3.0d, New AHL - does it need coding? And how?
 

Hey guys, here's me again. :D
Finally, I found some time to continue working on my E53. I hope by summer it will be done. Mechanically we still need to check the turbo, and if the previous owner deleted DPF and the catalytic converter properly - since they did many blasphemous things to this beautiful car, we just need to double-check everything.

Anyhow, while waiting for my mechanic, I was thinking to resolve some possible AHL module problems.

With P.A.Soft I read a bunch of error codes (image attached) that I couldn't erase. The headlights are working properly, but I'm not sure if vertical control does.
And after looking for code meanings, I realized that I may need a new (or new-used) AHL module --> I believe that is the black module behind the glove box, above GM3. The number 9 on the diagram https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=61_1357
Am I wrong?

And If I do get a new one, does the new AHL module needs to be coded?
The process is, I believe, similar to coding a new GM3 module with NCSExpert.

SMC module (Nr.5) is on the bottom of the headlight. It's not uncommon to fail because of water getting in.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=63_0833

You think its rather SMC than AHL? But what with all these Telegram errors?
And does SMC needs also coding if replaced?

I would say more likely SMC than the actual AHL module. Aren't those shadow memory error codes rather irrelevant and not even shown with actual diagnostics? With proper diagnostics you could test if and how the headlight movement is working.

New SMC module needs to be coded.

That actually makes sense. Stepper Motor Box communication should also be related to the SMC? The only question is, is it only left, or both. I will have to inspect that.

Regarding coding, if I end up replacing one or both, is it simple NCSExpert coding as GM3, or something more complicated?

Hey guys, so yeah, finally I found time to deal with the headlights, resolved wiring issues, added LED angel eyes (still have to figure out how to disable flickering), and after replacing SMC modules, errors above disappeared (only these 2 telegram shadow errors stayed, of which one disappears when cleared, but then returns again).

Anyhow, I tried coding SMC modules with NCS Expert (RSMC and LSMC), but I'm getting errors (see picture). And when starting the car, the headlights (i.e. AHL) don't do a thing. I'm supposed I don't know how to code it properly.

What am I doing wrong?

I tried it this way:

NCSExpert/Load Profile (Expert mode)/F1 (Start)/F3 (chose Chassis)/Select EWS (for example)/F6 (Back)/F4 (Process ECU)/Select RSMC or LSMC/F2 (Change job to SG_Codieren)/F3 (Execute job)

But this error persists. :dunno:

Any advice?

Hi there guys after a while. I still haven't managed to resolve my AHL problem.

I managed to code both SMC modules, but the lights are still directed too high. With INPA tests, I managed to see that the motors are functioning and directing lights well in all directions.

Is there any way to re-calibrate AHL, to put the lights in "normal position," or do I have to set headlights with two screws on every headlight manually?


P.S. It looks like that mine Steering Angle Sensor is not working. Is that maybe causing AHL not to work?

It's late, and maybe I'm not following... did you replace faulty AHL modules (water damage... ask me how I know) or are you retrofitting AHL headlights?

If the former, AHL modules do not need coding. But they do need initialization in INPA.

If the latter, your ZCS will need to be changed to reflect the addition of AHL.

I'm unsure if a non-functional SAS will affect AHL workings. Though... it's a cheap repair (rebuild kit <$100 I believe... been awhile since I repaired mine), so I'd do that and then continue with headlights.

The thing is, I have a new SAS, but I believe that it's pretty hard to replace it, half of the car has to come out if I'm not wrong, so I'm delaying that as much as possible.

Now concerning AHL, I do have AHL from the factory... If I didn't, I probably wouldn't ever retrofit that haha...

Anyhow, as far as I know, the AHL module is fine. Even physically... I was working on something with GMIII, so everything seems normal down there.

The errors I was getting were pointing out to the Left SMC module (and a to SAS also). I replaced SMCs in both headlights (got them for the price of one) and finally, a few days, ago I managed to code them in with NCSExpert.
But since headlights are still pointing "to the sky" I assume I need to calibrate, re-calibrate or initialize something, but I don't know how.
I was playing with INPA for an hour and didn't manage to find anything. Also in ISTA or P.A. Soft I couldn't find a thing that would do that. Maybe NCSExpert?

Or as I mentioned above, maybe I need to physically adjust the headlights with the two screws on them first?

Could you please tell me how you succed to code the SMC module ? I have the same problem with same E53.
Tried like you , to code and have the same error

Thank you