrams.

  • AD / A D – Analog Digital
  • AAR – Automatic Air Recirculation
  • AB – Airbag airbag system
  • ABL – Brake system warning light
  • ABS – Anti-lock Braking System
  • AC – Air Conditioning
  • ACC – Active Cruise Control
  • ACS – Active Comfort Seats
  • ACSM – Advanced Crash Safety Module
  • ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance System
  • ADB / ADB-X – Automatic Differential Braking
  • ADS – Engine intake air control
  • ADV – Windshield wiper pressure control
  • AEGS – Automatic Electronic Gearbox same as EGS
  • AF – Active Steering
  • AFM – Air Flow Meter
  • AG – Automatic Gearbox Transmission
  • AGD – Suction silencer
  • AGR – Emission reduction
  • AGS – Adaptive transmission control
  • AHK – Active rear-axle Kinematics
  • AHK – Trailer hitch
  • AHL – Adaptive Headlights
  • AHM – Trailer Module
  • AHPS – Advanced HPS
  • AIC – Automatic Interval Control rain sensor
  • AKF – Activated carbon canister
  • AKS – Active head restraint
  • AKS – pressure regulating device
  • ALBBF – Active Backrest Width Pass
  • ALBGA – Active Backrest Width Driver
  • ALC – Automatic Light Control
  • ALR – Automatic Lamp Range Adjustment
  • ALR – Automatic locking retractors
  • AMM – Air Mass Meter
  • AMP – Radio system amplifier
  • ARI – Car radio information system
  • ARRB – Automatic Rear Roller Blind
  • ARS – Active Roll Stabilization
  • AS – Active Steering
  • ASC – All Season traction
  • ASC – Automatic Stability Control
  • ASC+T / ASC+ – Traction control
  • ASC-EZA – ASC – engine timing & injection intervention
  • ASCM – Crash Safety Module
  • ASK – Audio System Controller controller
  • ASR – Self-starter block relay
  • AST – All-Season Traction
  • AST – Automatic Slip control marketing term
  • AT – Antenna
  • ATF – Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • ATL – Exhaust gas turbocharger
  • AUC – Automatic air recirculation
  • AUT – Automatic transmission
  • AVT – Antenna amplifier Tuner
  • AZD – Tightening torque specifications
  • B – Benzene petrol, gasoline
  • BAT – Battery
  • BC – Board Computer
  • BC1 – Body Controller Number 1
  • BIT – Basic Interface Telephone
  • BL – Rear Brake Light
  • BLS – Brake Light Switch
  • BM – OnBoard Module
  • BMBT – Board Monitor
  • BMW – Bavarian Motor Works / Bayerische Motoren Werke
  • BS – Block diagram
  • BST – Battery Safety Terminal
  • BVA – Brake pad wear indicator
  • BZM – Center console
  • BZMF – Center console rear
  • CA – Comfort Access / Client Advisor
  • CAN – Controller Area Network
  • CAN-Bus – Controller Area Network Bus
  • CANH-Bus – CAN bus, High
  • CANL-Bus – CAN bus, Low
  • CANP – Fuel tank ventilation valve
  • CAS – Car Access System
  • CBC – Corner Braking Control
  • CBC – Cornering Brake Control
  • CBS – Condition-Based Service
  • CCC – Car Communications Computer
  • CCC-ANT – Antenna
  • CCC-ASK – Audio Controller
  • CCC-BO – User Interface
  • CCC-GW – Central Gateway
  • CCM – Check Control Module
  • CD – Control Display
  • CDC – Compact Disk Changer
  • CDS – CD player
  • CDV – Clutch Delay Valve
  • CEL – Celsius / Temperature
  • CHAMP GW – GW Gateway
  • CID – Central Information Display
  • CIM – Chassis Integration Module
  • CIP – Coding, Individualization, Programming
  • CO – Carbon monoxide
  • COMBI – Electronic Instrument Cluster
  • CON – Controller
  • CPO – Certified Pre-Owned BMW
  • CSL – Club Sport Lightweight Club Sport Leicht
  • CTM – Convertible Top Module
  • CU – Copper / Element
  • CVM – Convertible top Module
  • CVT – Constantly Variable Transmission
  • CW – drag coefficient (such as in wind)
  • CWP – Cold Weather Package
  • D1 – Xenon light gas discharge
  • DBC – Dynamic Brake Control
  • DBS – Dynamic Braking System
  • D-Bus – Diagnosis bus / TXD
  • DCC – Dynamic Cruise Control
  • DCS – Dealer Communication System
  • DD – Dynamic Motor Drive
  • DDE – Digital Diesel Electronics
  • DE – Diagnostic Unit
  • DIN – German industrial standards
  • DIS – Diagnosis & Information System
  • DISA – Differential air intake control
  • DIVA – Continuously variable-length intake runners
  • DK – Throttle housing valve
  • DKB – Throttle w brake intervention
  • DKE – Throttle Increase
  • DKI – Throttle position
  • DKR – Throttle reduction
  • DKT – Throttle position signal
  • DKV – Preset throttle position value
  • DME – Digital Motor Electronics
  • DM-TL – Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage
  • DOHC – Double Over Head Camshafts
  • Double VANOS – steplessly Variable intake & exhaust valve timing
  • DRL – Daytime Running Lights
  • DS – Gasket set
  • DSC – Dynamic Stability Control
  • DSP – Digital Sound Processing
  • DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Code SAE
  • DTC – Dynamic Traction Control
  • DWA – Anti-Theft System
  • DWS – Tire Pressure Warning System
  • DZM – Revolution counter
  • BMW E Terms
  • E39 – Seat Memory
  • EBV – Electronic Brake-force proportioning
  • ECE – European market version
  • ECM – Engine Control Module SAE term
  • ECO – Controller for I-Drive system
  • ECU – Electronic Control Unit
  • ED – European Delivery
  • EDC – Electronic Dampening Control
  • EDC-K – Electronic Dampening Control – Continuous
  • EDCSHL – Damper Satellite Rear Left
  • EDCSHR – Damper Satellite Rear Right
  • EDCSVL – Damper Satellite Front Left
  • EDCSVR – Damper Satellite Front Right
  • EDK – Electronic throttle valve
  • EDR – Electronic throttle control
  • EDS – Electronic pressure regulator
  • EFH – Electric window lifter
  • EGS – Electronic transmission control
  • EH – Electronic Hydraulic
  • EHC – Electronic Height Control
  • E-KAT – Electrically heated catalytic converter
  • EKM – Electronic body Module
  • EKP – Electric Fuel Pump
  • ELV – Electronic steering lock
  • EM – Electro-Mechanical
  • EMF – Electro-Mechanical parking brake
  • EML – Electronic Motor Load regulation
  • EMV – Electro-Magnetic sensitivity
  • EO – Component location
  • EPC – Electronic Parts Catalog / ETK
  • EPROM – Erasable Programmable Chip Memory
  • EPS – Electronic Power Steering
  • ESS – Electronic anti-theft device
  • ETK – Electronic parts catalog also EPC
  • ETM – Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
  • EV – Injection Valve
  • EWS – Electronic driveaway protection
  • EZA – See ASC-EZA
  • BMW F Terms
  • FB – Function description
  • FBC – Fading Brake Control
  • FBD – Remote control services
  • FBZV – Radio frequency locking system
  • FD – Rear Display
  • FDRS – Fold Down Rear Seats
  • FGR – Vehicle Speed Control Cruise Control
  • FH – Window lifter
  • FHK – Rear Heater air conditioner
  • FKA – Rear Heater & A C
  • FLC – Automatic Light Control
  • FRM – Footwell Module
  • FRU – Flat Rate Unit
  • FS – Crash Sensor
  • FTM – Flat Tire Monitor
  • FZD – Function Center Roof
  • FZV – Central lock receiver
  • GAL – Speed dependent sound volume
  • GM – General Module
  • GMR – Yaw moment control
  • GPS – Global Positioning System
  • GR – Cruise Control
  • GRII – Cruise control
  • GRS – Rotation Rate Sensor
  • GS – Belt Tensioner
  • GWK – Torque converter lock-up control
  • GWS – Gear Selection Switch
  • H2 – Xenon headlights
  • HA – Rear Axle
  • HC – Hydro Carbon
  • HD – Heavy Duty
  • HDC – Hill Descent Control
  • HFM – Hot Film Air Mass Meter
  • HG – Manual Gearbox transmission
  • HKL – Hydraulic trunk lid Lift
  • HLM – Hot Wire Air Mass Meter
  • HPS – Head Protection System
  • HR – Heater control
  • HU – Head Unit
  • HUD – Heads Up Display
  • HVA – Hydraulic Valve Adjuster
  • HWS – Headlight Washer System
  • Hz – Hertz Cycle
  • IB – Interior lighting control signal
  • IBOC – Digital Tuner
  • I-Bus – Information bus
  • IHKA – Automatic Heating & A C
  • IHKAF – IHKA with micro filter
  • IHKR – Regulated Heating & A C
  • IHKRF – IHKR with micro filter
  • IHKS – Standard Heating & A C
  • IHPD – Internal High Pressure Deformation
  • IHR – Integrated Heater control
  • IKE – Instrument cluster Electronics
  • ILH – Interior Lighting, Rear
  • ILV – Interior Lighting, Front
  • IMS – Instant Mobility System
  • IR – Infrared
  • IRS – Infrared Locking System
  • ISC – Idle Speed Control
  • ISIS – Intelligent Safety & Information System
  • ISN – Individual Serial Number
  • ISOFIX – Standardized mounts for child restraints
  • ITS – Head airbag assembly Inflatable Tubular Structure
  • IVM – Integrated power supply Module
  • JBE – Junction Box
  • KAT – Catalytic converter
  • KATON – Converter creating signal
  • KBM – Body Basic Module
  • K-Bus – Body bus Karosserie
  • KD – Kick Down
  • KGM – Body Gateway Module
  • KHI – Interface for headphones
  • KL – Terminal designation
  • KL15 – Run bus ignition switch run position
  • KL30 – Battery bus hot at all times
  • KL31 – Ground bus chassis ground
  • KL50 – Start bus ignition start position
  • KLA – High Beam Assist
  • KLR – Accessory bus
  • KO – Compressor ON signal
  • KOMBI – Instrument cluster
  • KOREL – Compressor relay signal
  • KR – Contact Ring
  • KSK – Knock Sensor
  • KVA – Fuel consumption signal value
  • KW – Crankshaft
  • KW – KiloWatt
  • LCM LZM – Light Switching Center
  • LDM – Longitudinal Dynamics Management
  • LDP – Leak Diagnosis Pump
  • LEV – Low Emissions Vehicle
  • LEW – Lateral acceleration sensor
  • LHD – Left-Hand Drive
  • LKM – Lamp control Module
  • LL – Closed throttle
  • LM – Light Module
  • LMM – Air flow meter sensor
  • LMR – Light alloy wheel
  • LRA – Vertical headlight aiming
  • LRR – Long Range Sensor
  • LSM – Steering column memory
  • LSZ – Lamp Switching Center
  • LVA – Air supply system for EHC system
  • LVDS – Low Voltage Differential Signaling
  • LWR – Vertical headlight aim control
  • LWRT – Low Weight Reinforced Thermoplastics
  • LWS – Steering angle sensor
  • MAL – Center armrest
  • MBC – Maximum Brake Control
  • M-Bus – IHKA IHKR stepper motor bus
  • MDK – Motorized throttle valve system
  • MFC – Multi-Function Controller
  • MFL – Multi-Function steering wheel
  • MFS – Multi-Function Steering Wheel
  • MFU – Multi-Function Clock
  • MID – Multi-Information Display
  • MIL – Malfunction Indicator Lamp SAE, “check engine”
  • MIR – Multi-Information Radio
  • MJOY – Mini Joystick
  • MK20 MK60 MKIV- ABS
  • MMC – Multi-Media Changer
  • MoDiC – Mobile Diagnostic Computer
  • MOST-Bus – Media Oriented System Transport bus
  • MPM – Micro Power Module
  • MRS – Multiple Restraint System
  • MRSII – Airbag SRS
  • MSR – Engine drag torque Regulation
  • MV – Magnetic Valve Solenoid Valve
  • N-AB – Rotational speed, transmission rpm
  • NAV – Navigation
  • NAVI – Navigation Module
  • NG – New Generation N73 engine
  • NG – Tilt sensor
  • N-MOT – Rotational speed, engine rpm
  • NOX – Nitrogen Oxides exhaust gas recirculation
  • NSD – Rear muffler
  • NSL – Rear Fog Lamp
  • NSW – Fog lamp
  • NTC – Negative Temperature Coefficient
  • NVE – Night Vision
  • NW – Camshaft
  • OBC – On-Board Computer
  • OBD – On-Board Diagnosis
  • OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer
  • P N – Park Neutral Position
  • PB – Pin assignments
  • PBS – Parts Bulletin System in TIS
  • P-Bus – Periphery bus
  • PCD – Performance Center Delivery
  • PDC – Park Distance Control
  • PDI – Pre-Delivery Inspection
  • PGS – Passive Go System
  • PM – Power Module
  • PP – Impact Pad
  • PTC – Positive Temperature Coefficient
  • PuMA – Product & Measures Management in After Sales
  • PWG – Pedal position sensor potentiometer
  • RA – Repair instructions
  • RAD – Radio
  • RAL – Aluminum wheels
  • RAL – Standard color
  • RAM – Random Access Memory
  • RDC – Tire Pressure Control
  • RDK – Tire Pressure Monitor
  • RDS – Radio Data-broadcast System
  • RDW – Tire Pressure Warning
  • RFK – Reversing Camera
  • RFT – Run Flat Tires
  • RHD – Right-Hand Drive
  • RLS – Rain-Light Sensor
  • RM – Relay Module
  • ROZ – Research Octane rating fuel grade
  • RPA – Tire puncture warning
  • RPS – Rollover Protection System
  • RS – Repair kit
  • RSC – Run-flat System Components
  • RSW – Back-up lamp
  • RXD – Wake-up Diagnosis line
  • RZV – Direct stationary ignition
  • SA – Sales Advisor or Service Advisor
  • SASL – Satellite, A-pillar left
  • SASR – Satellite, A-pillar right
  • SAV – Sport Activity Vehicle
  • SB – Fuse assignments
  • SBE – Seat occupancy detector sensor
  • SBFH – Seat Module, passenger-side rear
  • SBK – Safety Battery Terminal
  • SBSL – Satellite, B-pillar left
  • SBSR – Satellite, B-pillar right
  • SBT – Reference information in TIS
  • SBX-H – Interface Box High
  • SCA – Soft Close Automatic Actuator
  • SD – Silencer Muffler
  • SD – Sliding roof
  • SDAR – Satellite Tuner
  • SE – Special Equipment
  • SES – Voice Recognition System
  • SFAH – Seat Module, driver’s side rear
  • SFZ – Satellite, vehicle center
  • SG – Control unit
  • SGM-SIM – Safety Gateway Module
  • SGS – Seat integrated belt System
  • SHD – Sunroof module also SHDM
  • SI – Service Information in TIS
  • SIA – Service Interval system ver I, II, III, IV, etc
  • SII – Service Interval Indicator
  • SIL – SILicon
  • SIM – Safety Information Module
  • SINE – Siren tilt sensor
  • SKD – Steel sliding roof
  • SKHD – Sliding lifting roof
  • SLZ – Seat Steering Column Memory
  • SM – Seat Module
  • SM SPM – Seat Mirror Memory
  • SMBF – Seat Module, passenger side
  • SMFA – Seat Module, driver’s side
  • SMFB – Seat Module Passenger Side
  • SMG – Sequential Manual Gearbox
  • SP – Schematic
  • SRA – Headlight fog light cleaning
  • SRS – Supplemental Restraint System / Airbag System
  • SSD – Steel sliding roof
  • SSH – Seat Satellite, rear seat
  • ST – Connector views
  • Steptronic – Transmission shift control
  • STVL – Satellite, left front door
  • STVR – Satellite, right front door
  • SULEV – Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle not coined by BMW
  • SVS – Speech Processing System
  • SWR – Headlamp cleaning system
  • SWZ – Special tool listings in TIS
  • SZL – Switch Center, steering column
  • SZM – Central switch center Module
  • TAGE – Door handle Electronics
  • TBM – Two Battery Management
  • TCM – Transmission Control Module
  • TCU – Telematic Control Module
  • TD – Engine speed signal ignition pulse
  • TD – Technical Data in TIS
  • TDD – Technical Documentation Disk
  • TE – Fuel evaporation control
  • TEL – TELephone control unit
  • TEV – Evaporative purge control
  • THZ – Tandem master cylinder
  • ti – Injector ON Time duration
  • TIS – Technical Information System
  • TL – Part throttle load signal
  • TLEV – Transitional Low Emission Vehicle
  • TMBFT – Door Module, passenger side
  • TMBFTH – Door Module, Passenger side rear
  • TMC – Traffic Message Channel
  • TMFAT – Door Module, driver’s side
  • TMFATH – Door Module, driver’s side rear
  • TP – Tandem Pump
  • TP – Traffic Program
  • TPC – Tire Pressure Control
  • TPM – Tire Pressure Monitor
  • TPS – Throttle Position Switch Sensor
  • TR – Engine speed signal rpm
  • TR – Transistor
  • TRG – Fuel level sensor
  • TRI – Technical Reference Information also SBT
  • TRS – Battery Isolation Switch
  • TSB – Technical Service Bulletin
  • TSD – Torsional vibration dampener
  • TSH – Door lock Heating
  • TSZI – Transistorized Coil Ignition system
  • TU – Technical Update as in M50tu
  • TXD – Transmitting Diagnosis line
  • U-batt – Battery voltage
  • UERSS – Rollover bar
  • URS – Rollover Protection System
  • USIS – Ultrasonic passenger compartment Sensor
  • U-vers – Supply voltage
  • V – Vehicle road speed
  • V – Vorn front
  • VA – Front Axle
  • VAC – Voice Activated Control
  • VANOS – Variable camshaft timing
  • VAT – Front axle support
  • VDC – Vehicle Distribution Center
  • VDM – Vertical Dynamic Management
  • VEP – Distributor-type injection Pump
  • VGT – Vario Transfer Gearbox
  • VID – VIDeo module
  • VL – Full load wide open throttle
  • VM – Video Module
  • VPC – Vehicle Preparation Center
  • VSD – Front Muffler
  • VTC – Valvetronic / VTC2
  • VTG – Gearbox Control
  • VVT – Valve Tronic
  • WBG – Hazard warning switch
  • WIM – Wiper control Module
  • WK – Torque converter lock-up clutch
  • WSS – Wind Shield
  • WT – Valve tronic control unit
  • ZAB – Ignition fade-out reduction
  • ZAE – Central Airbag Electronics
  • ZAS – Ignition starter switch
  • ZCP – Competition Package M3
  • ZCW – Cold Weather Package
  • ZGM – Central Gateway Module
  • ZHP – Performance Package
  • ZK – Cylinder head
  • ZKE – Central body Electronics
  • ZKH – Cylinder head cover
  • ZMS – Dual-Mass flywheel
  • ZPP – Premium Package
  • ZS – Central lock
  • ZSD – Center Muffler
  • ZSP – Sport Package
  • ZV – Central locking system
  • ZVM – Central Locking Module
  • ZWD – Idle control valve

We hope you find the BMW Terms Acronyms guide helpful. If you know a BMW acronym or term that is not on this list, feel free to reach out to us. For more help, don’t forget to check out the BMW Guides and Tutorials.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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