All models
Installation

MLink Installation Guide

BMW F40 · G20 · G21 · G22 · G23 · G26 · G29 · G42 Estimated time: 30–60 minutes
Airbag System
This installation requires removal of the steering wheel airbag. Always disconnect the vehicle battery and wait at least 2 minutes before touching any airbag components.

Recommended: Disconnecting the battery is the BMW-approved procedure for any airbag work. If you choose to proceed with the battery connected, the airbag system may log fault codes — which typically clear themselves, but if they persist, use ISTA or a compatible OBD tool to clear them.

What's in the Box

• (A) M1 M2 buttons
• (B) Steering wheel cover
• (C) MLink controller
• (D) Wiring harness
• (E) 3-pin connector housing

MLink kit contents: (A) M1/M2 buttons, (B) steering wheel cover, (C) controller, (D) wiring harness, (E) 3-pin connector housing

Required Tools

• 10 mm socket
• 13 mm socket (hybrid models only)
• T20 Torx screwdriver
• T27 Torx screwdriver (or thin flathead)
• Plastic pry tool (or flat-head screwdriver)
• Pin removal tool (or thin screwdriver / toothpick / paper clip)

1

Disconnecting the battery

Battery location and disconnection vary by chassis and model — check your vehicle's owner's manual (or a quick search for your exact model) for the correct location. To verify all batteries are disconnected, check that all displays and infotainment are completely dark. Steps 1.1 and 1.2 below are demonstrated on a G20, but the procedure is the same across most models.

1.1

All models

1.1a

Open the boot and locate the battery.

1.1b

Using a 10 mm socket, loosen and disconnect the negative (−) terminal (1).

After disconnecting, wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding.
PHEV models (e.g. 330e) have a second 12V battery in the boot — disconnect it using the same 10 mm socket before proceeding.
1.2

MHEV models — additional step

If you have a mild hybrid model (48V MHEV), it has a second battery located in the front of the vehicle — you must disconnect it as well before proceeding.

1.2a

Open the bonnet and locate the second battery in the engine bay.

1.2b

Using a 13 mm socket, loosen and disconnect the negative (−) terminal.

2

Buttons installation
2.1

Remove the airbag

2.1a

Insert a T27 screwdriver — or a thin flathead — (1) into the bore hole (2) on the rear of the wheel (right side). If the hole is not visible, locate a small indentation in the leather cover and push through it. Once you feel spring resistance, press straight inward to unlock the spring clip.

This image shows the view with the airbag unit removed for clarity — the spring clip (2) and the direction to press are more visible this way.
2.1b

Repeat on the other side.

2.1c

Disconnect the plug connector (1) and remove the airbag (2).

2.2

Remove shift paddles (if equipped)

2.2a

Release and disconnect the plug connector (1) from its bracket.

2.2b

Remove the screw (1).

2.2c

Slide the paddle (1) out together with the cable and remove from steering wheel (2).

If you aren't replacing the paddles, they can remain inside the steering wheel if moved aside.
2.2d

Repeat on the right side.

2.3

Remove the decorative trim

2.3a

Remove the two T20 screws (1) on the rear of the steering wheel — one per shift paddle, left and right (accessible after removing the shift paddles).

2.3b

Gently pull the trim (1) outward with a wiggling motion to release the latches (2,3).

2.3c

Disconnect the side plug connector (1).

2.3d

(Heated steering wheel only) Loosen and disconnect the heating plug (1) from its holder and remove the decorative trim (2).

2.4

Remove the cover

2.4

Remove the cover screws (1) and pull the cover (2) up and off.

2.5

Install MLink buttons

2.5a

Fit the new cover into place.

2.5b

Install the buttons and secure them using the original screws removed in step 2.4.

2.5c

Connect the button harness 3-pin connector in-line with the side plug connector (1) from step 2.3c.

2.6

Reassemble

2.6a

(Heated steering wheel only) Reconnect the heating plug (1) to its holder and seat the decorative trim (2).

2.6b

Press the decorative trim (1) back onto the latch mechanisms (2,3).

2.6c

Reconnect the trim's side plug connector (1) to the button harness.

2.6d

Refit the two rear T20 screws (1) — one per shift paddle, left and right.

2.6e

(If equipped) Slide each shift paddle (1) back in with the cable onto the steering wheel (2).

2.6f

Tighten the screw (1).

2.6g

Reconnect and slide the plug connector (1) to its bracket.

2.6h

Repeat on the other side.

2.6i

Route the wiring harness to the side — it must not cross the airbag seating area or interfere with any moving parts.

2.6j

Reconnect the airbag plug connector (1).

2.6k

Press the airbag (1) with even pressure in the direction of the arrow until it engages audibly.

If the airbag does not sit flush, refer to the Troubleshooting section at the end of this guide.
Do not reconnect the battery yet — complete section 3 first.
3

Controller installation
3.1

Remove the center console trim

3.1a

Lever the armrest storage compartment trim (1) backwards out of the clamps using a pry tool and remove it.

3.1b

Pull the centre console trim (1) upward to release it from the latch mechanisms.

If you don't have a plastic pry tool, a flathead screwdriver wrapped in cloth can be used — the cloth prevents scratching the trim.
3.2

Remove the gear selector module

3.2a

Remove the four T20 screws (1).

3.2b

Lift the module (1) and disconnect both connectors — the 4-pin (2) and the 18-pin (3).

3.2c

Remove the gear selector module and set it aside.

3.3

Connect the MLink harness

The harness connects inline with the purple 4-pin connector and requires a pin swap on the 18-pin connector. This change is fully reversible; the pin is simply transferred from one housing to another and the vehicle can be restored to its original state at any time.
3.3a

Connect the harness to the MLink controller module via the 6-pin connector.

3.3b

Plug the harness in-line with the 4-pin connector — match each end to its label: "Purple plug" (1) to the car-side connector, "Gear selector" (2) to the module.

3.3c

Remove the cover (1) from the 18-pin connector (2).

3.3d

Using a pin removal tool (2) — or a toothpick / thin screwdriver — release and unpin pin 12 (1) from the OEM 18-pin connector.

3.3e

Insert the unpinned pin (1) into the centre slot (2) of the 3-pin connector housing (E) from your kit.

3.3f

Connect the assembled 3-pin connector (1) to the matching connector on the MLink harness (2).

3.3g

Insert the remaining pin (1) from the MLink harness into slot 12 (2) of the OEM 18-pin connector until it clicks.

3.4

Reassemble

3.4a

Carefully tuck all harness wires into the available space in the centre console — nothing should be pinched or crossing any moving parts.

3.4b

Refit the cover onto the 18-pin connector, then use the connector lever to push it into the gear selector module until it clicks.

3.4c

Plug the remaining 4-pin connector (1) into the gear selector module.

3.4d

Lower the gear selector module back into position and tighten the four screws (1).

3.4e

Press the centre console trim (1) back down onto the latch mechanisms.

3.4f

Fit the armrest storage compartment trim back into the clamps.

4

Reconnecting the battery
4.1

MHEV models — additional step

4.1

Reconnect the negative (−) terminal of the front battery in the engine bay.

4.2

All models

4.2

Reconnect the negative (−) terminal of the boot battery.

If you have a PHEV model (e.g. 330e), reconnect the second 12V battery in the boot as well.
5

Configuring button profiles
Default profiles out of the box:

M1 — Sport · DSC ON
M2 — Sport Plus · DSC DTC
M1 + M2 — Comfort · DSC ON
DSC mode changes only take effect when the engine is running.
5.1

Download the MLink Setup app

Download for iOS on the App Store QR code for Download for iOS on the App Store
Download for Android on Google Play QR code for Download for Android on Google Play
5.2

Enter configuration mode

Press and hold both M1 and M2 buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds.

Once activated, you have 30 seconds to connect via the app — if no connection is made within that window, the controller automatically resumes normal operation and you will need to repeat this step.

Enter configuration mode
5.3

Connect and configure

Open the MLink app, navigate to the Connect tab, and tap Search. Select your MLink controller from the list. Then navigate to the Profiles tab, set the desired drive mode and DSC mode for each profile, and tap Apply changes.

Important: Only configure modes your vehicle supports. If a selected mode is unavailable, the car may land in a different mode than expected.
Once connected, you have 180 seconds to configure and sync before the controller times out and resumes normal operation.

Troubleshooting

Airbag does not sit flush after reinstallation

The airbag clips onto three spring-loaded pins inside the steering wheel hub. If it appears uneven or raised on one side, the pins have likely shifted slightly during reassembly.

Fix:
1. Remove the airbag again (repeat step 2.1).
2. Locate the T20 bolts that hold the spring mechanisms for each pin.
3. Adjust by no more than a quarter turn at a time and recheck seating after each adjustment.
4. Reinstall the airbag and check for even seating.

Airbag does not sit flush after reinstallation

Buttons do not respond

Verify all connectors are fully seated and repeat the relevant sections if needed.