High Beam Issue

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

This probably isn't going to be much help, but it sounds an awful lot like a loos connection, given the erratic nature of the issue..

Maybe if you can find the right pin out on the FRM using the WDS (Wiring Diagram System), and 'play with it' while trying to diagnose, the problem may become obvious? Probably a lot easier said than done I realize..

This weekend, I removed the FRM, and used contact enhancer (Stabilant 22,) on all the pins and sockets. This did NOT help my issue.

One thing I have noticed is that having the headlights on for a while is a pre-requisite for the high beams failing to operate.

[740iS]

Though you are not finding anything with your scan tools, if it is not working after the lights have been on for a while and it is both headlights that are not working, I'd guess it is the FRM that is starting to fail. If it were one headlamp, then I'd look at a short. But both sounds system to me.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by 740iS

Though you are finding anything with your scan tools, if it is not working after the lights have been on for a while and it is both headlights that are not working, I'd guess it is the FRM that is starting to fail. If it were one headlamp, then I'd look at a short. But both sounds system to me.

I just received a used FRM from eBay. I'll install it later today. It has exactly the same part number as the existing one, and I'm hoping no programming is needed.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by Skyline

I just received a used FRM from eBay. I'll install it later today. It has exactly the same part number as the existing one, and I'm hoping no programming is needed.

Unfortunately, the FRM is loaded with a specific vehicle order, that is, the specific options for an individual vehicle. It is unlikely that the one you received will be plug and play.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

Unfortunately, the FRM is loaded with a specific vehicle order, that is, the specific options for an individual vehicle. It is unlikely that the one you received will be plug and play.

Actually it worked perfectly, and solved my high beam issues. So is the FRM actually programmed by the technician, or does the programming vary based on the BMW part number/model of the FRM? Based on my experience, it would appear the latter, but maybe I was just lucky. I DID use exactly the same part number FRM, and there seem to be many variants.

[ard]

Im going to say the 2nd option. Not totally bespoke on a 'per car' basis, but every car 'build' will then get an FRM load with whatever it needs. You got lucky that the replacement was compatible. Just based on reading, never coded one.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by Skyline

Actually it worked perfectly, and solved my high beam issues. So is the FRM actually programmed by the technician, or does the programming vary based on the BMW part number/model of the FRM? Based on my experience, it would appear the latter, but maybe I was just lucky. I DID use exactly the same part number FRM, and there seem to be many variants.

An FRM comes with nothing substantial on it. A new FRM provides for basic operation at that point. After physical installation, the vehicle order is loaded to the FRM. Most of the E70 equipment is identical so a used one can work as it did here. I'd be surprised, however, if you find some features or indications that aren't quite right down the road. Unless you got really lucky. I'd be interested to see if there are any diagnostic codes stored at this point.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

An FRM comes with nothing substantial on it. A new FRM provides for basic operation at that point. After physical installation, the vehicle order is loaded to the FRM. Most of the E70 equipment is identical so a used one can work as it did here. I'd be surprised, however, if you find some features or indications that aren't quite right down the road. Unless you got really lucky. I'd be interested to see if there are any diagnostic codes stored at this point.

Well so far no anomalies. However I found out this evening that it did NOT fix my high beam issues. I guess I did not drive long enough to overheat whatever is causing my high beam problem.

Any idea what to look at next?

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by Skyline

Well so far no anomalies. However I found out this evening that it did NOT fix my high beam issues. I guess I did not drive long enough to overheat whatever is causing my high beam problem.

Any idea what to look at next?

No. I haven't looked at the schematics. I'd look for something that ties the two headlights together, starting at the headlights, and work back. Does your X5 have HBA?

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

No. I haven't looked at the schematics. I'd look for something that ties the two headlights together, starting at the headlights, and work back. Does your X5 have HBA?

What's HBA?