Adaptive LED Headlights not working – FRM Module?

[Lunker325]

Got a headlight out warning the other day when I started the truck (2013 X5M with LED headlights) after getting out of work. Got out and looked at the light, and sure enough it was out along with the halos, but the amber side marker strip was working. I cycled the light switch from Auto to on and back to Auto, and it has worked ever since. Read the codes when I got home and see there are errors on both headlights, and for both high and low beams. Lights have not acted up until this incident, however I now realize the adaptive function is not working, and has not for quite some time. Strange thing is that I have never had any error codes for a malfunction with the adaptive lights. I have been getting LIN BUS errors that look to be related to the cameras, which I’ve read flow through the FRM as well.

Could this be a symptom that the FRM module is on its way out since the FRM controls the AHL function? I’ve read about the typical failure symptoms of the FRM, and do not recall ever having any of them.

Appreciate any help!

[m5james]

I just got a letter in the mail that BMW has extended their warranty on the FRM module. Try calling your local dealership first to see if your VIN is applicable.

When mine failed I also lost control of the power windows, door locks, keyless and wipers.

[0-60Motorsports]

Did you get this fixed?

[Lunker325]

Not yet, thanks for bumping this. I did take the passenger side (the side that the headlight went out) fender liner out and made sure all the wiring to the headlight was connected and not corroded. Did not see any issues. The headlights do the up and down check when first turning on, so at least those motors work. I’m thinking it may be the swivel stepper motors or connecting rods that may be the issue. I’ve read where the rods from the stepper motor can become disconnected from the light module on the xenon lights. I’ll have the dealer do a diagnosis at some point, they should be able to cycle the lights and determine if it’s the lights or the FRM.

[Lunker325]

So last night when leaving work I got another headlight error. This time the headlights, halos, and amber side marker strip in both units were out. I cycled the headlight switch from Auto(where it was when I started it) to on, and back to auto, and magically all lights in both units were working again. Have not pulled the codes yet, but I suspect they will be very similar to the ones in my original post. This makes me think its the FRM as I have a hard time believing both units have the same exact issue.

Any advice or knowledge on the FRM or headlight control modules would be appreciated!

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Lunker325

So last night when leaving work I got another headlight error. This time the headlights, halos, and amber side marker strip in both units were out. I cycled the headlight switch from Auto(where it was when I started it) to on, and back to auto, and magically all lights in both units were working again. Have not pulled the codes yet, but I suspect they will be very similar to the ones in my original post. This makes me think its the FRM as I have a hard time believing both units have the same exact issue.

Any advice or knowledge on the FRM or headlight control modules would be appreciated!

Have you taken the car into a dealership as BMW has extended the warranty on all FRM's.

[Lunker325]

Have not taken it in yet, wanted to see if I could find the issue first and not have to pay them to do a diagnostic. Headlights still work, just those 2 instances of errors and no adaptive feature. I'll schedule it in here soon.
As an update, read the codes last night and it showed a fault in the headlight module on the passenger side, high and low beam. Nothing for the drivers side, which also was not working.

Edit: I did confirm with the SA at the dealer that my car is covered if it is found to be faulty.

[Ghanziang]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

Have you taken the car into a dealership as BMW has extended the warranty on all FRM's.

What is the extended warranty details?

G.

[saxonb]

Did you install the new headlight washer jets that the retrofit guide says that you need?

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by saxonb

Did you install the new headlight washer jets that the retrofit guide says that you need?

I didnt actually install them on my LED headlight conversion as im never going to need them but some people actually use them so its recommended to install them.

[saxonb]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

I didnt actually install them on my LED headlight conversion as im never going to need them but some people actually use them so its recommended to install them.

I have washer jets already so do they keep working or do they not work unless you replace them with the new high pressure ones?

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by saxonb

I have washer jets already so do they keep working or do they not work unless you replace them with the new high pressure ones?

the newer ones for the LEDs just have a different spray pattern..im looking into disabling mine with coding. I hate them.

[saxonb]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

the newer ones for the LEDs just have a different spray pattern..im looking into disabling mine with coding. I hate them.

Oh really? Do you have the new ones or the old ones? What's so annoying about them?

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by saxonb

Oh really? Do you have the new ones or the old ones? What's so annoying about them?

Old ones, I just don't need them in this weather here in Bahrain.

[Lunker325]

Have some updates to share:

So I took it into the dealer and they concluded that the FRM module is fine. They did see stored codes for both headlights, but couldn't find any current faults in the system at the time, so I think I can eliminate the FRM as a possible problem for the passenger headlight acting up.

Once the weather gets a bit warmer I'm going to pull that headlight to see if there is any corrosion or issues on the bottom where the modules connect to the housing.

Something I forgot about until I started down this road is that the truck was in an accident prior to my purchasing it. As I was looking through the records, I saw that the passenger side cornering module was replaced, but nothing else related to that headlight. No doubt this has something to do with the issues I’m seeing.

Concerning the adaptive feature not working, I had someone sit in the truck and turn the wheel while I looked at the headlights. Surprisingly, I saw that the passenger side was indeed moving, just in the opposite direction that it should, but not in a “fluid” motion like the drivers side does. I’m guessing that the cornering module was not coded when it was replaced (even though the work was done at a BMW dealers body shop) and it thinks it’s on the drivers side. Looking into having it coded to see if starts working correctly.

I’ll keep updating this thread as things progress in case it may help someone else in the future.

[Lunker325]

Update:

Coded the adaptive headlight module with the BimmerGeeks Protool and it fixed the issue of the light turning in the opposite direction. It now turns the same direction as the wheels and is also better aimed when driving straight ahead as well! Very happy I could fix this issue.

Still getting random beam out errors, seems to only happen when I start the truck with the headlight switch in the auto position. Will pull the headlight out when I get time to look for corrosion somewhere.

[m5james]

You willing to fix FRM's? I have one I'd just like to sell vs it sitting in a box or throwing it away.

[Lunker325]

From what I’ve seen so far, I think that may be beyond the limits of the Protool (and myself) I’m going to to do a little more research though.

[JDAURIA]

Did you ever figure out the issue? I am having similar issues right now, I don't think its FRM related. I think it could be xenon control module/ballast, which is underneath the headlight housing

[Alibmwx6]

I have a question,
My bmw x6 e71 2012 xenon lights, changing to LED need to be coded with
bimmercode or esys ? If yes need to be coded with bimmercode can you please help
how To code ?
I mean I know how to code but , point me where to ... please.
I'm waiting for LED headlights, they are coming in about 40 days from now

The seller told me led headlights are not Adaptive, is there any way to make them Adaptive with bimmercode ?

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Alibmwx6

I have a question,
My bmw x6 e71 2012 xenon lights, changing to LED need to be coded with
bimmercode or esys ? If yes need to be coded with bimmercode can you please help
how To code ?
I mean I know how to code but , point me where to ... please.
I'm waiting for LED headlights, they are coming in about 40 days from now

The seller told me led headlights are not Adaptive, is there any way to make them Adaptive with bimmercode ?

These seem to be the ones with AFS function

US $510.00 | E71 LED headlight for BMW X6 2007-2013 E71 xenon upgrade LED headlamp modified headlight with AFS angel eye DRL
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0PQQyC

[Alibmwx6]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

These seem to be the ones with AFS function

US $510.00 | E71 LED headlight for BMW X6 2007-2013 E71 xenon upgrade LED headlamp modified headlight with AFS angel eye DRL
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0PQQyC

Yep they look like those headlights, by the way doesn't have the square module on headlights, it's just plug and play, I have the headlights already, has one plug only in all headlight!
I'm little bit scared a out it, Chinese headlights I'm not sure if they have the follow road . Payed about 1000 for both. Should I install them ?
Do you guys think is gonna work?