[Littlebear]

Hello BMW Experts!

I have a 2017 330i, with the sad halogen headlights. I would like to drop in some OEM BMW LED headlights (Regular, not adaptive), but haven't seen much info on this particular switch.

Is this as easy as changing the lights (yes, drop bumper), & changing some coding?
Are there certain 3-series years lights I have to use?
Is there a 'harness' change?
Is there a really really good write-up or YouTube on this?

TIA! Murf

[drivethrurecfan]

Subscribing, also interested

[pltek]

you might want to reach out to bimmertech, they can probably figure out what it would take for you to swap these out, from phisical wiring changes to any required coding.

[bimmer456]

The LED headlights look cool but they are not very bright. The adaptive LED lights are brighter. If you get non adaptive you may want to code them for Euro spec as that is brighter. Looking to have mine done. Also see about getting the LED fog lights as these help illuminate the road better.

[MSCD]

Where are you getting hold of OEM ones?

[MSCD]

Also I contacted Brian at Bimmertech, very helpful. I haven't pulled the trigger yet!

[Littlebear]

Hello BMW Experts!
I haven't gotten the parts yet & my knowledge is sketchy, but I think you need a wiring harness to attach the lamps. Then you need some coding to make them behave right.
Optional seems to be the leveling function, which can be bypassed with coding. Otherwise you need level sensors (I think frnt & rr, ~ $200.), and the wiring harnesses for them. There are instructions for running the wiring out there on the innernet....
There is a person selling the harnesses & coding (here or on Bimmerfest), and the main harness might be on Ebay.
It's been very cold here lately, so I haven't really even thought about getting this going yet. Pls keep posting!

Murf

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

The LED headlights look cool but they are not very bright. The adaptive LED lights are brighter.

There is another thread from late last year with specs from NHSI showing that the non-adaptive BMW F30 LEDs are actually worse in light output than the BMW Halogens, regardless of what some other forum members have claimed and posted.

Even the Adaptives were only rated Acceptable, not Good (the best rating).

HID Xenons may not be fashionable but they still rule.

[brandmaster]

Any update on this thread?

[Littlebear]

I have my wiring harness on order, but it isn't here yet. When that gets here, I only need a warm day, maybe a garage....
I have non-adaptable LEDs, so don't have to install the leveling sensors.

What I would like to know is, if I put the LED lights in & then can't get the proper coding immediately, what will my headlights do until then?

Murf

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by Littlebear

What I would like to know is, if I put the LED lights in & then can't get the proper coding immediately, what will my headlights do until then?

Won’t be anything good.

[Littlebear]

Thanks IK!

Murf

[Sanelko]

Originally Posted by Littlebear

I have my wiring harness on order, but it isn't here yet. When that gets here, I only need a warm day, maybe a garage....
I have non-adaptable LEDs, so don't have to install the leveling sensors.

What I would like to know is, if I put the LED lights in & then can't get the proper coding immediately, what will my headlights do until then?

Murf

I've done this retrofit. I can't recall how they behaved, but it definitely wasn't right. You DO need to retrofit the auto-leveling sensors - they cannot be disabled via coding. You will constantly get a vertical aim failure on your cluster otherwise and, obviously, the auto-leveling won't work.

[Littlebear]

Originally Posted by Sanelko

.... You will constantly get a vertical aim failure on your cluster otherwise and, obviously, the auto-leveling won't work.

But I'm not putting in the auto-leveling "adaptive" LED headlights, so why would the leveling sensors be needed?

Murf

[Sanelko]

I have the non-adaptive as well. Both versions have vertical aim control, achieved through a front and rear level sensor. Adaptive just have horizontal control on top of that.

[Hawkman599]

I have a 2014 328i. If I understand correctly I can up grade my car to the adaptive lights and install a sensor and a control?

[Littlebear]

Originally Posted by Sanelko

I have the non-adaptive as well. Both versions have vertical aim control, achieved through a front and rear level sensor. Adaptive just have horizontal control on top of that.

Thanks Sanelko,
BMWOem has the leveling sensors "system" listed two ways:

rear axle: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=33_1614
i For vehicles with
Xenon Light S522A=Yes
or
Adaptive LED headlight S552A=Yes
or
LED headlight S5A2A=Yes

front axle: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0948
i For vehicles with
Xenon Light S522A=Yes
or
Adaptive LED headlight S552A=Yes
or
Driving Assistant S5ASA=Yes

Both pages (listings) describe the same front & rear system, but only the rear listing saying needed for plain LED headlights.
I think this adds ~ $400. to the project in wire loom, sensors & brackets.

Plus more work. I might wait till spring.

Murf

[crimson_king]

check out my post, it may help answer your questions:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ght=fog+lights

Also, I am planning to convert fogs to 3000k LEDs and the front and rear signals to amber LEDs so subscribe and stay tuned

[Jhnblckwood]

I'm about to do this retrofit. I have the lights and all modules. Just study the wiring diagram on ista. U CAN code out the errors if u don't install the sensors, someone on this forum has done so. Check this out to get u started.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/att...7&d=1490600365

[vooonoo]

Originally Posted by crimson_king

check out my post, it may help answer your questions:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ght=fog+lights

Also, I am planning to convert fogs to 3000k LEDs and the front and rear signals to amber LEDs so subscribe and stay tuned

This isn't what they're talking about, they're talking about the LED housing, a whole different assembly not putting leds in the reflectors

[crimson_king]

Wow this seems like a lot of work for just lights.. Why not go with depo lights? What am I missing

[illusionx]

im also considering this for my 15 328i. would love to know price estimates.