BMW SA Option Codes Explained

BMW SA codes (from Sonderausstattung, German for optional equipment) are three-character factory option codes: 337 is the M Sport package, 688 Harman Kardon audio, 610 head-up display, ZPP the US Premium Package. Production data often writes them as S337A. The codes aren't in the VIN — they live in the car's build record.

By CarWhere Research · Updated

How the code format works

BMW SA option code formats with examples and what each means
You seeFormatMeaning
337Three characters (digits and/or letters)The option itself — here, the M Sport package.
S337AS + code + AThe same option in the long form used on BMW production and order data.
ZPPZ + two charactersA US-market package bundle — here, the Premium Package.
6U3Digit-letter-digitNewer option codes mix letters and digits — 6U3 is Live Cockpit Pro (incl. head-up display) on a 2026 X5.

A full BMW order also carries the paint and upholstery codes and the model type code — the type code is what the VIN's positions 4–7 point to. Options and packages are the SA list.

The most-checked BMW option codes

From the CarWhere BMW option code reference (52 codes and growing). “Applies to” is the generation family the reference documents the code on.

Commonly checked BMW SA option codes with option name, category and generation family
CodeOptionCategoryApplies to
337M Sport packagePerformanceE/F/G-generation models
ZCPCompetition PackagePerformanceM3/M4 and other M cars (US)
ZPPPremium PackageConvenienceUS-market models
ZTPTechnology PackageConvenienceUS-market models
2TBSport automatic transmissionTransmissionF/G-generation models
2VAAdaptive M suspensionSuspension & ChassisF/G-generation models
704M Sports suspensionSuspension & ChassisE/F/G-generation models
760High-gloss Shadowline trimExteriorE/F/G-generation models
403Glass roof, electric (panorama)ExteriorE/F/G-generation models
552Adaptive LED headlightsLightingF/G-generation models
481Sports seatsSeatsE/F/G-generation models
453Active seat ventilation, frontSeatsF/G-generation models
710M leather steering wheelInteriorE/F/G-generation models
610Head-up displayAudio & CommunicationE/F/G-generation models
688Harman Kardon surround soundAudio & CommunicationE/F/G-generation models
3AGReversing cameraSafety & SecurityE/F/G-generation models
5ATDriving AssistantSafety & SecurityF/G-generation models
322Comfort Access (keyless entry)ConvenienceE/F/G-generation models

Reading codes on a real build record

An excerpt of the factory options for a 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i from CarWhere build data. Notice the mix: a package code (ZPP), an assistance bundle (ZPK), and individual options (688, 1CR). Read the name next to each code — and read package codes as a bundle whose contents depend on the model year.

Example option codes from a 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i build record
CodeOption
ZPPPremium Package
ZPKParking Assistance Package
6U3Live Cockpit Pro (incl. head-up display)
688Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
1CRRemote Engine Start
ZX7Park Distance Control
328Aluminum Running Boards

Where to find a car's SA codes

The VIN doesn't contain them, and the door-jamb label doesn't list them. The usual sources are a BMW dealer lookup by VIN, the original window sticker (which lists options by name and price), the My BMW app for owners, or a VIN build sheet. All six routes, with cost and time, are in how to find BMW options by VIN.

See the option codes for one specific BMW

Enter the VIN on the BMW build sheet page. The availability check is free; the build sheet is $9.99 only if detailed build data exists, and lists installed options and packages when the build data includes them.

BMW build sheet by VIN

Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription

FAQ

What is a BMW SA code?

SA stands for Sonderausstattung, German for special (optional) equipment. An SA code is BMW’s factory code for one option or package — for example 337 is the M Sport package and 688 is the Harman Kardon sound system. A car’s list of SA codes is its factory equipment record.

What does S337A mean?

It is the M Sport package code 337 written in the long form often seen on BMW production and order data: an S prefix, the three-character code, and an A suffix. S337A and 337 refer to the same option.

Why do some BMW option codes start with Z?

Many US-market package codes begin with Z — for example ZPP (Premium Package), ZTP (Technology Package), ZCP (Competition Package on M cars) and ZPK (Parking Assistance Package). A package code stands for a bundle; the record usually also lists the individual options inside it.

Can I decode BMW SA codes from the VIN?

Not from the 17 characters themselves — the VIN encodes model type, year, plant and serial. The SA codes are stored in BMW’s production record for that VIN, which a dealer can look up and which CarWhere’s BMW build sheet retrieves when the build data includes installed options.

Do SA codes mean the same thing on every BMW?

Mostly, but not always: codes are reused across generations and some apply only to certain model lines or years. Read a code in the context of the car’s generation (E, F or G chassis) and check the option name on the record, not just the number.

Sources

Option codes are BMW’s published order designations. Coverage in the CarWhere reference is most-searched first and expanding; the authoritative per-car list is the build record for that VIN.

Related BMW resources

Build sheet by model

BMW guides