Retrofit LED headlights?

[Chris F.]

Thanks guys! Just an update on programming (not coding, programming).

I forgot that the authentic BMW dealership software most likely uses the VIN and checks it against a database of option codes the VIN has - so bringing the vehicle to the dealer to program the FRM is probably not going to work. I remember a guy with a 550i wanted to add ceramic controls to his car - he spent a LOT to do it - but ultimately the dealership system would NOT code his car because he didn't have the ceramic controls option code from the get go. Stupid, but it is what it is.

Sooooo I am off to find a Autologic system that will program without any BMW NA bullshit. Again, if your FRM3 is built after 10/10, you can have it programmed, otherwise you need to buy a new one and have it coded to your car. (You can also buy a new FRM3 and have it coded, depends upon how thrifty you are feeling haha).

Chris

[Gixxerboy63]

Yes, I was sure to disconnect the battery.
I'm hoping that programming will solve the issues.

[Gixxerboy63]

Damn... that is not what I wanted to hear!
Now, I will not be able do anything about this til until Monday, but worry...

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by Gixxerboy63

Damn... that is not what I wanted to hear!
Now, I will not be able do anything about this til until Monday, but worry...

Where did you source your headlights from. Was it 'importsource' on eBay?

Chris

[Gixxerboy63]

Yes it was. Why?

[Chris F.]

That's the same place I got mine...so I will be very curious to see if your lights are good and working 100%.

They had 5 or 6 pairs, I have no idea where they came from, but they are close to the Spartanburg factory so I am wondering if they got factory seconds or something.

Keep me posted. I will PM you my cell #...

Chris

[Chris F.]

OK folks, I don't mean to rain on this LED parade...BUT!

I just took the X6 out for a test drive with the coding - at least the low beams work, so I can sufficiently test them.

I am not impressed with the 'throw' of these LED lights.

Tony, Jeff, Gixxer, and others who will have these successfully installed - adjust the height of the throw on the lights themselves, they are aimed VERY low from the factory. There are two knobs on top of the casings for horizontal and vertical throw.

First, these lights are CONSTANTLY moving around at night -the slightest jerk of the wheel to the left and the right beam is doing its thing - it's actually quite neat, but with the beam so narrowly focused its a bit annoying.

As much as I hate to say it, I don't think this technology is 100% there yet. Once we get a powerful enough LED bulb that would allow the throw of light to be evenly distributed (much like a Xenon bulb), I will feel more comfortable with the technology. But to me this is a fancy toy.

I know I probably sound like I am being pretty harsh, but I expected a lot more from these lights than I just saw with my own eyes. Maybe if they were raised up a bit it would help - but given my high beam issues, I have to draw the line, chalk it up to a learning experience, be thankful it wasn't even more $$$, and walk away from the project and go back to Xenons.

OK, I'm done being a party pooper!

Your headlight snob,

Chris

P.S. You might ask if I would keep these lights if they worked. I probably would - I would not want to go through the hassle of swapping everything back, but given my issues and my higher expectations its time to throw in the towel.

[Gixxerboy63]

Sorry to hear this... everyone else says that LEDs are awesome, but I have never driven a vehicle at night with them. I'll be the first to admit that the xenons are really nice and I was a little reluctant to give them up. I still think the projector style looks better.... its almost like the reflectors behind the LED emittors look more like conventional halogen reflectors, but with leveling motors that move them, however I really wanted the cool new LED halos with the flat bottoms and the narrowed scowling look of the LCI headlights....

Chris, let me get mine figured out and hopefully I will be able to shine more light on this subject.
(No pun intended)
Hopefully, we will get this all sorted out together.

We'll see..

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by Gixxerboy63

Chris, let me get mine figured out and hopefully I will be able to shine more light on this subject.
(No pun intended)
Hopefully, we will get this all sorted out together.

We'll see..

I agree the headlights are definitely an eye catcher. They are VERY well designed, and I have no doubt BMW put a lot of engineering into them (that $2k factory option cost is there for a reason). I am just disappointed in the output of the beams. The pattern is just very 'blotchy' and not even like a Xenon output.

OK I am going to shut-up, because my ranting isn't helping the bottom line here. I am hoping, fingers crossed, you are good to go on Monday.

Chris

[Gixxerboy63]

I thought they were supposed to have a crisp cutoff... even more so than Xenon. On the shop wall with Xenons on the right and LED on the left, there was a noticable difference. Yours must be an aiming issue. Mine were opposite of yours: Mine were projecting nearly 8 feet high up on the wall! I though someone had either dropped them or something else was wrong with them, but I was finally able to adjust them to where the beam cutoffs were even with the xenons..