BMW Automatic Steering Wheel Heating Coding Guide (G20)
Having to press the steering wheel heating button every time in cold weather is tiresome. With a simple coding on the BMW G20, the steering wheel heating can be set to activate **automatically** together with the seat heating. We'll show you step-by-step how to do this with OBDThink.
— Tekin Code
How to Code BMW Automatic Steering Wheel Heating? (G20)
Having to press the steering wheel heating button every time in cold weather is tiresome. With a simple coding on the BMW G20, the steering wheel heating can be set to activate **automatically** together with the seat heating. We'll show you step-by-step how to do this with OBDThink.
What Does This Feature Do?
When the vehicle is started cold, the steering wheel heating activates automatically (typically synchronized with automatic seat heating). You can still manually turn it on or off whenever you like, but the default behavior becomes "automatic."
Requirements
• OBDThink app
• OBD adapter or ENET cable
• BMW G20 / G21 with steering wheel heating hardware
Step-by-Step Coding
The procedure consists of two parts: first enabling the iDrive option, then activating the function.
1. Enable the Option in iDrive (Head Unit – HU_MGU)
• Find the AKT_Auto_Lenkradheizung parameter under 3000 HMI SPEECH. Set the value to **aktiv** and code.
2. Activate the Function (BDC – Body Control)
• Set the LHZ_CCM_IKF parameter under 3142 PfLinLRE to **aktiv**.
• Set the IKF_ENABLE parameter under 3450 Others 1 to **ikf_alle_sitze** and Code.
Verification
Turn the ignition off and back on. You'll see the automatic steering wheel heating option appear in the heating settings through iDrive, and it will activate automatically on cold starts.
Common Issues
Automatic not working: Only the iDrive option may have been enabled but the BDC function (LHZ_CCM_IKF / IKF_ENABLE) not activated. Complete both steps.
Reset after software update: Users report that the feature gets disabled after updates and comes back after re-coding.
Warnings
If your vehicle does not have steering wheel heating hardware, coding will have no effect. All procedures are at your own responsibility.
Conclusion
This simple coding eliminates the hassle of pressing the button every time during winter months. You can make it permanent in two steps with OBDThink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this coding add heating if I don't have the hardware?
No. Coding only changes the behavior of existing hardware; it won't work without the physical heater.
Will I lose manual control?
No, you can still manually turn it on or off whenever you like.