Adaptive Headlight problem

[14thbmw]

Need some help isolating a problem with my driver's side xenon/adaptive headlight. 05 X5 4.8is

Apparently it doesn't go up/down at initiation. The light by the switch blinks, indicating adaptive failure.

Mechanic says probably the control unit, which is kind of an expensive part. But could be the stepper motor. I didn't get the codes they read.

They suggested dropping the bumper and swapping that component left/right to see if the problem moves.

I'm hoping there is an easier way to diagnose, or maybe someone has already been down this path and has a good idea what failed. Bulbs and igniters are less than a year old on both sides. Nothing else has been replaced, yet.

Thanks!

[Quicksilver]

Just a couple of things to consider. There are a few lighting controls to keep in mind. The Lighting Control Module (LCM) and the Headlight Vertical Aim control module (LWR). I have no time to explain how these control your issues so I suggest you search the site but here's what I have from the Bentley Manual. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ed-coding.html

Post #32 is interesting but do your homework before doing what others have done. My fix was no where near what some have paid because I narrow down what the issues are. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ol-module.html

[14thbmw]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Just a couple of things to consider. There are a few lighting controls to keep in mind. The Lighting Control Module (LCM) and the Headlight Vertical Aim control module (LWR). I have no time to explain how these control your issues so I suggest you search the site but here's what I have from the Bentley Manual. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ed-coding.html

Post #32 is interesting but do your homework before doing what others have done. My fix was no where near what some have paid because I narrow down what the issues are. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ol-module.html

Thanks for the link - that thread didn't come up when I searched, go figure. I think I understand how the parts work, but because of the way they interact I don't know how to determine which one(s) has failed other than trial-and-error replacement, which is an expensive or lengthy (time) process.