BMW Coding Video in Motion: The Trick Your Dealer Doesn’t Want You to Know

If you’ve ever tried to watch videos on your BMW’s iDrive screen while driving, you’ve likely encountered a frustrating limitation: video playback stops as soon as the vehicle starts moving. This is due to a factory safety feature designed to minimize distractions while driving. However, if you’re fully aware of the risks and want to enable video in motion, there’s a reliable way to do it using NCS Expert and NCS Dummy.

This guide will walk you through the BMW video in motion coding process, focusing specifically on CIC head units found in BMW models from E60 to E89. By following this tutorial, you’ll learn how to unlock this feature safely and effectively.

1. What is Video in Motion in BMW?

Video in Motion (ViM) refers to the ability of your BMW’s infotainment system to play video content while the vehicle is in motion. Most BMW models with CIC (Car Information Computer) or later systems disable this feature once the car starts moving, even if a video is playing on the central screen.

From a technical standpoint, the system uses parameters like “SPEEDLOCK” to detect vehicle movement and restrict video playback accordingly.

2. Benefits of Enabling BMW Video in Motion?

While the default restriction is based on safety, some users may wish to enable ViM for the following reasons:

• For passenger entertainment on long road trips.
• To demonstrate features during stationary or low-speed events.
• For retrofitting purposes or upgrading vehicle entertainment systems.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Watching videos while driving is dangerous and may be illegal in your country. Always comply with your local road safety laws.

3. Prerequisites for BMW Coding Video in Motion

Before you begin, you’ll need the following tools and files:

3.1. Hardware:

• A laptop with Windows OS
• K+DCAN cable or ENET cable (depending on your BMW model)

3.2. Software:

• NCS Expert (to read/write coding files)
• NCS Dummy (to modify parameters)
• BMW Standard Tools (for installation of both apps)

3.3. Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of BMW ECU modules
• Familiarity with .TRC and .MAN files in BMW coding

4. Supported BMW Models

This tutorial is tailored for BMW models using the CIC head unit, which includes:

• E60 – 5 Series
• E61 – 5 Series Touring
• E63 / E64 – 6 Series
• E70 – X5
• E71 – X6
• E87 / E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 – 1 & 3 Series
• E89 – Z4

Ensure your vehicle is equipped with the CIC system before proceeding.

5. Step-by-Step: BMW Video in Motion Coding with NCS Dummy

✅ Step 1: Launch NCS Dummy

Start by opening the NCS Dummy software on your computer. Make sure it’s properly installed and compatible with your BMW chassis generation.

✅ Step 2: Select the Correct Chassis Type

At the top left of the interface, select the chassis that matches your BMW.
For example:

• BMW E60 for 5 Series (2003–2010)

• BMW E89 for Z4 (2009–2016)

📝 Make sure you choose the exact chassis version — this ensures proper module and parameter loading.

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✅ Step 3: Choose the Correct Module (CIC)

Now, in the module dropdown list, select CIC – the iDrive Professional head unit.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which module to select, first read your vehicle’s coding data using NCS Expert. The software will display the exact module name for your car. This avoids selecting the wrong module and making invalid changes.

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✅ Step 4: Enable Parameter Editing

Once both the chassis and CIC module are selected, NCS Dummy will load a list of codable parameters from the associated .TRC or .MAN file. You’ll be able to view and edit these parameters.

There are two ways to proceed:

• If you’ve already read the file from your car using NCS Expert, simply load that .TRC file into NCS Dummy.

• If you prefer to edit the coding profile ahead of time, you can load a default module and later write the changes back to the car — no need to read from the car every time.

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✅ Step 5: Open the Search Tool

To quickly find the relevant settings, click on the search icon in the toolbar — or use the shortcut Ctrl + F on your keyboard.

This opens a search window to help you jump directly to specific coding functions.

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✅ Step 6: Search for “SPEEDLOCK”

In the search bar, type the word:

🛑 Do not use quotation marks when entering the search term.

This will help you locate all speed-related locking parameters within the module.

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✅ Step 7: Find the Key Parameters

Click “Find Next” or hit Enter repeatedly until you locate the following two parameters in the graphical trace editor:

• SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MIN

• SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MAX

These are the two values that determine the speed limit at which video playback is blocked while driving.

📌 Both parameters must be updated to successfully enable video playback while the car is in motion.

✅ Step 9: Input the New Parameter Value

After selecting 255_kmh, assign the data value associated with that parameter.
Manually set the hexadecimal value to FF, which equals 255 in decimal — the maximum allowed value.

🔧 This effectively removes any video speed restriction enforced by the head unit.

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✅ Step 10: Repeat for the Maximum Speed Lock Parameter

Now do the same for the second parameter (step 6 – step 9):

• Locate SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MAX

• Assign it the same value (255_kmh)

• Set its hexadecimal data to FF

📌 This ensures both minimum and maximum thresholds allow video playback at any driving speed.

✅ Step 11: Save and Update the Module

• Click on Module Functions > Update Module.
• NCS Dummy will warn you that this action cannot be undone directly in the GUI.
• Confirm and update the process.

✅ Step 12: Confirm the Warning Message

NCS Dummy will show a warning message saying that it’s about to modify the module description file.

🛑 Important: Once updated, changes made in the graphical trace editor cannot be undone directly. However, NCS Dummy automatically creates a backup of the original file, so you can restore it at any time if needed.

Click “OK” to proceed with the update.

✅ Step 13: Load the Modified File into NCS Dummy

From the dropdown menu, select “Update FSW_PSW.TRC” to load the file that was previously read from your car using NCS Expert.

This will ensure that your modified parameters are now linked to the correct coding trace.

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✅ Step 14: Verify the Edited Parameters

Find the parameter SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MIN and confirm that it is set to the new value: 255_kmh.

Repeat the same step for:

• SPEEDLOCK_X_KMH_MAX

Both should now reflect the updated, unrestricted video playback speed.

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✅ Step 15: Disable the Handbrake Lock Setting

Locate the parameter: VIDEO_NUR_MIT_HANDBREMSE

Ensure that its value is set to: nicht_aktiv (not active)

🔧 This disables the requirement for the handbrake to be engaged in order to play video — completing the Video in Motion configuration.

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✅ Step 16: Export the Final MAN File

After verifying everything, export your configuration by generating the FSW_PSW.MAN file.

This is the finalized coding file that NCS Expert will use to write back to the CIC module.

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✅ Step 17: Write the Changes to the Vehicle

Open NCS Expert, select the correct profile (e.g., “Expertmode”), load the FSW_PSW.MAN file, and perform the coding write operation to the CIC module.

💡 This step applies your new coding to the car and enables Video in Motion.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

6.1. Video Still Doesn’t Play When Moving?

• Recheck SPEEDLOCK values and ensure they are set to 255_kmh.
• Confirm that the modified .MAN file was correctly written to the ECU.

6.2. “VIDEO_NUR_MIT_HANDBREMSE” Still Active?

• Go back to NCS Dummy and verify that it is set to nicht_aktiv.
• If not, repeat the update and write process.

6.3. NCS Expert Errors During Write?

• Make sure your cable is correctly connected.
• Use a clean .MAN file with only the required changes.
• Try reinitializing NCS Expert and reload your profile.

Need Help with BMW Video in Motion Coding? Let AutoExplain Handle It!

Not comfortable doing the coding yourself? Don’t worry — AutoExplain is here to help.

We offer professional remote coding services for all BMW models equipped with CIC/NBT head units. Whether you want to enable Video in Motion, unlock hidden features, or resolve annoying system limitations, our team is available 24/7 to assist you step-by-step.

🔧 Why Choose AutoExplain?

• ✅ Verified coding files and safe procedures

• ✅ Live 1-on-1 remote support via WhatsApp

• ✅ No need for expensive tools — we guide you using what you already have

• ✅ Quick response and professional guidance

• ✅ Support for BMW E60, E70, E90, E89, and more

Don’t risk damaging your module or wasting time on guesswork. Let experts handle it while you relax.

👉 Contact AutoExplain on WhatsApp: +1(936)2896695

=> Explore BMW Coding Hidden Feature Service here!

=> AutoExplain Coding Hidden Features Service

Final Thoughts

Enabling BMW video in motion through coding is a powerful customization that enhances the user experience—especially for passengers. With tools like NCS Dummy and NCS Expert, even beginners can unlock advanced features that BMW typically restricts.

While the process requires technical precision, this guide aims to simplify each step. As always, use this feature responsibly and in accordance with local laws. Safety should remain a top priority.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to explore more tutorials on BMW coding, diagnostics, and retrofit enhancements. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional technician, knowing how to code your BMW opens up a whole new world of customization.

Need Help? If you’re unsure or face any difficulties, consider professional support. Remote BMW coding services can assist with Video in Motion, CarPlay activation, Enhanced Bluetooth, and more—all without requiring you to leave your driveway.

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