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

[tom @ eas]

Here's some install shot of the VF Engineering Fighter Pilot M3 getting the LCI treatment:

[WCH]

Originally Posted by xsboost

Here are my actual european amber LCI tails sitting in the UK waiting to ship to me

Any pictures that show that amber turn signals?

[SCtud]

Originally Posted by WCH

Any pictures that show that amber turn signals?

+1 to that. Curious how they look through the red housing. I think the amber LEDs were shining through a clear portion of the housing on the E46. Would coding be any different for the amber version?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by SCtud

+1 to that. Curious how they look through the red housing. I think the amber LEDs were shining through a clear portion of the housing on the E46. Would coding be any different for the amber version?

Coding wouldn't be any different - only the actual LEDs are different within the taillamp assembly.

[GregW / Oregon]

I received my lights yesterday, and will install them Friday. I hope to have them coded at the beginning of next week. It's turning into an expensive project with the addition of the required (for my '08) module, but I still don't regret it. I typically keep my cars until the next model cycle, and it's nice to keep it "up to date". And the LEDs do look better and work better. I don't understand why BMW regressed from the end of th E46 model run to the E92 on the lights, unless it's just so they could offer this upgrade mid-cycle. Wierd.

[bunnn]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

I don't understand why BMW regressed from the end of th E46 model run to the E92 on the lights, unless it's just so they could offer this upgrade mid-cycle. Wierd.

But I thought the E92 Pre-LCI was already LED..just an LED bar. So this "upgrade" is just a refresher still.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by bunnn

But I thought the E92 Pre-LCI was already LED..just an LED bar. So this "upgrade" is just a refresher still.

The light bar is the "Celis" like design reminiscent of that of e39 5-series/M5 facelift back in 2001, with halogen blinkers and 1/2 Stage brakelights.

All lamps are LED on the LCI versions with exception the reverse lamp - which is still halogen.

[SCtud]

Can dealers tell if the FRM2 has been changed to FRM3? Does the Vehicle Order, build date and all that data transfer somehow to the new one?

xsboost, do you plan on buying the EAS harness? I'm hoping there are no wiring differences as I'd like to order the Euro version as well, which seems to be about $700 shipped + $89 for the EAS harness. I think I can live with the startup flicker unless it throws a code on the dash.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by SCtud

Can dealers tell if the FRM2 has been changed to FRM3? Does the Vehicle Order, build date and all that data transfer somehow to the new one?

xsboost, do you plan on buying the EAS harness? I'm hoping there are no wiring differences as I'd like to order the Euro version as well, which seems to be about $700 shipped + $89 for the EAS harness. I think I can live with the startup flicker unless it throws a code on the dash.

It wouldn't matter, you're simply replacing an old control module with a revised one. All info that was stored in the old module will be present in the new FRM3 when coded.

Bulb out errors will be present if the vehicle is not coded, the video in Post #1 shows pre and post coding behavior differences.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The light bar is the "Celis" like design reminiscent of that of e39 5-series/M5 facelift back in 2001, with halogen blinkers and 1/2 Stage brakelights.

All lamps are LED on the LCI versions with exception the reverse lamp - which is still halogen.

BMW made a big deal on the 2003.5 lights of how the LED brake indicators react so much more quickly, then the went back to conventional incandescents. That, plus the longer life, are big advantages for the LEDs. I hope they don't "regress" on the next model change.

[GregW / Oregon]

I installed my tail and trunk lights from EAS today. It's very strightforward; a 15-20-minute jub if you've done it before, but took me about 40. The mounting nuts, BTW, are 7mm for the tails and 10mm for the trunks. I will get the coding done Tuesday. I like the looks a lot, and they seem much brighter.

Does anyone know if the old lights have any resale value, other than for crash replacement? Are the early regular E92 lights different than the M3 ones?

[aajami]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

I installed my tail and trunk lights from EAS today. It's very strightforward; a 15-20-minute jub if you've done it before, but took me about 40. The mounting nuts, BTW, are 7mm for the tails and 10mm for the trunks. I will get the coding done Tuesday.

Does anyone know if the old lights have any resale value, other than for crash replacement? Are the early regular E92 lights different than the M3 ones?

They're the same. Just put them up for sale on e90post.com for cheap -- I'm sure they'll move.

[m328ci]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

If BulbCheck detects what it thinks is a malfunctioning bulb, it will trigger an error (BulbCheck doing its expected job) with the later builds seeming to be a bit more sensitive than earlier models from experience. I go more into detail about this in the post #1 of this thread.

ALL vehicles that have retrofitted lamps installed need coding to expect a 100% perfectly working system - I cannot be any clearer on this, this is a route most BMW electronics will be going.

As per the error messages, we reported this on e90Post back on 5/5:

Overview:
At this time, we have performed logging sessions on the following models:

2008 M3, iDrive equipped (eas project M3)
Notes: No errors, slight 1-2 second flickering upon ignition.
Build Date: 2/2008

2009 M3, iDrive equipped (reviewed above)
Build Date: 8/2009
Notes: Left brake lamp malfunction message, rapid turn signal operation, slight flickering upon ignition.

2010 M3, iDrive equipped (installed, not photo-documented)
Build Date: 10/2009
Notes: Numerous lamp malfunction messages only upon brake pedal/reverse gear combo application - messages autoclear when reverse is disengaged.
We go over the error messages discovered in this post:

link: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=151

I'm sorry it wasn't in M3post, there is a very gray area on what sponsors are permitted to post outside the vendor's sections - a reason why this needs to remain a technical-only thread.

MY car
2008 M3, iDrive equipped (EURO)
Build Date: 5/2008
Notes: Left brake lamp malfunction message, rapid turn signal operation, slight flickering upon ignition.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by m328ci

MY car
2008 M3, iDrive equipped (EURO)
Build Date: 5/2008
Notes: Left brake lamp malfunction message, rapid turn signal operation, slight flickering upon ignition.

My car:
2008 E92 M3 w/ iDrive
Build date: 1/2008
Notes: Left brake light, left and right turn signal malfunction warnings, rapid turn signal operation. Did not observe startup.

Getting coding done on Tuesday.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

My car:
2008 E92 M3 w/ iDrive
Build date: 1/2008
Notes: Left brake light, left and right turn signal malfunction warnings, rapid turn signal operation. Did not observe startup.

Getting coding done on Tuesday.

Originally Posted by m328ci

MY car
2008 M3, iDrive equipped (EURO)
Build Date: 5/2008
Notes: Left brake lamp malfunction message, rapid turn signal operation, slight flickering upon ignition.

Typical that of lamps without coding, some will have rapid flashing - some will not.

GregW / Oregon: Coding your new FRM3 should solve this.
m328ci: Please see if your autologic dealer can inform you with the coding index of your footwell module to determine if there are any differences between EU and US models.

[BobsM3Coupe]

I have seen plenty of the LCI tail lights which have the red LED turn signal.

Has anyone posted a photo of the LCI tail lights with the amber LED taillights?

[aajami]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I have seen plenty of the LCI tail lights which have the red LED turn signal.

Has anyone posted a photo of the LCI tail lights with the amber LED taillights?

They look exactly the same without the blinkers flashing. No one has posted video of an LCI E92 with its rear turn signals or hazards flashing that I've seen.

[m328ci]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Typical that of lamps without coding, some will have rapid flashing - some will not.

GregW / Oregon: Coding your new FRM3 should solve this.
m328ci: Please see if your autologic dealer can inform you with the coding index of your footwell module to determine if there are any differences between EU and US models.

Tom,
I replaced FRM3 all of autolgic coding for new module is done along with Rear E9x TAILLIGHTS selection performed. A lot of warning gone except Left brake lamp warning still shows.

[m328ci]

Originally Posted by m328ci

Tom,
I replaced FRM3 all of autolgic coding for new module is done along with Rear E9x TAILLIGHTS selection performed. A lot of warning gone except Left brake lamp warning still shows.

After program it for 2nd time, now it fixed

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by m328ci

Tom,
I replaced FRM3 all of autolgic coding for new module is done along with Rear E9x TAILLIGHTS selection performed. A lot of warning gone except Left brake lamp warning still shows.

Where is the FRM3 module located - under the driver's side dash? Mine goes in for coding tomorrow. First time this shop has done it, so hoping for the best. Hope it works - I can ignore the bulb out warning, but the rapid turn signal flashing is embarassing!

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Where is the FRM3 module located - under the driver's side dash? Mine goes in for coding tomorrow. First time this shop has done it, so hoping for the best.

The FRM is located under the glovebox, 2 torx screws are holding on the cover.

[Cloud]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The light bar is the "Celis" like design reminiscent of that of e39 5-series/M5 facelift back in 2001, with halogen blinkers and 1/2 Stage brakelights.

All lamps are LED on the LCI versions with exception the reverse lamp - which is still halogen.

so if the halogen reverse lamp goes out will there be a bulb error?