Low beam Malfunction (replaced bulb & control unit)

kRoMhAsaF30 · 08-23-2017, 01:23 AM

I am about 4 months into 135i ownership and have already ran in to small problem. I original bought the car about 3 months ago with the "Adaptive Light Malfunction" & "Left cornering Light malfunction", no biggie. Both headlights at that point were functioning correctly. About 2 months in to ownership the battery died because I left the headlight switch to on while at work, in a 2013 car you would figure the headlights automatically turn off no matter what.

After jumping the car I got the infamous "Left Low Beam Malfunction". So now i have total of 3 error codes. After doing my research here I learned this is vary common error and replacing the follow would fix all my codes:

Adaptive Control Unit
Ballast/Control Unit
Xenon Bulb
Cornering (H3) Bulb

To determine if the ballast or bulb was the culprit I swapped them one at a time from the right functioning light to the left with no luck. The right light is functioning properly with all the left light components. I also replaced the adaptive control unit at this time and the adaptive issue was resolved.

As I went to replace the cornering light, to my surprise the H3 housing had melted and bulbs had welded to it (pictures below). I immediately looked at the right and it was in the same stage, so to avoid future issues I unplugged and will eventually code it out.

I am now baffled as to what the real issue could be. I have checked all 3 fuses that are related to the headlights, replaced all common issue parts and still no success. Also there is no moisture or signs of water in the light. So I am here for your help and input, should I just buy a new headlight? Anything I may have overlooked?

Car is a 2013 135i M Sport 6 Speed with Xenon Lights

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0SJtdOXmJ8krea

juld0zer · 08-23-2017, 07:20 AM

Do your windows work and indicators?

kRoMhAsaF30 · 08-23-2017, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Do your windows work and indicators?

Yup everything else functions, no other issues.

juld0zer · 08-24-2017, 05:15 AM

Is it me or does there seem to be physical damage to the xenon projector lens on the left? ie the outer lens looks cocked/off centre

MightyMouseTech · 08-24-2017, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Is it me or does there seem to be physical damage to the xenon projector lens on the left? ie the outer lens looks cocked/off centre

That does not look right at all. Looks like it is time for a complete new headlight.

kRoMhAsaF30 · 08-24-2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

That does not look right at all. Looks like it is time for a complete new headlight.

That's unfortunate, oh well. I'll try to hunt one down that is not $600. Thanks for you in put everyone!

MightyMouseTech · 08-24-2017, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kRoMhAsaF30

That's unfortunate, oh well. I'll try to hunt one down that is not $600. Thanks for you in put everyone!

Or now is the perfect time to get EU lights.

kRoMhAsaF30 · 08-24-2017, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Or now is the perfect time to get EU lights.

What exactly is the difference between the US adaptive and Euro Spec lights?

Dackelone · 08-24-2017, 04:49 PM

Leaving the headlight switch in the ON or AUTO mode will NOT drain your battery on a stock car. Sounds like someone installed some HID AE bulbs in your headlights. Leaving the switch in the 2nd position allows the parking lights to remain ON... and even leaving them ON over night... will not drain a good battery. Have you tested your battery?

It also looks like the inside of your headlights have melted. Get ready for a $1,500 bill for two headlights.

MightyMouseTech · 08-24-2017, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kRoMhAsaF30

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Or now is the perfect time to get EU lights.

What exactly is the difference between the US adaptive and Euro Spec lights?

Not a lot, just gets rid of the annoying orange reflectors.

kRoMhAsaF30 · 08-24-2017, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Not a lot, just gets rid of the annoying orange reflectors.

Thanks for the clarification, time to start the search!

MightyMouseTech · 08-25-2017, 08:03 AM

Saw these for sale.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1416001

08-23-2017, 01:23 AM	#1
kRoMhAsaF30 Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 18' M3 Competition Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	Low beam Malfunction (replaced bulb & control unit) I am about 4 months into 135i ownership and have already ran in to small problem. I original bought the car about 3 months ago with the "Adaptive Light Malfunction" & "Left cornering Light malfunction", no biggie. Both headlights at that point were functioning correctly. About 2 months in to ownership the battery died because I left the headlight switch to on while at work, in a 2013 car you would figure the headlights automatically turn off no matter what. After jumping the car I got the infamous "Left Low Beam Malfunction". So now i have total of 3 error codes. After doing my research here I learned this is vary common error and replacing the follow would fix all my codes: Adaptive Control Unit Ballast/Control Unit Xenon Bulb Cornering (H3) Bulb To determine if the ballast or bulb was the culprit I swapped them one at a time from the right functioning light to the left with no luck. The right light is functioning properly with all the left light components. I also replaced the adaptive control unit at this time and the adaptive issue was resolved. As I went to replace the cornering light, to my surprise the H3 housing had melted and bulbs had welded to it (pictures below). I immediately looked at the right and it was in the same stage, so to avoid future issues I unplugged and will eventually code it out. I am now baffled as to what the real issue could be. I have checked all 3 fuses that are related to the headlights, replaced all common issue parts and still no success. Also there is no moisture or signs of water in the light. So I am here for your help and input, should I just buy a new headlight? Anything I may have overlooked? Car is a 2013 135i M Sport 6 Speed with Xenon Lights https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0SJtdOXmJ8krea Last edited by kRoMhAsaF30; 08-23-2017 at 01:07 PM..
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08-23-2017, 07:20 AM	#2
juld0zer Lieutenant Colonel 480 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 2153 iTrader: (0)	Do your windows work and indicators?
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08-24-2017, 05:15 AM	#4
juld0zer Lieutenant Colonel 480 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 2153 iTrader: (0)	Is it me or does there seem to be physical damage to the xenon projector lens on the left? ie the outer lens looks cocked/off centre
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08-24-2017, 04:49 PM	#9
Dackelone European Editor 10589 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Leaving the headlight switch in the ON or AUTO mode will NOT drain your battery on a stock car. Sounds like someone installed some HID AE bulbs in your headlights. Leaving the switch in the 2nd position allows the parking lights to remain ON... and even leaving them ON over night... will not drain a good battery. Have you tested your battery? It also looks like the inside of your headlights have melted. Get ready for a $1,500 bill for two headlights. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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08-25-2017, 08:03 AM	#12
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Saw these for sale. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1416001
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