Install Bi-Xenon without LCM Reflash Version 2.0


To install bi-xenon or xenon headlights requires you to visit the dealer to have the LCM recoded, as described in the Bi-Xenon Install in lighting section. The initial trick was to use a relay + resistor to trick the LCM in order to "see" a load but disconnect that load when the lights were turned on (using the relay)

 

One some LCM though, the coding is different and causes newly installed Xenons to flicker, like the red-eye reduction function of digital cameras. Obviously this is not correct. So to avoid the flicker AND the bulb out error, the following mod was done. I was inspired from a thread on e46fanatics.com (credit goes to author) to make my own xenon-mod-box.

 

What you need:

 

1.  2x 4700μF Capacitors at 35v (one for each headlight)

2.  2x Small project boxes to fit capacitors in

3.  1m Heatshrink

4.  4m Heat resistant 2-wire cable

5.  2x Rubber grommets

6.  4x Wire Taps

7.  Self Amalgamating tape (for sealing connections)

8.  Silicone

 

 

The Capacitor


 

Capacitors in the project box (just for testing)

 

Drilled 1 Oval hole on each just big enough for the rubber grommets to fit

 

Rubber Grommets in place

 

Solder the wires on the capacitor. WATCH FOR NEGATIVE/POSITIVE!

 

Secure the capacitors in the box with some double sided tape

 

Place some double sided tape on the back side so that you can secure them on the car

 

Apply a thin layer of silicone on the perimeter of one part part of the box, wait for 10 minutes and then screw the cover

 

Finished Product

 

Go to the car and remove keys from ignition, turn the lights off.

 

Install the bi-xenon headlights

 

Now, use the wire taps, to tap the positive of the headlights with the positive of the capacitor. Don't get confused from colouring. Here I used the brown wire as positive, where BMW uses brown wire for negative/ground! If you miss-connect the capacitor it will explode.

 

If you are unsure which is positive on the car, use a multimeter by touching the contact on the plug with a bare metal part on the car chassis. If you don't know how to do that, then please go to a professional and let him do the job.

 

 

 

Use self-amalgamating tape to seal the wire taps connections.

 

Turn on the lights and enjoy a flicker-free and bulb error-free driving without spending $$$ going to the dealer.