BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-16-2015, 06:06 PM   #1
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

135i adaptive headlight failure aka I suck at closing headlight seals

So, I took my car to a drive through car wash and got the infamous adaptive headlight error.

ended up taking off the front bumper and doing some testing. I determined that my ballast & adaptive light control board both bit the dust.

I am ordering a new ballast and adaptive headlight control module and new seals for both of the headlights to make sure this never happens again.

I tested the D1s bulbs on the working (left driver side) and it worked on both sides, but when I swapped the ballast from one side to the other I couldnt get the right side working. I figure it has something to do with the bad adaptive headlight controller board or something like that, but the cable runs right from the connector to the bulb.

Once I get the parts in I'll do my best to do a quick write up on the process & what to do for it since I haven't seen a real writeup for how to swap out the ballast's and the adaptive headlight control module on the bottom of the headlight.

Long story short on what killed it was ~2-3" of water sitting in the bottom portion where the control board was. It got the Adaptive headlight control module and the ballast :\

Hopefully I can get all the condensation out of the light before I go ahead and get the parts swapped around. I'll probably make it a saturday through sunday job to make sure the headlight gets thoroughly dried out.
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2015, 06:18 PM   #2
mtowle182
Private First Class
mtowle182's Avatar
17
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

damn a drive through car wash can fuck up the adaptive headlights? as I never go to one again haha.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2015, 06:30 PM   #3
MuNkY6913
The Crowing
MuNkY6913's Avatar
United_States
110
Rep
2,005
Posts

Drives: BMW 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: State College, PA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [8.00]
Do you have a part number for the seals around the back of the headlight? Think mine are needing replaced. Got condensation show up yesterday while it was pretty humid out. I know they're sealed right. Haven't opened them in at least a year and a half.
__________________

2009 135i : BMS JB4 G5 ISO,CXRacing FMIC Kit,Injen Cold Air Intake,Evolution Raceworks Charge Pipe,Walboro Inline Fuel Pump, E85 BMS Backend Flash w/ 60% E85,BMS Meth injection (trunkmount),BMS dual meth nozzles,Spec stage 2+ clutch w/ steel SWFW,BMS Catless Downpipes,Berk Tech Race Axleback
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2015, 11:31 PM   #4
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtowle182 View Post
damn a drive through car wash can fuck up the adaptive headlights? as I never go to one again haha.
Only if you dont put the rear headlight seals back on right. It was likely my fault it got messed up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MuNkY6913 View Post
Do you have a part number for the seals around the back of the headlight? Think mine are needing replaced. Got condensation show up yesterday while it was pretty humid out. I know they're sealed right. Haven't opened them in at least a year and a half.
I just ordered a new set of back plates from ECS tuning - $15ea they should have new seals in them

63127171570
63127171569
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 10:30 AM   #5
MuNkY6913
The Crowing
MuNkY6913's Avatar
United_States
110
Rep
2,005
Posts

Drives: BMW 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: State College, PA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [8.00]
Awesome. Thanks man!
__________________

2009 135i : BMS JB4 G5 ISO,CXRacing FMIC Kit,Injen Cold Air Intake,Evolution Raceworks Charge Pipe,Walboro Inline Fuel Pump, E85 BMS Backend Flash w/ 60% E85,BMS Meth injection (trunkmount),BMS dual meth nozzles,Spec stage 2+ clutch w/ steel SWFW,BMS Catless Downpipes,Berk Tech Race Axleback
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 11:50 AM   #6
TwinTurboXI
Lieutenant Colonel
158
Rep
1,523
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: .

iTrader: (12)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtowle182 View Post
damn a drive through car wash can fuck up the adaptive headlights? as I never go to one again haha.
After multiple headlight replacements, I will never take my 135i through an auto wash. It's unfortunate, but oh well. I prefer to handwash the car anyway and do not want to pay to diagnose and/or replace the headlgihts again.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 11:52 AM   #7
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinTurboXI View Post
After multiple headlight replacements, I will never take my 135i through an auto wash. It's unfortunate, but oh well. I prefer to handwash the car anyway and do not want to pay to diagnose and/or replace the headlgihts again.
I've never had issues until the other day, i'll usually run my car through the auto touch free wash to get road salt off since I DD mine during the winter.

It is an unforunate mistake, but thankfully when I swap out the control module & ballast i'll have both headlights out anyways, so will have way more room to make sure 100% that the back plate is sealed up properly before putting it back in the car.

Usually I have limited room and have to work around the other stuff in the front end, so mistakes could happen.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 12:47 PM   #8
FIRST1
Major
United_States
109
Rep
1,047
Posts

Drives: '15 M235i Melbourne Red
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (5)

Yep, I installed aftermarket angel eyes and never closed the headlight seals afterwards. Had the same issue after going through the car wash.

I let the car sit for a week with those seals off, and everything dried out and my headlights started working again (but adaptive module was fried). Ended up coding the adaptive feature OFF and just moving on. Wasn't worth the $ to me to get that functionality back.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 04:31 PM   #9
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FIRST1 View Post
Yep, I installed aftermarket angel eyes and never closed the headlight seals afterwards. Had the same issue after going through the car wash.

I let the car sit for a week with those seals off, and everything dried out and my headlights started working again (but adaptive module was fried). Ended up coding the adaptive feature OFF and just moving on. Wasn't worth the $ to me to get that functionality back.
what did you use to code out the adaptive headlight functionality? I've got access to BMWhat and INPA once I get around to installing the software.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 04:38 PM   #10
FIRST1
Major
United_States
109
Rep
1,047
Posts

Drives: '15 M235i Melbourne Red
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky1_2007 View Post
what did you use to code out the adaptive headlight functionality? I've got access to BMWhat and INPA once I get around to installing the software.
Not sure, I had a local coder do that for me. Sorry. It definitely did get rid of any warnings for me though.
Appreciate 0
      03-19-2015, 12:04 PM   #11
greensto
Wild Card
greensto's Avatar
United_States
90
Rep
683
Posts

Drives: 1M Conversion
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Rockville, MD

iTrader: (2)

Sorry to hear. Do you have the part number for the adaptive control module? Do you need 1 or 2?
__________________

Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.


Appreciate 0
      03-20-2015, 01:13 PM   #12
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by greensto View Post
Sorry to hear. Do you have the part number for the adaptive control module? Do you need 1 or 2?
it's 1 per side.

This is what I ordered.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES172035/
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2015, 02:32 PM   #13
greensto
Wild Card
greensto's Avatar
United_States
90
Rep
683
Posts

Drives: 1M Conversion
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Rockville, MD

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky1_2007 View Post
it's 1 per side.

This is what I ordered.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES172035/
If my adaptive control module and ballast were damaged due to water and I replaced them, would the headlight work as new?
__________________

Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.


Appreciate 0
      03-20-2015, 08:50 PM   #14
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by greensto View Post
If my adaptive control module and ballast were damaged due to water and I replaced them, would the headlight work as new?
i'll let you know as soon as my stuff comes in and I can get it all put back together
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2015, 07:25 AM   #15
greensto
Wild Card
greensto's Avatar
United_States
90
Rep
683
Posts

Drives: 1M Conversion
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Rockville, MD

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky1_2007 View Post
i'll let you know as soon as my stuff comes in and I can get it all put back together
Thank you!
__________________

Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.


Appreciate 0
      03-22-2015, 12:18 PM   #16
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

I got all my parts in except for the new ballast. Also, michigan decided it wasnt spring yet and that snow was probably a great idea.

ballast should be in Monday and I should have time to work on it maybe Wednesday or Thursday night.
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2015, 02:16 PM   #17
T3AM PAT
New Member
0
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: 09 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Same issue here just ordered new seals. Is there a DIY on replacing those modules.
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2015, 08:27 PM   #18
greensto
Wild Card
greensto's Avatar
United_States
90
Rep
683
Posts

Drives: 1M Conversion
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Rockville, MD

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky1_2007 View Post
I got all my parts in except for the new ballast. Also, michigan decided it wasnt spring yet and that snow was probably a great idea.

ballast should be in Monday and I should have time to work on it maybe Wednesday or Thursday night.
Nice
__________________

Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.


Appreciate 0
      03-24-2015, 11:15 AM   #19
maniac33
Private
maniac33's Avatar
9
Rep
69
Posts

Drives: AW 08 135i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

I've actually done this and got the same parts as the OP stated from ECS and got new ballasts off ebay. Came to about 300-400 bucks all said and done to replace module and ballasts. Everything worked perfectly once you put the new parts in. It's hit or miss on whether or not you need to code the car after you get the ballast and module in and wired up. If you bought used from another member with OEM headlights that head the adaptive feature you should need to code them. However, if you bought it new where the module has no codes in it, you will likely need to code the car to the module. Sometimes not though.
Hope this helps. If anyone is looking for clarification on how to do this let me know and i'll try and help you through the processes!
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2015, 02:46 PM   #20
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

Well, I got everything installed yesterday.

Lights are working. I'm unsure if the AHL is functioning properly, but it is no longer showing any sort of codes.

I was able to send a command to the module using DIS to have it move the headlights to what it thought was bottom left, but it is just centered at this point, so I may need to manually guide it with my hands? not really sure unless there is a calibration I can run through to get the things centered properly again.

Quote:
Originally Posted by T3AM PAT View Post
Same issue here just ordered new seals. Is there a DIY on replacing those modules.
where is this at?
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2015, 03:33 PM   #21
shagarmiah
New Member
2
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 135I N55 DCT
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SOUTHAMPTON UK

iTrader: (0)

Didn't seal mine up when changing headlights, put cover back on let it try up and took to bmw for warranty, changed headlight unit and xenon unit
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2015, 12:17 PM   #22
sparky1_2007
Private
United_States
10
Rep
96
Posts

Drives: 08' 135i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

ok, so replacing all the parts have it working, however, the headlight is not moving the correct direction.

I need to get a copy of NCSEXPERT and code the module to move the correct way.

I found a DIY on it here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=999784
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:24 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST