Adaptive Headlight Repair Nightmare!!! (my own fault)

fastlanez · 06-06-2014, 02:57 PM

I am in the process of learning a valuable, and VERY expensive lesson. This is my 4th BMW, along with a number of other cars and motorcycles I have owned including an e46, e90 M3 and some Evo’s. So, my driver side adaptive headlight went out, I contacted my local BMW center and was quoted a price of $250 for the bulb and another $200+ for the install. Well, I thought that to be highway robbery, so I went online to check for bulb prices, and found them for $81. Since I am in Mass, Tuner Motorsports was not too far away and was having an open house that weekend, so I figured I’d drive there to grab one, and while I’m at it, ill grab the Weisslicht angle eyes to get rid of that yellow hallow.

Since I am really not a DYI kind of guy, I was watching videos on the install to try and save a few bucks. Well, I got the under the hood headlight covers off, with much finagling per the video, and was able to remove the bulbs and install the new lights in muntes, Perfect! Looks good, the white angle eyes totally transformed the look, loved it! However, when trying to put the interior covers back on, after 2+ hours, it wasn’t happening, no way, no how! (looking back on this, it’s funny that in the videos online, they NEVER showed anyone replacing the cover!) so I called my guy at the BMW service center and he says, bring it in and let me take a look. He wasn’t able to get the cover on and said I’d need to make an appt to have that done. Welp, apparently during that time water got into the headlight, and no, it was not driven in the rain, but I did ask the tech would water be an issue, he advised no, it wouldn’t.

So, long story short, I am now without any headlights, dash is reading an error, and BMW is going to charge me get ready,,, remember, this was all because of a dead headlight bulb,,, $2,800.00 to repair! And, yes and, if there is any issue with the headlight assembly, it would be more. This is just to have the headlight modules replaced. I’ve cried a tear inside by not going with a CPO’d Bimmer, or paying the $500+ for the BMW bulb, but can’t anymore at this point because that’s water under a bridge, (or in my headlights). I called a shop in Connecticut, who repairs BMW’s, and they said they could save me a save bucks, but nothing close to a grand or so. It appears I’m out of luck and the great deal I got on this car, may have just blew out my convertible roof…

Just wanted to share and see if anyone else experienced such an issue. Thanks folks!

patricksr · 06-06-2014, 03:09 PM

Getting the headlight covers back on in such a small space is a PITA. Took me quite a lot of time and cut fingers but I got them back on. Sorry to hear about your problems.

edisapimp · 06-06-2014, 03:31 PM

;(

I'm sorry friend. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help (outside of sending you money via paypal.)

rocketpop · 06-06-2014, 03:55 PM

Passenger side cover is frustrating. I got luck the last time and got it back on quickly. I'm sure there is a trick to it but I am not sure what it is.

What happen, did they get water in them?

jkoral · 06-06-2014, 04:03 PM

I got spooked by all these stories (yours is not the only one), and learned to live with the yellow angel eyes. I long ago decided to only let the dealer work on the headlights (knock on wood, no problems yet).

Stupenal · 06-06-2014, 04:28 PM

I don't believe CPO covers headlights, so at least you don't have to feel bad about that...

puckdropr921 · 06-06-2014, 05:20 PM

I had the same situation. I have an E46 and did many mods myself. I got a 135-vert and wanted to put brighter angel eyes and found it almost...almost impossible to put the cover back on. After a few hours and beers later, I finally got it back on...or so I thought. A couple weeks go by and the HID headlight goes out. Take it to the dealership and it cost $1990. Had to wait until my wife was out of town to get it fixed. Not happy, but learned an expensive lesson.

halfhalo · 06-06-2014, 05:45 PM

The covers in the vert are the reason I refuse to get led angel eyes. With the additional bracing there just isn't enough room to get the cover on and the ballasts properly placed/secured without sacrificing a goat or something.

I have replaced the bulbs with other bulbs twice, the first time going from stock-> GP thunders, and then from those to Phillips. The second time It took a good 3 hours to get the passenger side cover back on, and that required me to lose the front right wheel and fiddle with the cover through the little access panel.

Also, dropping one of the metal clips that holds the cover down onto the undershield _really_ sucks.

Dackelone · 06-06-2014, 06:51 PM

OP... I would go thru your insurance company. Just tell them you have water inside your headlights and they must have a crack from a rock/stone. You can make a comp claim and in most states its a zero deductible and it can not hurt your driving record.

Deutsche-Broke · 06-06-2014, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puckdropr921

I had the same situation. I have an E46 and did many mods myself. I got a 135-vert and wanted to put brighter angel eyes and found it almost...almost impossible to put the cover back on. After a few hours and beers later, I finally got it back on...or so I thought. A couple weeks go by and the HID headlight goes out. Take it to the dealership and it cost $1990. Had to wait until my wife was out of town to get it fixed. Not happy, but learned an expensive lesson.

That is hilarious, unfortunate, but relatable nonetheless..

For some reason, my best repairs are the, "few beers" modifications.. I guess I just get more careful and meticulous when performing, "Beer Mods"..

But $1990 is crazy... Glad my dealer is out of reach.. It makes me keep up on my diagnostic and wrench spinning skills..

Overpar56 · 06-06-2014, 10:18 PM

My drivers side adaptive Xenon went out tonight. Just like that. I had Cree 6k Angel Eyes in and I pulled them so when I go to the dealer, I'm back to stock bulbs.

After you do it a couple times, the covers go on pretty easy. Passenger side is a bitch, but with a little patience it can be done in a few minutes.

TMR013 · 06-08-2014, 10:57 AM

I recently had to replace the bulb for my passenger side angel eye. It took me a little while to get the cover plate back on, but I didn't think it was that hard. Just a bit of finagling.
Does the vert have a different design?

fastdrivingjr · 06-08-2014, 11:33 AM

recently upgraded to led AE that have a little ballast.... switched back to stock to remind myself what yellow look like.. went back to LEDS and the wire got pinched in the cover.. water barely sneaked in... went from Adaptive errors to headlight dimming out.. now no headlight..

Buying a used control module/igniter $80
getting it coded so everything works $20
removing the leds with ballast and going for a simple plug in H8 $30..

walking away

halfhalo · 06-08-2014, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMR013

I recently had to replace the bulb for my passenger side angel eye. It took me a little while to get the cover plate back on, but I didn't think it was that hard. Just a bit of finagling.
Does the vert have a different design?

Verts have bracing behind the covers that I don't think the coupes have.

View post on imgur.com

hau_nguyen91 · 06-08-2014, 06:20 PM

It used to take my HOURS. I am talking about literally 3-4 hours just trying to put the internal cover on.

Now it take me less then 2 seconds, because I know the trick now..I would NEVER drive my car anywhere until the cover is 100% tighten.

There a certain angle that you have to insert the cover in order for it to clip in properly.

I am sorry about your situation. I read alot about the adaptive headlight issues and feedback before messing with my headlights.

3002 tii · 06-08-2014, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hau_nguyen91

It used to take my HOURS. I am talking about literally 3-4 hours just trying to put the internal cover on.

Now it take me less then 2 seconds, because I know the trick now..I would NEVER drive my car anywhere until the cover is 100% tighten.

There a certain angle that you have to insert the cover in order for it to clip in properly.

I am sorry about your situation. I read alot about the adaptive headlight issues and feedback before messing with my headlights.

+1 I too found that right angle but I still wouldn't take it off anymore. It's far easier to crack the top open and slide the bulb in while the rest of the cover stays seated.

chris82 · 06-08-2014, 09:05 PM

$2800? Couldn't you just buy entire new headlights for that? Why not just do that?

Exile · 06-09-2014, 12:49 PM

Dang that sucks. I have a vert and the bracing is there as well. But for me it takes a couple seconds to put the cover on. Once you know how to take it off and on, it's just a cake walk.

shah269 · 06-09-2014, 01:33 PM

HOW MUCH TO REPLACE A FREAKING BULB! WTF REALLY!
OK we are not on a misssion....we are going to drive to Germany find the engineer that designed this head light and we are going to kill him....slowly! WTF!
REALLY! ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS!

So any videos of the install and then the closing?

MightyMouseTech · 06-09-2014, 02:17 PM

OP, really sorry to hear about your issue, that sucks.

Although, I have had my covers off many times. Only takes 10 s to get them back in?!?!? Not sure why everyone has so many problems with them.

Guess people are thinking in 2D when they need to think in 3D.

Overpar56 · 06-09-2014, 03:11 PM

http://www.getbmwparts.com/shoppingc...gram%3D1981035

I assume this is a complete unit.

Andrewcoja · 06-09-2014, 05:08 PM

Headlights are not included with CPO. With that bracing on the convertible, I'm glad I have the regular car. It was tricky to get the covers off and tricky to get them back on. It's pretty easy for me now. Definitely don't do something to your car if DIY isn't in your wheelhouse.

06-06-2014, 02:57 PM	#1
fastlanez Enlisted Member 4 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 08' BMW 135i Vert & 09' CanAm Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mass/GA iTrader: (0)	Adaptive Headlight Repair Nightmare!!! (my own fault) I am in the process of learning a valuable, and VERY expensive lesson. This is my 4th BMW, along with a number of other cars and motorcycles I have owned including an e46, e90 M3 and some Evo’s. So, my driver side adaptive headlight went out, I contacted my local BMW center and was quoted a price of $250 for the bulb and another $200+ for the install. Well, I thought that to be highway robbery, so I went online to check for bulb prices, and found them for $81. Since I am in Mass, Tuner Motorsports was not too far away and was having an open house that weekend, so I figured I’d drive there to grab one, and while I’m at it, ill grab the Weisslicht angle eyes to get rid of that yellow hallow. Since I am really not a DYI kind of guy, I was watching videos on the install to try and save a few bucks. Well, I got the under the hood headlight covers off, with much finagling per the video, and was able to remove the bulbs and install the new lights in muntes, Perfect! Looks good, the white angle eyes totally transformed the look, loved it! However, when trying to put the interior covers back on, after 2+ hours, it wasn’t happening, no way, no how! (looking back on this, it’s funny that in the videos online, they NEVER showed anyone replacing the cover!) so I called my guy at the BMW service center and he says, bring it in and let me take a look. He wasn’t able to get the cover on and said I’d need to make an appt to have that done. Welp, apparently during that time water got into the headlight, and no, it was not driven in the rain, but I did ask the tech would water be an issue, he advised no, it wouldn’t. So, long story short, I am now without any headlights, dash is reading an error, and BMW is going to charge me get ready,,, remember, this was all because of a dead headlight bulb,,, $2,800.00 to repair! And, yes and, if there is any issue with the headlight assembly, it would be more. This is just to have the headlight modules replaced. I’ve cried a tear inside by not going with a CPO’d Bimmer, or paying the $500+ for the BMW bulb, but can’t anymore at this point because that’s water under a bridge, (or in my headlights). I called a shop in Connecticut, who repairs BMW’s, and they said they could save me a save bucks, but nothing close to a grand or so. It appears I’m out of luck and the great deal I got on this car, may have just blew out my convertible roof… Just wanted to share and see if anyone else experienced such an issue. Thanks folks! __________________ Gone, but not forgotten: 350z 6MT & Infiniti G35 6MT Evo IX SE & MR SE BMW e90 330i, e46 M3 & e90 M3 Sedan Jeep Wrangler Unlimited & Grand Cherokee Limited Overland
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06-06-2014, 03:09 PM	#2
patricksr Enlisted Member 3 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: N. CA. iTrader: (0)	Getting the headlight covers back on in such a small space is a PITA. Took me quite a lot of time and cut fingers but I got them back on. Sorry to hear about your problems.
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06-06-2014, 03:31 PM	#3
edisapimp Civil Rights Activist 115 Rep 949 Posts Drives: E46 Sedan, E88 Vert Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	;( I'm sorry friend. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help (outside of sending you money via paypal.) __________________ E88 Crimson Red Vert MSport 6MT - Listing your mods in your signature is lame. BMS DCI/MHD E30 Flash!!/AA Sport FMIC/VRSF CP w Tial BOV/VRSF 3" DPs/550i clutch w SPEC SMFW/Apex EC-7s/Whiteline RSFB/E92 M3 FCAs/Bilstein B12 Pro Kit/VRSF inlets
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06-06-2014, 03:55 PM	#4
rocketpop Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Home iTrader: (0)	Passenger side cover is frustrating. I got luck the last time and got it back on quickly. I'm sure there is a trick to it but I am not sure what it is. What happen, did they get water in them? __________________
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06-06-2014, 04:03 PM	#5
jkoral Lieutenant Colonel 1023 Rep 1,968 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (7)	I got spooked by all these stories (yours is not the only one), and learned to live with the yellow angel eyes. I long ago decided to only let the dealer work on the headlights (knock on wood, no problems yet).
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06-06-2014, 04:28 PM	#6
Stupenal First Lieutenant 43 Rep 347 Posts Drives: Mmm Join Date: May 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (10)	I don't believe CPO covers headlights, so at least you don't have to feel bad about that...
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06-06-2014, 05:20 PM	#7
puckdropr921 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2008 135i vert Join Date: May 2013 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	You are not alone I had the same situation. I have an E46 and did many mods myself. I got a 135-vert and wanted to put brighter angel eyes and found it almost...almost impossible to put the cover back on. After a few hours and beers later, I finally got it back on...or so I thought. A couple weeks go by and the HID headlight goes out. Take it to the dealership and it cost $1990. Had to wait until my wife was out of town to get it fixed. Not happy, but learned an expensive lesson.
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06-06-2014, 05:45 PM	#8
halfhalo Private 3 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 08 E88 135i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW F83 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	The covers in the vert are the reason I refuse to get led angel eyes. With the additional bracing there just isn't enough room to get the cover on and the ballasts properly placed/secured without sacrificing a goat or something. I have replaced the bulbs with other bulbs twice, the first time going from stock-> GP thunders, and then from those to Phillips. The second time It took a good 3 hours to get the passenger side cover back on, and that required me to lose the front right wheel and fiddle with the cover through the little access panel. Also, dropping one of the metal clips that holds the cover down onto the undershield _really_ sucks.
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06-06-2014, 06:51 PM	#9
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	OP... I would go thru your insurance company. Just tell them you have water inside your headlights and they must have a crack from a rock/stone. You can make a comp claim and in most states its a zero deductible and it can not hurt your driving record. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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06-06-2014, 10:18 PM	#11
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	My drivers side adaptive Xenon went out tonight. Just like that. I had Cree 6k Angel Eyes in and I pulled them so when I go to the dealer, I'm back to stock bulbs. After you do it a couple times, the covers go on pretty easy. Passenger side is a bitch, but with a little patience it can be done in a few minutes. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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06-08-2014, 10:57 AM	#12
TMR013 Opus Angelus 425 Rep 1,267 Posts Drives: 2018 LBB M2 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	I recently had to replace the bulb for my passenger side angel eye. It took me a little while to get the cover plate back on, but I didn't think it was that hard. Just a bit of finagling. Does the vert have a different design?
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06-08-2014, 11:33 AM	#13
fastdrivingjr Private First Class 3 Rep 141 Posts Drives: ducati 749 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ATLANTA GA iTrader: (0)	recently upgraded to led AE that have a little ballast.... switched back to stock to remind myself what yellow look like.. went back to LEDS and the wire got pinched in the cover.. water barely sneaked in... went from Adaptive errors to headlight dimming out.. now no headlight.. Buying a used control module/igniter $80 getting it coded so everything works $20 removing the leds with ballast and going for a simple plug in H8 $30.. walking away
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06-08-2014, 06:20 PM	#15
hau_nguyen91 Lieutenant 196 Rep 575 Posts Drives: YMB 17 M3 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	It used to take my HOURS. I am talking about literally 3-4 hours just trying to put the internal cover on. Now it take me less then 2 seconds, because I know the trick now..I would NEVER drive my car anywhere until the cover is 100% tighten. There a certain angle that you have to insert the cover in order for it to clip in properly. I am sorry about your situation. I read alot about the adaptive headlight issues and feedback before messing with my headlights.
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06-08-2014, 09:05 PM	#17
chris82 Brigadier General 827 Rep 3,856 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NY NY iTrader: (8) Garage List 2009 BMW 128i [9.80]	$2800? Couldn't you just buy entire new headlights for that? Why not just do that?
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06-09-2014, 12:49 PM	#18
Exile Private 0 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 135 alpine white Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: IL iTrader: (1)	Dang that sucks. I have a vert and the bracing is there as well. But for me it takes a couple seconds to put the cover on. Once you know how to take it off and on, it's just a cake walk.
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06-09-2014, 01:33 PM	#19
shah269 Major 315 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2009 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	HOW MUCH TO REPLACE A FREAKING BULB! WTF REALLY! OK we are not on a misssion....we are going to drive to Germany find the engineer that designed this head light and we are going to kill him....slowly! WTF! REALLY! ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS! So any videos of the install and then the closing?
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06-09-2014, 02:17 PM	#20
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	OP, really sorry to hear about your issue, that sucks. Although, I have had my covers off many times. Only takes 10 s to get them back in?!?!? Not sure why everyone has so many problems with them. Guess people are thinking in 2D when they need to think in 3D.
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06-09-2014, 03:11 PM	#21
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	http://www.getbmwparts.com/shoppingc...gram%3D1981035 I assume this is a complete unit. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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06-09-2014, 05:08 PM	#22
Andrewcoja First Lieutenant 9 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2011 135i MSport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Headlights are not included with CPO. With that bracing on the convertible, I'm glad I have the regular car. It was tricky to get the covers off and tricky to get them back on. It's pretty easy for me now. Definitely don't do something to your car if DIY isn't in your wheelhouse.
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