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  #21  
Old 08-26-2012, 09:52 AM
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No I didn't get it programmed. I was under the impression that programming wasn't necessary for the lights to work. The trailer is only a small utility trailer with incandescent lights not LED. Also the turn signals work, but brake lights don't and the running lights stay on even if the lights on the x5 are off. I went over the wiring about 5x and it's definitely right. I'm just wondering if it could be the trailer light module that's faulty or maybe programming is indeed necessary.

Last edited by aw x5d; 08-26-2012 at 10:07 AM.
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  #22  
Old 08-26-2012, 10:37 AM
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^^ You need to get it programmed for everything to work correctly. The trailer module is installed, but the car doesn't know that. You need to add the retrofit code for the trailer module to the vehicle order.
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  #23  
Old 08-26-2012, 11:08 AM
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alright I'll get it programmed asap. Thanks for the help.
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  #24  
Old 06-19-2015, 08:06 PM
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I know this is an old thread, but I figured better to revive this one than start a new discussion...

I installed the OEM hitch and wiring harness on my 2010 X5d yesterday. All of the trailer lights (which are LED) work just fine, including the blinkers. The brake lights, however, do not work. Have others who experienced this determined that coding is indeed the issue? I was under the impression that the coding would get me a few PDC and rear-view camera features, but not necessary for brake light operation.

Thanks
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  #25  
Old 06-19-2015, 08:45 PM
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i had hitch installed a month ago and have led tails on my boat trailer - work fine in a functions - you need the wiring coded to the car however....that is your issue - have your dealer code it....
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  #26  
Old 06-19-2015, 11:43 PM
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well nice to know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by watrob View Post
You cannot use trailers that have led lights on them, that is all the problem is!
Guess I should be happy I have a older trailer with non-leds.
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  #27  
Old 06-20-2015, 02:52 AM
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There are two different issues being conflated in the posts above.

If the lights don't work on a new hitch and electrical install, whether brake lights or turn signals, the vehicle likely needs coding. Proof is often that the rear PDC doesn't deactivate when a trailer is connected, or that the rear view camera doesn't work in trailer mode for those vehicles that support that function. The vehicle isn't recognizing that the trailer wiring module has been installed, and so it isn't functioning correctly. Think of it as a plug and play CD newly installed in an older PC, which should be recognized on boot up but isn't. The solution is to code the vehicle to specifically know that the trailer module is installed.

A second issue is with LED trailer lights. Fast flashing, or continuous flashing when parked, can be a problem with the vehicle not recognizing the low current draw of LED trailer lights. There wasn't an OE fix until BMW came out with an update (referred to above) that recognizes LED lights. The easier fix is to buy the special LED light adaptor plug (round to 4 pin flat) that includes resistors to make the LED lights draw the same current as regular lights. VW sells it, as does U-Haul. Don't know if BMW has one, but haven't seen it. Not required if you have the BMW update for LED lights, or if your LED lights draw enough current to appear as incandescent lights.
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  #28  
Old 06-20-2015, 06:01 AM
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Thanks JCL - that makes sense, but I hadn't seen it described that way in the research I had done...I didn't realize coding was require just for basic operation of the trailer. I'll have it coded this week and report back
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  #29  
Old 06-27-2015, 04:23 PM
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Coding did the trick - everything works just fine now. Looking forward to my first big tow this upcoming week!
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  #30  
Old 08-14-2015, 04:43 PM
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Same issue

I am having the issue described a couple of posts above - PDC doesn't deactivate, brake lights don't work on the trailer but all of the other lights and signals do. They are LED lights, but I tried with incandescent and the same result.
I am able to do coding (or will be soon, the laptop is set up and the cable works). But when I use NCSExpert, there is no AHM module to choose from or read/write. That could I guess be the problem, but in coding - how do you actually place a module / code where none exists already? Is is factory tow-equipped, so I have no idea why I can't see that module - is it part of another of the long list that comes up?
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