DIY Complete Guide to full LED bulb swap for the F30s with halogen headlights

jeimon · 05-05-2018, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

No. If you do you'll screw up the beam pattern.

Thanks!

drewkelly · 05-07-2018, 06:50 AM

Sorry for my ignorance...hoping someone can help me out. Your price list is:

Pricing:
$22.50 - Low beam LEDs
$9.29 - Parking lights LEDs
$8.29 - DRLs LEDs
$28.68 - Vgate WiFi Adapter
$35.00 - BimmerCode App
Total: $103.76

I have a OBD cable + E-Sys and have coded successfully.

With that said, do I need the Vgate + BimmerCode App? Or, can I do everything I need to do on E-Sys? If that's the case, I can upgrade to LEDs for around $40? That's a no-brainer...

Billfitz · 05-07-2018, 07:22 AM

If you have E-Sys you don't need bimmercode or any other coding tools. They all do the same thing. You will want to go LED high beams and fogs if you have them as well, you won't be satisfied with halogens after seeing the improvement with the low beams. I went LED for the brake and rear turn signals as well, in part after seeing problems some have had with connectors over heating and burning out. The 90% reduction in current draw with LED should prevent that.

jeimon · 05-09-2018, 09:04 PM

Hi Guys, I followed crimson instructions and got everything but run into an issue:

I have a 2017 X3 with Halogen lights. I'm trying to change to LED and when trying to code with bimmercode I'm not getting the bulb change or cold/warm options on the app (using iphone).

First of, there is no "FEM" option, the lighting options are in "Footwell Module" section. And once there what I get is the "Angel Eyes brightness" option. It seems to me that this car came from factory with Angel Eyes lights and was later fit with Halogen headlights.

Is there a way to code back to non-Angel Eyes headlights?

Please help, I changed bulbs successfully but getting the DRL and Low Beam bulb malfunctioning message.

I will go and look/learn coding. Just please point me in the right direction or tell me If what I'm trying to do is even possible.

Please!

Billfitz · 05-09-2018, 09:56 PM

Try posting in the coding forum. The coding experts will see it there, probably not here.

IK6SPEED · 05-09-2018, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeimon

Hi Guys, I followed crimson instructions and got everything but run into an issue:

I have a 2017 X3 with Halogen lights. I'm trying to change to LED and when trying to code with bimmercode I'm not getting the bulb change or cold/warm options on the app (using iphone).

First of, there is no "FEM" option, the lighting options are in "Footwell Module" section. And once there what I get is the "Angel Eyes brightness" option. It seems to me that this car came from factory with Angel Eyes lights and was later fit with Halogen headlights.

Is there a way to code back to non-Angel Eyes headlights?

Please help, I changed bulbs successfully but getting the DRL and Low Beam bulb malfunctioning message.

I will go and look/learn coding. Just please point me in the right direction or tell me If what I'm trying to do is even possible.

Please!

Bimmercode is a “cheat sheet”. A predetermined list of the most common coding options in a simple menu form. It’s a microwave dinner instead of a legit home cooked meal.

It will let you change a few of the most common things.

However, you do not go to a storefront walk-in clinic when you need heart surgery or something more complicated than a stitch or a flu shot.

If you want to be able to do all coding needed for projects like this, you need a real coding solution. Not bimmercode.

jeimon · 05-09-2018, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Bimmercode is a “cheat sheet”. A predetermined list of the most common coding options in a simple menu form. It’s a microwave dinner instead of a legit home cooked meal.

It will let you change a few of the most common things.

However, you do not go to a storefront walk-in clinic when you need heart surgery or something more complicated than a stitch or a flu shot.

If you want to be able to do all coding needed for projects like this, you need a real coding solution. Not bimmercode.

I hear ya IK6SPEED, and appreciate your response. But I see Bimmercode has the "expert mode" with all kinds of options. I just don't know how to use them. You are telling me that even there, there is no solution to my issue? Anywhere to learn/look for what those expert modes options can do?

crimson_king · 05-12-2018, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeimon

I hear ya IK6SPEED, and appreciate your response. But I see Bimmercode has the "expert mode" with all kinds of options. I just don't know how to use them. You are telling me that even there, there is no solution to my issue? Anywhere to learn/look for what those expert modes options can do?

You can try emailing the Bimmercode developer or searching in the X3 forums for codes from people with experience. Someone must know if an option exists within Bimmercode or the developer can add it in for you in the next update if yo ask nicely

Billfitz · 05-12-2018, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_king

You can try emailing the Bimmercode developer or searching in the X3 forums for codes from people with experience.

+1. You really need to be in the F25 forum for F25 questions. For instance:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1452617

hakisalapaki · 05-15-2018, 05:33 AM

i am not happy with the cutoff line..

Billfitz · 05-15-2018, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hakisalapaki

i am not happy with the cutoff line..

If you don't tell people which bulbs gave you that result it's not helpful.

andyt26 · 05-19-2018, 07:51 PM

Do the parking light LED’s require coding?

crimson_king · 05-19-2018, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt26

Do the parking light LED’s require coding?

Yes, "position lights" in my pics from bimmercode

AndrewC1989 · 05-20-2018, 01:27 PM

Very nice OP but what about the highbeams and fogs though?

crimson_king · 05-20-2018, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewc89

Very nice OP but what about the highbeams and fogs though?

I'm going to buy and post about the fogs and front and rear turn signals as well, probably not going to change out the highs as I never use them

AndrewC1989 · 05-20-2018, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_king

I'm going to buy and post about the fogs and front and rear turn signals as well, probably not going to change out the highs as I never use them

Is there a list of every bulb type used in the front and rear that you know of by any chance?

I'd like to choose the brands and bulbs myself, I'm just not sure what kinds of bulbs are needed in each section.

crimson_king · 05-20-2018, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewc89

Is there a list of every bulb type used in the front and rear that you know of by any chance?

I'd like to choose the brands and bulbs myself, I'm just not sure what kinds of bulbs are needed in each section.

https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/apps/vlrg-us/Vlrg/

sspade · 05-20-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewc89

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_king

I'm going to buy and post about the fogs and front and rear turn signals as well, probably not going to change out the highs as I never use them

Is there a list of every bulb type used in the front and rear that you know of by any chance?

I'd like to choose the brands and bulbs myself, I'm just not sure what kinds of bulbs are needed in each section.

^

andyt26 · 05-21-2018, 04:19 PM

Whoever has Bimmercode can you tell me if there are cold and warm check options for turn signal bulbs? Looking to replace mine with some brighter LED’s and need to know if there’s an option to code those checks out in case they cause flickering.

crimson_king · 05-21-2018, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt26

Whoever has Bimmercode can you tell me if there are cold and warm check options for turn signal bulbs? Looking to replace mine with some brighter LED’s and need to know if there’s an option to code those checks out in case they cause flickering.

Yes there is an option for cold/warm checks. Please see my guide/first post for photos of bimmercode - same options for turn signals too

andyt26 · 05-21-2018, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimson_king

Yes there is an option for cold/warm checks. Please see my guide/first post for photos of bimmercode - same options for turn signals too

Thanks bro. I had someone code my LED’s for me last time but I want to start learning how to do it myself. Ordered the device on amazon waiting for it to get here Wednesday.

CDJohn1223 · 05-22-2018, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt26

Whoever has Bimmercode can you tell me if there are cold and warm check options for turn signal bulbs? Looking to replace mine with some brighter LED’s and need to know if there’s an option to code those checks out in case they cause flickering.

Just did my front turn signals this past weekend. Changed bulb type to LED and turned off the warm/cold checks. Works great.

05-07-2018, 06:50 AM	#46
drewkelly Enlisted Member 3 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive, 2017 X5 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Selinsgrove, PA iTrader: (0)	Sorry for my ignorance...hoping someone can help me out. Your price list is: Pricing: $22.50 - Low beam LEDs $9.29 - Parking lights LEDs $8.29 - DRLs LEDs $28.68 - Vgate WiFi Adapter $35.00 - BimmerCode App Total: $103.76 I have a OBD cable + E-Sys and have coded successfully. With that said, do I need the Vgate + BimmerCode App? Or, can I do everything I need to do on E-Sys? If that's the case, I can upgrade to LEDs for around $40? That's a no-brainer...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-07-2018, 07:22 AM	#47
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If you have E-Sys you don't need bimmercode or any other coding tools. They all do the same thing. You will want to go LED high beams and fogs if you have them as well, you won't be satisfied with halogens after seeing the improvement with the low beams. I went LED for the brake and rear turn signals as well, in part after seeing problems some have had with connectors over heating and burning out. The 90% reduction in current draw with LED should prevent that.
	Appreciate 2 drewkelly2.50 crimson_king36.50 Quote

05-09-2018, 09:04 PM	#48
jeimon New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 (F25) Join Date: May 2018 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	No FEM/Bulb change option on Bimmercode app Hi Guys, I followed crimson instructions and got everything but run into an issue: I have a 2017 X3 with Halogen lights. I'm trying to change to LED and when trying to code with bimmercode I'm not getting the bulb change or cold/warm options on the app (using iphone). First of, there is no "FEM" option, the lighting options are in "Footwell Module" section. And once there what I get is the "Angel Eyes brightness" option. It seems to me that this car came from factory with Angel Eyes lights and was later fit with Halogen headlights. Is there a way to code back to non-Angel Eyes headlights? Please help, I changed bulbs successfully but getting the DRL and Low Beam bulb malfunctioning message. I will go and look/learn coding. Just please point me in the right direction or tell me If what I'm trying to do is even possible. Please!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2018, 09:56 PM	#49
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Try posting in the coding forum. The coding experts will see it there, probably not here.
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05-15-2018, 05:33 AM	#54
hakisalapaki Private 12 Rep 50 Posts Drives: BW 2012 F30 Join Date: May 2016 Location: istanbul iTrader: (0)	i am not happy with the cutoff line.. Attached Images
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05-19-2018, 07:51 PM	#56
andyt26 Private 6 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Msport Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Do the parking light LED’s require coding?
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05-20-2018, 01:27 PM	#58
AndrewC1989 Brigadier General 10911 Rep 4,541 Posts Drives: 2015 328d xDrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NoVA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 328d xDrive [8.75]	Very nice OP but what about the highbeams and fogs though?
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05-21-2018, 04:19 PM	#63
andyt26 Private 6 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Msport Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Whoever has Bimmercode can you tell me if there are cold and warm check options for turn signal bulbs? Looking to replace mine with some brighter LED’s and need to know if there’s an option to code those checks out in case they cause flickering.
	Appreciate 0 Quote