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BMW · GUIDE

BMW NCD, KDS, SFA, ISTA and CBB: File Preparation Checklist

Which inputs BMW services require, how a request differs from a response and what to check before submitting again.

Updated: 2026-09-20

Match the input to the service

ServiceInputNot a substitute
NCD 2.0 / 3.0FA XML + SVT XMLVIN, screenshot or an existing NCD
KDSOriginal KDS JSON requestFA/SVT or a KDS response
SFAFull VIN17 for an online orderAn unrelated vehicle file
ISTAOriginal ISTA request; confirm the format in the order routeAn error screenshot
CBBOriginal validation requestNCD, FA or SVT

Request and response are different files

Your tool creates the request before processing. The service returns a response to use in that tool. Uploading a response as input does not repeat the original operation.

Keep separate “Request” and “Result” folders. These are filing examples, not required names.

Before submitting

  • Check that export completed and the file can be read.
  • Identify the vehicle and operation it belongs to.
  • For NCD, provide both XML files. Recheck their relevance after software changes.
  • Keep contents unchanged; renaming a screenshot does not make it XML.
  • Retain a copy of the original input before ordering.

What the site assistant checks

The site assistant offers input checks for FA/SVT, KDS, ISTA and CBB. These checks help identify unsuitable files before ordering. SFA uses a VIN.

A structural file check does not confirm vehicle compatibility, successful application or availability of a feature. Consider the actual task and ECU requirements.

If the result is unclear

First check whether the request completed. For a website order, review account history. For a bot order, check the response to that order.

A lost connection does not automatically mean processing failed. Confirm the outcome before resubmitting.

If the file was delivered but cannot be applied

Keep the original request, returned response, program version and exact import error. Note any vehicle or operation changes after export.

Do not try responses from other vehicles or edit data by guesswork. File preparation and application are separate verification stages.

Frequently asked questions

Does a filename prove the input is correct?

No. The contents and source matter. Renaming a file does not change the request type.

Should I immediately resubmit after losing connection?

No. Check the previous attempt’s outcome first to avoid a duplicate order.