E90 M3

[E90_M3Ross]

bolidemichael said:

What’s the FRM module?

Is KYCS the ‘named and shamed’ firm?

FRM module is the module that controls the lighting for the whole car. He said it was very bizarre that this was the issue because there were literally no fault codes at all. But after ruling out the sensors (including their fitment), the lights, the wiring etc there wasn't much else it could be.

KYCS were the named and shamed company, but they have absolutely gone above and beyond here. Once proved it was not the lights they could have said "not our issue", but they kept saying they'd sort it. I was beginning to get doubtful yesterday, even doubtful ANYONE would sort it, and they really pulled through. Once I get the car back I'll definitely write them a positive review on Google and will think about a gift.

Buying beer is a tricky one as you don't know what people like. I am thinking of just some Amazon vouchers or something, like I did for Micheldever.

[E90_M3Ross]

Willber said:

Fair play. They said they'd sort it, and it appears they've sorted it? The movement in the video doesn't look wildly different to some of the original ones so assume its just a calibration thing? Glad its sorted and you can (hopefully) enjoy it again!

Yes, it looks like they've sorted it. All left to do now is reassemble the front end and then sort alignment out.

No, the movement is much bigger. Compare to this:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZzTCgSyTfRGOGU2Y0...

Basically the lights were sat at their lowest position, so the pre-calibration movement was basically nothing.

Then compare to the later video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zXOnhUh6PWjeXkK5x...

Honestly, I am so happy and relieved.

Me to kycs before it was sorted "WTF do I do if you or the indy can't work it out?"

KYCS: "it's a nice car, sell it to me"

[E90_M3Ross]

Watchthis said:

E90_M3Ross said:

They have already sent me a video of them levelling properly! I can't pick up this weekend but I'll get it next weekend. At least I know it'll be done. I'm so, so happy

I owe kycs a big thanks, they have persisted with this issue despite ruling the lights out a long time ago. I'll have to ask if they have a favourite beer or something, or perhaps some Amazon vouchers. He's been messaging me as late as after 10pm some nights about this issue.

It's not beers you should be expecting to buy, they've diagnosed and repaired a fault on your car. Time to get your wallet out and pay them

Well yes, of course I'll be paying what they bill me but they have gone above and beyond what I expected, being up very late at night etc when they could have just said "sorry, not our problem".

[E90_M3Ross]

Thanks all. I am just so pleased it is finally sorted and I can finally get back to enjoying the car (well, from next weekend!).

[E90_M3Ross]

car user said:

I wouldn't have suspected the FRM either. When they fail, it usually means that your dashboard will light up woth faults and the majority of the external lights will stop working.

I was doubtful of KYCS but they they a good job persevering with that. I'd expect even the dealer would have struggled.

Yep, they really shone here I think. That's what threw them, they said zero faults on the dash, all other lights working fine, no fault codes etc.... Nada. They said they've never experienced it before but having literally excluded everything else they said "next step would be to swap out the FRM and test it, and then get 2 new axle sensors just to prove a point and be 100% sure it's not them" but after doing the FRM is worked.

Once the car is back they'll definitely be getting a good Google review.

Yesterday they said new FRM should be in Tuesday/Wednesday and once done they'll let me know. Hopefully it arrives in time for a Saturday collection as I do really need the car the week after ideally.

Glad this saga can soon be put to bed.

[E90_M3Ross]

I agree it seems a coincidence, however, I know 100% the sensors were replaced, and KYCS sent me a video of another set of lights on my car doing the exact same thing so it definitely wasn't the headlights. They were scratching their heads!

Now.... Just hoping that there is no delay in getting that FRM they said should be Tuesday. Ultimately the car needs to be done Thursday as they aren't open Fridays, and due to train strikes on the Saturday my plan has changed and stopping somewhere Friday night.....

[E90_M3Ross]

bolidemichael said:

So these are brand new faulty FRMs?

No. The FRM is original.

[E90_M3Ross]

So an update, not a horrendous one, but not a great one either.

Spoke to kycs..... FRM has yet to arrive. I called BMW Cotswold Cheltenham who have one on the shelf.... I ordered that which will ship to kycs tomorrow as next day delivery. They can't guarantee it'll be Friday and may be Monday. I can send it back if the one kycs ordered arrives earlier.

So..... If the one they ordered doesn't arrive tomorrow there will be a change of plan. I'll need to call kycs early Saturday morning to confirm the FRM has arrived. It takes 3-4 hours to code into the car so if they start working on it at 10am then I could still collect it Saturday..... But there are train strikes so I'll have to suss out the easiest way to get there.

Could make a movie of despair out of this saga

So it's not 100% sure I can collect this weekend..... But it SHOULD be OK. That means it won't I bet!

[E90_M3Ross]

d_a_n1979 said:

E90_M3Ross said:

So an update, not a horrendous one, but not a great one either.

Spoke to kycs..... FRM has yet to arrive. I called BMW Cotswold Cheltenham who have one on the shelf.... I ordered that which will ship to kycs tomorrow as next day delivery. They can't guarantee it'll be Friday and may be Monday. I can send it back if the one kycs ordered arrives earlier.

So..... If the one they ordered doesn't arrive tomorrow there will be a change of plan. I'll need to call kycs early Saturday morning to confirm the FRM has arrived. It takes 3-4 hours to code into the car so if they start working on it at 10am then I could still collect it Saturday..... But there are train strikes so I'll have to suss out the easiest way to get there.

Could make a movie of despair out of this saga

So it's not 100% sure I can collect this weekend..... But it SHOULD be OK. That means it won't I bet!

How the hell you've not got a bloody ulcer throughout all this is beyond me Ross... Really hope this is all tied up toot-sweet

The issue is I could really, really do with a car next week as I have to travel a few places.

If the unit they ordered doesn't arrive tomorrow it does put me in a spot of bother. If it doesn't, but the one from BMW Cotswold arrives Friday, I can call them Saturday morning and double check I can collect that day. If I can, I can't get the train because the only train suitable is very early. That leaves the expensive option of getting an Uber to my mum's in Wiltshire a little later in the day (will cost about £120 I think) and job done.

If it doesn't arrive Friday and arrives Monday, I could potentially collect after work - I finish at 1:30pm....but no, the trains are still on strike. an Uber to there from here is about £230.

I have already spent perhaps £350 in fuel trying to resolve this issue and this this train strike is just yet another kick in the teeth for this issue. I just REALLY hope the one they ordered will arrive tomorrow, or at least the one from Cotswold arrives Friday so they can crack on early doors Saturday.

edit - I have had a thought - if I can get the tracking information it should tell me whether it gets delivered on Friday. If it does, I will probably chance it and get the train Friday night as planned, but I'll double check with KYCS.

Edited by E90_M3Ross on Wednesday 3rd April 20:11

[E90_M3Ross]

Court_S said:

Good news that you at least know what the problem is.

Do you know which version of the FRM your car has? If I recall, version three is the most temperamental of them. Luckily they’re easy to fit / code having upgraded the one in my wife’s 330i.

Absolutely no idea I'm afraid.

KYCS messaged me and said nobody would be around to sign for the FRM I ordered on Friday, so I have emailed BMW urgently asking for a change of address - I'll get it sent to me so if it arrives Friday I can get to KYCS first thing Saturday morning and I can wait around a few hours whilst they fit and code it.

[E90_M3Ross]

0a said:

The drama continues! At least the end is in sight.

Yes, this issue has really tested my patience to say the least! I just really hope the one they ordered arrives tomorrow though! If it arrives early I can cancel my order with Cotswold so I don't need to pay for shipping fees. We'll see, I'm not hopeful for obvious reasons.

[E90_M3Ross]

So a minor change of plan - it turns out Cotswold BMW are basically on the way (the detour is almost nothing) so I will collect it Saturday on the way up to kycs, providing the unit kycs ordered doesn't arrive today. That way it will ensure I can get the module to kycs for when they open at 10am. It will mean waiting most of the day whilst they code it then align the headlight beam.

What do we think.... Drive up to there, and something else goes wrong/they can't fix it?

[E90_M3Ross]

BenS94 said:

E90_M3Ross said:

So a minor change of plan - it turns out Cotswold BMW are basically on the way (the detour is almost nothing) so I will collect it Saturday on the way up to kycs, providing the unit kycs ordered doesn't arrive today. That way it will ensure I can get the module to kycs for when they open at 10am. It will mean waiting most of the day whilst they code it then align the headlight beam.

What do we think.... Drive up to there, and something else goes wrong/they can't fix it?

It's like a Top Gear Challenge, this!

At our top secret workshop, just outside Birmingham!

Cue the music!

[E90_M3Ross]

Just had a message from kycs saying the FRM has arrived. They're going to try to arrange resources for it and confirm collection time etc this evening.

Something has finally gone my way! Have cancelled the order with Cotswold Cheltenham.

[E90_M3Ross]

DONE! Only thing left is bumper alignment and beam alignment which they'll do Saturday morning. They wanted to keep it until Monday night to perfect the beam height but I said no I need it Saturday, any garage can do that easy enough, and kycs can get it 95% I'm sure.

So collection Saturday

[E90_M3Ross]

d_a_n1979 said:

E90_M3Ross said:

DONE! Only thing left is bumper alignment and beam alignment which they'll do Saturday morning. They wanted to keep it until Monday night to perfect the beam height but I said no I need it Saturday, any garage can do that easy enough, and kycs can get it 95% I'm sure.

So collection Saturday

All ahead... Fast

Sounds like a plans come together Hannibal

Not quite sure I get your reference there?

I am just looking forward to getting the fking thing back now! I hope they can do a half decent job of headlight alignment without darkness, I suspect they should be able to. Either way, they'll be a fk-tonne better than before

[E90_M3Ross]

I'm the ripe old age of 35!

[E90_M3Ross]

In fairness this headlight debacle has aged me another 35 years

[E90_M3Ross]

Court_S said:

Good to hear that it’s resolved and a collection date has been agreed…downside is having to kill time in Birmingham!

There shouldn't be kill-time as I no longer need to get the part from Cotswold. All they need to do is put the bumper on, headlights in properly and then try to align as best they can. I should think that's what..... Under 2 hours? I think we'll plan to get there for about 2:30-3pm so should be done by then.

[E90_M3Ross]

So what do we reckon.... Going to be another hitch today? A final twist in the saga?

Should get there approx 2pm I reckon which gives them plenty of time to fit the bumper and lights, then do the alignment as best as they can.