How to Import Custom BMW FSC Code into HU-CIC [ F-Series & E-Series]

If you’ve recently replaced or incorrectly programmed your BMW’s HU-CIC (Car Information Computer), you may find that key features like navigation, voice control, or BMW Apps have stopped working. Most likely, you’ve lost the BMW FSC Codes required to authenticate and activate those features. But don’t panic — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about FSC Codes, why they’re critical, and how to import custom FSC Codes into HU-CIC using tools like E-Sys.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a technician handling retrofits and upgrades, this comprehensive guide will help you restore your HU-CIC to full functionality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to import custom FSC codes into BMW HU-CIC systems for both F-Series and E-Series vehicles.

1. What is a BMW FSC Code?

FSC stands for Functional Software Code. It’s a digital certificate that BMW uses to control the activation of specific software-based features in a vehicle. Each FSC Code is unique and corresponds to a particular function in the Head Unit, such as:

• Navigation system activation
• Voice control
• BMW Apps
• Navigation Map updates
• Satellite tuner access
• Regional language packs (e.g., Arabian language support)

Without the proper FSC Code, your HU-CIC will disable the associated feature — even if the hardware is present and functional.

2. Why Do You Lose BMW FSC Codes?

You may lose FSC Codes in the following scenarios:

• Replacing the HU-CIC with a used unit
• Flashing or reprogramming the HU without the original Vehicle Order (FA)
• Coding HU with incorrect VIN or VO
• Installing a retrofit or retrofit features

In these situations, the car’s system no longer recognizes the FSC codes or considers them invalid — resulting in a loss of functionality.

3. Can You Reuse FSC Codes?

No. FSC Codes are typically VIN-specific and sometimes tied to vehicle-specific configuration. Reusing FSCs from a different car will usually result in a “rejected” status when you attempt to activate the function.

4. How to Import FSC Code into HU-CIC [F-Series]

4.1. Supported BMW F-Series Models:

Model	Chassis Code	Years
1 Series	F20, F21	2011–2013
3 Series	F30, F31, F34	2012–2013
5 Series	F10, F11	2010–2012
6 Series	F12, F13	2011–2012
7 Series	F01, F02	2009–2013
X1	E84	2012–2013
X3	F25	2011–2012
X5 / X6 (LCI)	E70 / E71	2010–2013

4.2. Tools Required for Importing FSC Codes for F-Series

To perform FSC import into HU-CIC, you’ll need:

• E-Sys (BMW’s engineering software)
• ENET cable (OBD-to-Ethernet)
• FSC Code package (including files like .fsc, SIG.der, .der certificates)
• Laptop running Windows with Java installed
• Vehicle’s original long VIN

4.3. Step by Step Instruction

Step 1: Start E-Sys and Connect

1. Launch E-Sys.
2. Connect to the vehicle using the correct interface (ENET cable).
3. Ensure that the vehicle’s FA (Vehicle Order) and VIN are correctly recognized.
4. Perform basic HU-CIC coding if required.

Step 2: Go to Expert Mode > FSC Extended

1. Navigate to the “Expert Mode” tab.
2. Open FSC Extended.
3. Set the Diagnostic Address to 0x63.
4. Click Identify.
5. After a few seconds, “HU_CIC” should appear as the Base Variant.

Step 3: Write VIN to the Head Unit

1. Select WriteDataByIdentifierVIN.
2. Press >> to move it to the right.
3. Enter your vehicle’s long VIN.
4. Press Start and verify that the log shows “OK”.

Step 4: Clean Command List

• Remove WriteDataByIdentifierVIN using the << button.

Step 5: Unpack FSC Files

• Extract the provided FSC code archive (e.g., to C:\DATA\SWT).

Step 6: Load Certificate Signature

1. Select StoreSIGCert and press >>.
2. Locate and open the SIG.der file from the extracted folder.

Step 7: Verify Signature Certificate

1. Select CheckSIGCert.
2. Enter:
   • Application Number: 0x1B
   • Upgrade Index: 0x01
3. Click Start. Make sure both lines return “OK”.

Step 8: Clean Signature Cert Commands

• Remove StoreSIGCert and CheckSIGCert using <<.

Step 9: Load FSC Certificate

1. Select StoreFSCCert.
2. Open the 001B0001.der file from unpacked archieve.

Step 10: Load and Check FSC Files

1. Select “StoreFSCCert”, press “>>” button.
2. Select “CheckFSCCert”, press “>>” button.
3. Select “StoreFSC” and press “>>” button.
4. Select “CheckFSC” and press “>>” button.

Step 11: Load the First FSC File

1. Click the “…” button to browse
2. Select and Open the 00170001.fsc file from the unpacked archive. Once selected, the Application number (hex/dec) and Upgrade index (hex/dec) fields will be filled in automatically based on the file’s metadata.

Step 12: Run and Verify FSC Imports

Click the Start button and look for four “ok” results in the log window.
Repeat this process for each of the following .fsc files:

• 00190001.fsc (Navigation Activation)

• 001B0001.fsc (Map Update)

• 006F0001.fsc (Satellite Radio)

• 009B0001.fsc (Arabic Language)

• 009C0001.fsc (BMW Apps)

After loading each file, always press Start and check that the log shows four “ok” responses.

Step 13: Clean Up Loaded Commands

In the right command window, select each entry and press the “<<” button to remove them.

Step 14: Verify Import Status

Select GetStatus from the left menu, press “>>”, then click Start.
In the log window, scroll up and confirm that both FSCSCertStatus and FSCStatus for every imported code show “accepted”.

🔍 Note:
If AppNr./UpgrIdx 40 (0x28) appears as “rejected”, this is the short map update code derived from the 0x1B FSC. Its upgrade index depends on the specific map version used.
In this case, you may need to obtain a new map update code that matches your current map data.

4.4. CIC FSC Codes Application Number List

Application Number	Feature
0017	Voice Control
0019	Navigation System Professional
001B	Navigation System Professional
0028	European Map Code
006F	Satellite Tuner
009B	Arabian Language Support
009C	BMW Apps

 

5. Import Custom BMW FSC Code into HU-CIC [E-Series]

Importing a custom FSC code into the HU-CIC on E-Series BMWs involves a different set of tools compared to F-Series vehicles. This process uses NCS Expert, INPA, and FS Tool 2.

5.1. Supported BMW E-Series Models:

Model	Chassis Code(s)	Production Years
1 Series	E81, E82, E87, E88	2008–2013
3 Series	E90, E91, E92, E93	2008–2013
5 Series	E60, E61	2008–2010
6 Series	E63, E64	2008–2010
7 Series	E65, E66, E67, E68	2008–2009 (late models)
X1	E84	2009–2015
X3	E83 (LCI only)	2008–2010
X5	E70	2008–2013
X6	E71	2008–2014
Z4	E89	2009–2016

5.2. Prerequisites before Importing BMW FSC Code into E-Series HU-CIC:

• BMW E-Series vehicle equipped with HU-CIC

• Windows laptop with:

  • INPA and NCS Expert installed and configured

  • FS Tool 2 installed

• D-CAN or K-Line USB to OBD2 cable (depending on your vehicle)

• Custom FSC code package (usually includes .fsc, .der, and sig files)

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5.3. Instructions:

Step 1: Configure EDIABAS Interface

1. Navigate to the directory containing your EDIABAS.INI file (commonly found under C:\EDIABAS\BIN).

2. Open EDIABAS.INI in a text editor.

3. Confirm or set the following:

   • Interface = STD:OBD

   • Port = COMx (replace x with the COM port assigned to your USB cable in Device Manager)

This step ensures that all software tools will communicate with your vehicle via the correct interface.

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Step 2: Code HU-CIC with NCS Expert

1. Launch NCS Expert.

2. Load a suitable profile like “Expertmode”.

3. Choose “Load FA/VO” using your vehicle’s full VIN.

4. Select the appropriate chassis (e.g., E90, E60).

5. Use “Read ECU” to pull the modules and verify CIC presence.

6. Select HU_CIC from the list and perform coding using default settings.

⚠️ This ensures your CIC unit is aligned with your car’s FA (Vehicle Order) before injecting FSC codes.

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Step 3: Prepare Your FSC Files

1. Extract the FSC code archive to an accessible folder on your laptop.

2. Confirm you have:

   • SIG.der (signature file)

   • .fsc files (e.g., 001B0001.fsc, 00170001.fsc)

   • Corresponding certificate files (e.g., 001B0001.der)

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Step 4: Launch FS Tool 2 and Connect to Vehicle

1. Open FS Tool 2.

2. Click Connect.

3. The tool should auto-detect your HU_CIC unit. Wait for confirmation that the vehicle is recognized.

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Step 5: Load Signature and FSC Certificates

1. Navigate to the Configuration tab.

2. Under “Signature Certificate,” click Load and select SIG.der.

3. Under “FSCS Certificate,” click Load and select 00170001.der (or your first .der certificate).

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Step 6: Inject Signature Certificate

1. Go to the SWT Develop tab.

2. Click Add Job, and queue the following:

   • STORE_SIG_CERT

   • CHECK_SIG_CERT

3. Click Execute.

4. Ensure both jobs return a status of “ok” in the result log.

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Step 7: Clear Job Queue

• After execution, click Clear to remove the processed jobs from the queue before proceeding.

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Step 8: Set Vehicle VIN

1. Navigate to the Parameter tab.

2. Enter your full 17-digit VIN in the field provided.

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Step 9: Set VIN in CIC

1. Return to the SWT Develop tab.

2. Add the job: SET_VIN.

3. Click Execute and confirm success.

📝 This step is crucial to align the FSC certificates with your car’s unique identity.

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Step 10: Prepare for FSC Injection

• Clear the job list once again to avoid any conflicts or duplicate commands.

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Step 11: Load and Inject FSC Code

1. Add the following sequence of jobs to the queue:

   • STORE_FSCS_CERT

   • CHECK_FSCS_CERT

   • STORE_FSC

   • CHECK_FSC

2. Use Load FSC to import the .fsc file (e.g., 00170001.fsc). The application ID and upgrade index will auto-fill.

3. Click Execute.

4. Confirm that all actions return “ok” status.

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Step 12: Repeat FSC Code Injection for All Required Features

Repeat Step 11 for each additional feature you want to activate:

✅ Always match each .fsc file with its correct .der certificate if provided.

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Step 13: Optional – Map Update Code Activation

If your FSC package includes a map update code (typically named like 0028XXXX.fsc):

• You can enter the code manually via iDrive when prompted during map update, or

• Use FS Tool 2 to inject it just like other FSC codes.

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📌 Final Tips

• Always make a backup of your FSC archive before modifying or injecting files.

• Ensure your laptop has stable power during the entire process to avoid bricking the HU-CIC.

• If any job returns an error, stop and verify your file structure, VIN, and software interface settings.

Common FSC Import Errors and Fixes

❌ FSC Code Rejected

• Cause: Wrong Application Number or Upgrade Index.
• Fix: Double-check .fsc file name and ensure correct map version.

❌ SIG Certificate Not Valid

• Cause: Wrong or corrupted SIG.der file.
• Fix: Re-extract FSC pack or request a new one.

❌ VIN Not Accepted

• Cause: Mismatched VIN between car and FSC code.
• Fix: Regenerate FSC codes tied to your specific VIN.

Tips Before You Start FSC Import

• Always back up your current coding data and VO before starting.
• Ensure vehicle ignition is on but engine off.
• Use a reliable ENET cable.
• Avoid coding while low battery.
• Never interrupt FSC writing once started.

Why Use Custom FSC Codes?

• Avoid paying hundreds of dollars for OEM activations.
• Useful when retrofitting HU-CIC from another vehicle.
• Enables full HU functionality for navigation, voice, and apps.
• Save time versus going to dealership.

Still Facing Issues? Let AutoExplain Help You

At AutoExplain, we specialize in BMW diagnostics, FSC activation, coding, and remote programming services. Whether you’re stuck in FSC rejection errors, struggling with map updates, or retrofitting a new HU — we’ve got your back.

🚗 What We Offer:

• Verified VIN-specific FSC packs
• Step-by-step FSC installation support
• 24/7 remote coding sessions
• Free consultation on BMW software compatibility

👉 Contact AutoExplain today to get your navigation, voice control, and BMW Apps working the way they should. We provide professional support — wherever you are.

Conclusion

Importing custom FSC codes into BMW HU-CIC is a smart and cost-effective way to regain lost features or enable new ones after retrofits or programming errors. While the process may seem technical at first, this guide breaks it down into manageable steps that anyone with basic knowledge and the right tools can follow.

For anything more advanced — or if you simply prefer a safe, fast and professional solution — AutoExplain is ready to help.