FRM3 Footwell Module Repair for BMW and Mini

If your BMW or Mini is playing pranks on you it's probably the FRM3 Footwell Module. UpFix it.

If your BMW or Mini's electronics are playing pranks on you, the cause is most likely a faulty FRM3 Footwell Module. Despite its weird name, FRM3 Footwell Modules control many important safety and convenience functions including lights, mirrors, central locking, power windows, and more. It's so important the NHTSA mandated a warranty extension back in the day. When your FRM3 fails, all sorts of spooky things can start happening. If your headlights won't turn off or your windows open but will not close, your car's FRM3 may be faulty. If your outside mirrors, turn signals or door locks freak out, the FRM3 is probably at fault. It's as though BMW engineered a poltergeist into your car's electricals.

   Poltergeists - which is a German word that translates to "Knocking Ghost" - are known to enjoy a good prank. However, it's not funny to you when your head and taillights refuse to turn off and your battery drains. Or your door locks don’t lock. In the case of BMWs and Minis, the culprit is not a ghost, it’s your FRM3, the Footwell Module. Who you gonna call? UpFix.

Removing your BMW-Mini Footwell Module – FRM3 is easy!

   The fix is easy! You don’t need to chase down wires, or do any complicated sleuthing to determine which component isn’t working. ...and don't pay an expensive labor bill. Simply remove the FRM3 Footwell Module, send it to Upfix, then reinstall your refurbished FRM3. Ghost be gone! BMW FRM3 module repair can be involved, but UpFix has serviced thousands of units with great success including BMW FRM module fix for both early and LCI FRM3 modules for E90 and E92 cars.

Accessing your car's FRM3

Removing your car's BMW-Mini FRM3 Module is easy. All you need is a small flathead screwdriver and a 10mm socket with a ratchet. First, pop the trunk and disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket. The FRM3 is located in the driver’s side footwell behind the kick panel. Remove the door rubber molding by simply pulling it away from the pinch weld. The plastic rocker panel trim is removed by gently pushing it toward the seat. You will also need to remove the under-dash panel. Once you gain access to the FRM3, use a small flathead screwdriver to push in the locking arm clip on the front wiring connection facing you. Gently swing the clip away, releasing that front connector. The video above shows the entire process.

Footwell Module removal

Remove the 10mm bolts that secure the module to the vehicle. Remove the Module so that you can locate the two plugs on the back. As with the first wiring clip, use a flathead screwdriver to depress the locking clips for both connectors, and swing the clip arms down until you hear it click to release. Once your FRM3 is out of the vehicle, be sure to carefully package your BMW-Mini FRM3 Module before shipping it to Upfix for service.

Super easy online order process with DropNGo shipping label

Our online order process makes your life easy by providing you with a shipping label that you can print and attach to the box. That way you never need to wait on a checkout line at the drop-off location. Just drop and go. Once we receive your FRM3 module, our technicians will inspect and diagnose the unit before refurbishing it and returning it back to you.

‘FRM’ = ‘Footwell Module’?

With regards to the BMW frm3 module, what about the abbreviation "FRM3" correlates to the words "Foot Well Module"? That question has an easy answer. The German translation for the footwell module is Foos (foot) Raum (room, space, or area) Modul (module). Get the ghost out of your ‘Foot Room’ today with UpFix.

What about my Mini FRM3 Module?

A lot of people ask "What is Mini FRM3 module?" Since the Mini brand is owned and engineered entirely by BMW, the Mini FRM3 module removal and repair process is very similar. As you might imagine, the same error codes apply to both BMW and Mini: 9CBB 9CBC. We made a video for you die-hard Mini enthusiasts as well.

The FRM3 receives signals from the following sources:

• Brake light switch
• Vehicle height sensors
• Reversing light switch
• Hazard warning flasher switch
• Door contacts
• Driver’s door switch block

BMW and Mini FRM3 footwell modules control the following functions:

• Central locking system
• Headlights including adaptive headlight stepper motors
• Taillights
• Exterior mirror adjusters
• Power window regulator motors
• Fog lights
• License plate light
• CHMSL Center high-mount stop lamp function
• Auxiliary turn indicator lights
• Front courtesy lights
• Rear courtesy lights
• Belt feeder controllers (only on E92)

LINKS

UpFix BMW and Mini FRM3 Footwell Modules
UpFix All Body Control Modules
BMW Factory DTC Codes
NHTSA.gov FRM3 Recall Notice PDF