What have you done to your BMW today?
Discussion
Bad times for the 630i.
On Friday driving home from work in the dark, got caught out on a small flooded country road. Had to drive through, was much deeper than I could see.
Made it through ok, thankfully.
Sat morning I noticed a lot of condensation in both headlights. Took a hairdryer to them both (from the front) and got the condensation out.
This morning on starting the car, left dipped failure - bugger.
Lunch time when driving the car - "adaptive headlight (i.e. that turn as your steer) failure - bugger.
Went back to the car this evening - both sides totally full of condensation again.
On the drive back home - angel eye failure on the right side.
I'm hoping it's the condensation causing a short and a proper drying (i.e. through the back as per Tim on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimmsBMWRepairsandInforma... may sort it, rather than the electrics/modules having been fried. Otherwise, looks like it might be new (second hand) headlight time. Not cheap at all.
On Friday driving home from work in the dark, got caught out on a small flooded country road. Had to drive through, was much deeper than I could see.
Made it through ok, thankfully.
Sat morning I noticed a lot of condensation in both headlights. Took a hairdryer to them both (from the front) and got the condensation out.
This morning on starting the car, left dipped failure - bugger.
Lunch time when driving the car - "adaptive headlight (i.e. that turn as your steer) failure - bugger.
Went back to the car this evening - both sides totally full of condensation again.
On the drive back home - angel eye failure on the right side.
I'm hoping it's the condensation causing a short and a proper drying (i.e. through the back as per Tim on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimmsBMWRepairsandInforma... may sort it, rather than the electrics/modules having been fried. Otherwise, looks like it might be new (second hand) headlight time. Not cheap at all.
Court_S said:
That’s a pisser, but better than a hyrdrolocked engine (attempting to be optimistic), but annoying that both lights appear to be affected.
Yeah...I actually did the route in the morning (to work) and it was ok. No rain that day, so had no reason to believe the road would be buggered.I suspect will be the lighting modules that sit under the headlamps (what a design
) that have got soaked and damaged.Looks as though replaceable for not £££ but a faff to get to as removing the headlights needs bumper removal or at least partial removal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQXEt-roTU
g3org3y said:
Bad times for the 630i.
On Friday driving home from work in the dark, got caught out on a small flooded country road. Had to drive through, was much deeper than I could see.
Made it through ok, thankfully.
Sat morning I noticed a lot of condensation in both headlights. Took a hairdryer to them both (from the front) and got the condensation out.
This morning on starting the car, left dipped failure - bugger.
Lunch time when driving the car - "adaptive headlight (i.e. that turn as your steer) failure - bugger.
Went back to the car this evening - both sides totally full of condensation again.
On the drive back home - angel eye failure on the right side.
I'm hoping it's the condensation causing a short and a proper drying (i.e. through the back as per Tim on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimmsBMWRepairsandInforma... may sort it, rather than the electrics/modules having been fried. Otherwise, looks like it might be new (second hand) headlight time. Not cheap at all.
Some good and (mostly) bad news.On Friday driving home from work in the dark, got caught out on a small flooded country road. Had to drive through, was much deeper than I could see.
Made it through ok, thankfully.
Sat morning I noticed a lot of condensation in both headlights. Took a hairdryer to them both (from the front) and got the condensation out.
This morning on starting the car, left dipped failure - bugger.
Lunch time when driving the car - "adaptive headlight (i.e. that turn as your steer) failure - bugger.
Went back to the car this evening - both sides totally full of condensation again.
On the drive back home - angel eye failure on the right side.
I'm hoping it's the condensation causing a short and a proper drying (i.e. through the back as per Tim on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimmsBMWRepairsandInforma... may sort it, rather than the electrics/modules having been fried. Otherwise, looks like it might be new (second hand) headlight time. Not cheap at all.
Saturday gave the headlights the proper hairdryer treatment - 90mins - no condensation. Replaced the angel eye on the right side - worked!
This morning right headlight remained clear. Left side, a little bit of condensation returning. Replaced the xenon bulb - no fix.
This suggest the issue is a soaked/fried Xenon control module (sits under the headlight) and likely the adaptive headlight module as well (which sits on the side of the headlight).
I've ordered both via Amazon, cross referencing the part numbers on RealOEM. For completeness, also ordered a new igniter. Total cost about £100.
Weather is ruddy freezing at the mo - not sure when I'll have the chance to remove the bumper and then the headlight and do the work. With the condensation out of the right light, it does mean the car is driveable in the dark again. Friday's drive home from work was a combo of fogs and main beam as the condensation was so bad, the light output was basically bugger all!
If I can get it sorted for ~ £100 I'll be happy. Here's hoping.
EDIT to add - my research suggests that the replaced adaptive lighting module will need to be coded to the car. Can anyone confirm? If so, can any BMW specialist do this or is this a dealer only type job?
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 14th January 19:14
Court_S said:
Sounds like potentially good news.
I’m guessing that the module will need coding. There are loads of coding bids out there these days who can sort it via ISTA / INPA.
I’m guessing that the module will need coding. There are loads of coding bids out there these days who can sort it via ISTA / INPA.
Mr Tidy said:
If it does need coding you might be able to find someone who can do it for beer money somewhere like z4forum maybe if you post a request.
Good luck anyway.
Good luck anyway.
How easy is it to get the ISTA/INPA software and do it myself? (I'm assuming this is beyond the capabilities of Carly?)
d_a_n1979 said:
the s
tekites have been out in action this morning 
The what!? tekites have been out in action this morning 
pmorg4 said:
I don't think the AHL modules need coding. They do talk over the CAN bus but I believe all the coding settings are stored in the FRM (or equivalent modules that control the headlights in other cars such as LCM on e6x).
Ah ok, that would be great. Will update the thread.Now need to find the time/motivation to get it sorted!
ucb said:
Gearbox serviced
I hadn't realised how much of a change this would make. Locks up quicker making pulling out of junctions much safer. Kickdown has no discernible pause
All these little things that develop and you simly accept as they are so gradual.
87k miles, F11 530d
8 Speed ZF box?I hadn't realised how much of a change this would make. Locks up quicker making pulling out of junctions much safer. Kickdown has no discernible pause
All these little things that develop and you simly accept as they are so gradual.
87k miles, F11 530d
I really need to get the ZF 6HP on the 6 done. Another thing to add to 'the list.
g3org3y said:
Christmas fun and games
Drove the X5 to see sister for Christmas - approx 90 mins journey, mainly A12/M25. On arrival literally pulling up looked like a lot of white smoke. My first thought was maybe valve stem seals. Looked under the bonnet see that it in fact this was a coolant situation. There was spray everywhere.
Looked like it was pissing out the bottom of the expansion tank. Not ideal, but could have been a lot worse if it had happened en route on the A12 or M25. Didn't seem to overheat either (luckily). Left it overnight as nothing to be done on Christmas Day.
This morning filled it up with water (I think it took >3 litres) and could see that it was actively dripping out the bottom of the tank (probably cracked etc).
My parents live a mile away so (after some advice) decided to take the risk and drive it the 5 mins to parents and it'll be 'dealt with' in the new year. Topped up to max with water and made it with no issues.
In the meantime, looks like I'll be back in the Shedtastic 330Ci which I gave to my dad.
Manual box and no heated seats.
Moral of the story: always have accessible back up BMWs.
X5 is now sorted - expansion tank was indeed cracked at the bottom. Have to do a mission to go swap it with the E46.Drove the X5 to see sister for Christmas - approx 90 mins journey, mainly A12/M25. On arrival literally pulling up looked like a lot of white smoke. My first thought was maybe valve stem seals. Looked under the bonnet see that it in fact this was a coolant situation. There was spray everywhere.
Looked like it was pissing out the bottom of the expansion tank. Not ideal, but could have been a lot worse if it had happened en route on the A12 or M25. Didn't seem to overheat either (luckily). Left it overnight as nothing to be done on Christmas Day.
This morning filled it up with water (I think it took >3 litres) and could see that it was actively dripping out the bottom of the tank (probably cracked etc).
My parents live a mile away so (after some advice) decided to take the risk and drive it the 5 mins to parents and it'll be 'dealt with' in the new year. Topped up to max with water and made it with no issues.
In the meantime, looks like I'll be back in the Shedtastic 330Ci which I gave to my dad.
Manual box and no heated seats.
Moral of the story: always have accessible back up BMWs.
In the meantime, have ordered some service bits for the E46. Could do with an oil change in the meantime - last done at 158k, now 166k. However that last change was done in 2020! My dad's excuse: "Covid/lockdown/I don't really drive it".
Tackled the headlights on the 6 today. You may remember, I got a dipped beam warning and adaptive headlight warning on the NS headlight after a bit of floody driving. My belief was water damage to the xenon module (which sits under the headlight) as well adaptive headlight module (which sits on the lateral aspect). Unfortunately to remove the headlight, you need to remove the bumper (partially at least).
Got off to a bad start with one of the bolts that hold the bumper to the arch
Eventually got the headlight out.
Fiddly job, need long extensions (and luck) in order to get to the torx bolts holding the headlight in situ.
Both modules wet, the xenon module especially.
Headlight itself was still wet with some water at the bottom. Got it all out and hairdryered the hell out of it.
Modules replaced and first headlight test
Headlight back in situ and the bumper all refitted.
When stationary with the lights on, put the steering on full lock each side a couple of times - no adaptive headlight warning. But not sure if it'll trigger during actual driving. I'm still not 100% whether the replacement module needs coding.
Regardless, £60 (£30 for each module) much better than >£1000 for a new headlight. Fiddly/faffy job though that took longer than expected.
Got off to a bad start with one of the bolts that hold the bumper to the arch
Eventually got the headlight out.
Fiddly job, need long extensions (and luck) in order to get to the torx bolts holding the headlight in situ.
Both modules wet, the xenon module especially.
Headlight itself was still wet with some water at the bottom. Got it all out and hairdryered the hell out of it.
Modules replaced and first headlight test
Headlight back in situ and the bumper all refitted.
When stationary with the lights on, put the steering on full lock each side a couple of times - no adaptive headlight warning. But not sure if it'll trigger during actual driving. I'm still not 100% whether the replacement module needs coding.
Regardless, £60 (£30 for each module) much better than >£1000 for a new headlight. Fiddly/faffy job though that took longer than expected.
MightyBadger said:
Went and got some new headlight bulbs. Ordered some new wipers from Autodoc (£30) as the ones on the shelf at BMW we’re too expensive (£130).
Speaking of wipers, anyone had any issues with retrofit Bosch Aerotwins that 'lift' in the centre? Bought a set for the E46 and every so often the middle are where the arm raises off the screen missing a decent patch! Had to get out the car on a few occasions to push them down! (Never had this issue with retrofits on the E36). Maybe I need to replace the spring in the wiper arm so it pushes down with more force?Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 27th January 19:41
Collectingbrass said:
g3org3y said:
Tackled the headlights on the 6 today.
Too late now probably, but only buy OEM Xenon control modules. I replaced mine with the after market ones and became rather too familar with the process to remove the headlight as a result of their short lifespan. Paying the slightly extra for OEM was worth it. 
pmorg4 said:
Good job. I’m sure it’ll all be fine, presumably you saw the headlights moving left to right as you turned the steering wheel? If there was a problem talking to the module it would have given an error straight away, and I’m pretty sure all the coding is in the light module which then tells the adaptive headlight module what to do in response to steering angle, speed input etc.
We'll see tomorrow.Oil change on the E46 today (and airfilter and the super easy pollen filter).
And yes before anyone asks, the oil wasn't 10w40, I just use that container to decant from the 20l containers of this:
Cunningly labelled in case I forget.
As an aside, have Bosch parts really gone down in quality? The opening running through the centre of the filter was very tight - to the extent I stopped and came in to recheck all the part numbers. Normally I buy MANN, but not this time. Also only came with the gasket for the filter cap (and crush washer) but not the 2 little green ones. (Made in Spain iirc)
And yes before anyone asks, the oil wasn't 10w40, I just use that container to decant from the 20l containers of this:
Cunningly labelled in case I forget.
As an aside, have Bosch parts really gone down in quality? The opening running through the centre of the filter was very tight - to the extent I stopped and came in to recheck all the part numbers. Normally I buy MANN, but not this time.
Also only came with the gasket for the filter cap (and crush washer) but not the 2 little green ones. (Made in Spain iirc)E63eeeeee... said:
g3org3y said:
MightyBadger said:
Went and got some new headlight bulbs. Ordered some new wipers from Autodoc (£30) as the ones on the shelf at BMW we’re too expensive (£130).
Speaking of wipers, anyone had any issues with retrofit Bosch Aerotwins that 'lift' in the centre? Bought a set for the E46 and every so often the middle are where the arm raises off the screen missing a decent patch! Had to get out the car on a few occasions to push them down! (Never had this issue with retrofits on the E36). Maybe I need to replace the spring in the wiper arm so it pushes down with more force?Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 27th January 19:41
g3org3y said:
pmorg4 said:
Good job. I’m sure it’ll all be fine, presumably you saw the headlights moving left to right as you turned the steering wheel? If there was a problem talking to the module it would have given an error straight away, and I’m pretty sure all the coding is in the light module which then tells the adaptive headlight module what to do in response to steering angle, speed input etc.
We'll see tomorrow.
However, looks like my refit of the headlight could have been better.
I thought I'd been careful not to mess up the adjustment fitting (holding it with a spanner while unscrewing), but seemingly not successful!
Will adjust the height manually when I get the chance.
Fingers crossed no more issues.
d_a_n1979 said:
Court_S said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Both looking superb Sam...
Come do mine will you please; it's sitting there looking very sorry for itself absolutely filthy haha
Bit of a mission to yours bud! Come do mine will you please; it's sitting there looking very sorry for itself absolutely filthy haha
You’ll be back out there before you know it.
Not this week; torrential rain every day! Typical...
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