▀▄ eas - 2011 LCI Taillight Retrofit Overview - Q&A

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

We are looking into this and will present the info to autologic when completed. FRM modules are one of the most critical CMs in the network, including storage of your vehicle order. Proper solutions take time and we're not one to rush things to market. Variables such as production dates, vehicle options, and even different component manufacturers present possible issues. Without being tested on multiple platforms in order to cover all variables and/or potential issues cause from file modifications.

Unfortunately with the information provided Q/A threads such as this one - this also trains our competition as well with everyone rushing to be "first" to arrive at a solution.

We do not offer the EU Taillamps, but programming is completely reversible if desired.

I appreciate your thorough, deliberate approach. Just noticed my tilt-down mirror function in reverse is not working any more. Could this be related to the recoding I had done?

Thanks.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

I appreciate your thorough, deliberate approach. Just noticed my tilt-down mirror function in reverse is not working any more. Could this be related to the recoding I had done?

Thanks.

Possibly - did you return for window initialization afterwards?

[tom @ eas]

Today was a milestone in programming, we are now able to program LM2 modules. In this entry, our friends at VF Engineering will be returning with their M2 Widebody Fighter Pilot for programming:



You might remember in an earlier post that we performed the LCI update on VF Engineering's 2008 Widebody M3, leaving the LM2 module installed for further R&D.

Disregard the EAS button in the video - that's top secret

As seen in the video, we have successfully coded out BulbCheck with no errors present on the dash or iDrive display.

Overview:
- Flickering removed during startup
- Blinker operates at normal speed
- Bulb out errors are no longer present

What does this mean?
FRM3 modules are no longer required for LCI updates.

Would you recommend a FRM2 or FRM3 module for my LCI upgrade?
We still recommend a FRM3 module for upgrades. The coding is performed differently in which any dealer updates do not affect programming that is already present. FRM2 modules are coded different in which BulbCheck is disabled, but can be overwritten if the FRM module is updated. Typically FRM modules are not updated in this fashion, but those looking to save a few bucks can't go wrong keeping the FRM2.

What's in store for the future?
As in the past, we will be handing our notes over to autologic, in which local programming facilities (including our competition on the forum) will now have access to the coding for local programming.

Last Note:
Unfortunately, this may be our last Q/A session. While this is informative to the forum members, it has also trained our competition here (LCI Taillamp upgrades, Folding Mirrors, City Lamps) on the forum, using the literally hours of hard work and late nights we've logged to compete against us. While it's not typically the fashion in which we work - it seems the competitiveness in the market is driving things in this direction, which prevents these types of things from happening.

As thanks for those that have supported us - we will be providing FRM2 coding for the next 5 people that make an appointment at no charge, no matter where your taillamps were purchased. Its our way of saying thanks, and allowing those looking for an experienced programming facility to suit their needs.

Without you - these types of projects would not have been possible.

[southlight]

The YT video is private and thus not working (at least for me).


Best regards,
south

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by southlight

The YT video is private and thus not working (at least for me).


Best regards,
south

Thanks for the heads up, video is now public.

[southlight]

Yep, thanks.


Best regards,
south

[alpina527]

It seems the Euro versions FRM2 module can't be coded by Autologic. My software has been going backward and forward to their head office and they can't get it to code. They confirmed they have no problems with the US version though.

I have ordered a new FRM3 module for fitting on Monday

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by alpina527

It seems the Euro versions FRM2 module can't be coded by Autologic. My software has been going backward and forward to their head office and they can't get it to code. They confirmed they have no problems with the US version though.

I have ordered a new FRM3 module for fitting on Monday

I've been hearing this as well, it seems to be only a recent issue on EU FRM2 equipped vehicles.

US vehicles do not suffer this issue, we're looking a bit more into it as to why.

[HsiangHsu]

how much installed?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by HsiangHsu

how much installed?

Since this is a technical thread, we cannot answer sales questions in this section. Please PM or email me directly if you have specific questions regarding ordering.

For those looking for assistance in their LCI retrofits, feel free to post in here or contact me directly.

[tha_good_life]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just an update to this old post. I installed the LCI lights on my 2010 car last June. I then took the ride down to see Tom at EAS to code the lights to the car. They worked great until I took my car in for the annual low mileage service last week. After the dealer did the latest software update to my car (DCT), the car now shows a right and left brake light malfunction. The lights also flicker when the ignition is turned on. Yet the turn signals still work at the normal flash rate. Before coding by Tom, the LCI lights would make the turn signals flash real fast.

So after showing the service manager the problem, he had the tech try to solve it, but now they have to order a new footwell module (FRM). According to Tom at EAS, my car already had the FRM3 so who knows what happened.

So now I'll have to see what the result is after they install the new FRM3 and program it to the car. I hope it solves the flickering and malfunction warning otherwise I guess I'll be making the long trip to EAS and back.

Tom at EAS has been great. He said he will just code the lights again if needed.

hmmmm... interesting

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

So after showing the service manager the problem, he had the tech try to solve it, but now they have to order a new footwell module (FRM). According to Tom at EAS, my car already had the FRM3 so who knows what happened.

So now I'll have to see what the result is after they install the new FRM3 and program it to the car. I hope it solves the flickering and malfunction warning otherwise I guess I'll be making the long trip to EAS and back.

The FRM plus coding will not be cheap. Doesn't sound like that is your issue. Hopefully, they won't charge you if the module does not solve it. I found a local shop to code mine iwth Autologic. Most dealers are not mod-saavy and only go by what their computer tells them for your particular car.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just an update on the FRM3 changeout by dealer. At first, as expected, after installation of the new FRM3, the car still showed a brake light malfunction. Lights also flickered when ignition was turned on. I then mentioned that the tech might look into the choices he can make during the process and after about 15 minutes, the dealer was able to code out the bulb check on my car. He said it offered a choice of aftermarket/retrofit rear lights. That did the trick. So if anyone else runs into the same problem, the BMW dealers do have the capability to code the LCI tail lights to pre LCI cars.

Just got your email - thanks for the update!

[tha_good_life]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just an update on the FRM3 changeout by dealer. At first, as expected, after installation of the new FRM3, the car still showed a brake light malfunction. Lights also flickered when ignition was turned on. I then mentioned that the tech might look into the choices he can make during the process and after about 15 minutes, the dealer was able to code out the bulb check on my car. He said it offered a choice of aftermarket/retrofit rear lights. That did the trick. So if anyone else runs into the same problem, the BMW dealers do have the capability to code the LCI tail lights to pre LCI cars.

Do you know if they used Autologic? I'm asking my tech at BMW and he said they don't use Autologic.

[aacabriolet]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Just an update on the FRM3 changeout by dealer. At first, as expected, after installation of the new FRM3, the car still showed a brake light malfunction. Lights also flickered when ignition was turned on. I then mentioned that the tech might look into the choices he can make during the process and after about 15 minutes, the dealer was able to code out the bulb check on my car. He said it offered a choice of aftermarket/retrofit rear lights. That did the trick. So if anyone else runs into the same problem, the BMW dealers do have the capability to code the LCI tail lights to pre LCI cars.

@tom - was this necessary to upgrade to FRM3 considering you guys can now code FRM2 modules for LCI tail lights as in your post above?

[tom @ eas]

Had a couple of inquiries on LCI Taillight upgrade procedures, bringing this back from the archives.

[BIU]

EU 2008/JUN build date E90

Santa gave me an early present as I was able to source a LCI trunk and tailight set from a wrecked E90 328

From my understanding of this thread everything is plug and play and all I'll be needing is the correct coding? (Does not concern FRM2/FRM3?)

Thanks in advance

[katchup]

How do we get them coded if we dont live near you?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by katchup

How do we get them coded if we dont live near you?

Contact www.autologic.us and provide your location and they can locate a programming facility near you.

[Boostin FD]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Contact www.autologic.us and provide your location and they can locate a programming facility near you.

Tom, can you clarify something for me?
I have 09 e92 M3... If everything is plug and play, and the only reason I need coding is to remove bulb check and the errors on idrive, what's the whole deal with FRM2 and 3? Do I need newer one or not?

Thanks.

[justin_bmw]

Hate to bring a old thread back but just curious how long can I drive without coding?
The shop I'm going to be bringing it to is booked up and wont get me in for over a week.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by justin_bmw

Hate to bring a old thread back but just curious how long can I drive without coding?
The shop I'm going to be bringing it to is booked up and wont get me in for over a week.

Lights are still functional, you're ok to drive. There will be a little intermittent flickering until the coding takes place, but will not cause any harm.