Is a new LCM required to fit OEM Xenons?

[jamesgarbett]

Want to change from halogen to xenon on a facelift Z4

Presumably the beam height adjuster becomes redundant with xenons?

Or is a new LCM required for other reasons?

Thanks

 

[RichardG]

That is just the start.
You will also need at the very least to be legal after the conversion.
Headlamp washers if not already fitted.
Front and rear level sensors.
Ballasts / Igniters for the Xenons.
And obviously any missing wiring / cabling.
Not sure what else you will need if anything just to do the conversion.

 

[jamesgarbett]

Thanks Richard - got all the other bits except for washers and LCM

Was hoping I could get away with having the LCM reprogrammed

Why do I need washers to be legal?

 

[RichardG]

Because some halfwit at the DOT says so, beyond that no idea.

 

[Daffy]

You can have your original LCM flashed (the adjuster will cease to function) for Bi-Xenons. I'm currently in the process of doing this for an E46 Touring. I've got a SH Xenon LCM, but it will still need flashed as it also stores the cars mileage and so will activate the anti-tamper warning of not swapped at the dealers.

It's a right pain in the arse as the you have to drive to the dealership with everything but the LCM in place, and the dash lit up like a Baboons backside and the pay them to code and fit an LCM.

 

[jamesgarbett]

Thanks - the idea is sounding less and less attractive!

Especially if there is a chance of MOT failure with no washers - which I definitely won't be fitting

 

[peddy]

Or do it at an indy for about £40... http://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8672&hilit=xenon+retrofit

 

[RichIbizaSport]

Just to clear up some incorrect info.

It is NOT a legal requirement to have level sensors or washers. You won't fail an MOT. It's only if they're fitted and not working that you'll fail.

I stumbled upon the actual MOT regulations which came in to force in 2012. I'll try and find the link.

 

[RichIbizaSport]

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/doitonline/bl/mottestingmanualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm

download the pdf for private passenger.

Section 1.7

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system. Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given. Headlamp washers may work in conjunction with the windscreen washers (when the dipped beam headlamps are switched on) or by a separate switch.

 

[jamesgarbett]

Thanks Rich

Interesting - the DoT website would appear to contradict that by stating that aftermarket xenon systems must have washers and be self-levelling

 

[ranski]

Thanks Rich

Interesting - the DoT website would appear to contradict that by stating that aftermarket xenon systems must have washers and be self-levelling

+1

The driver for change is to stop retro fitted xenons


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RichIbizaSport]

I was fairly annoyed when I found out, I'd spent hundreds sourcing the parts to do it properly, to find out I could do the same with a £60 HID kit and be fine with the MOT. As luck would have it a member bought the parts off me before I found out.

I'd say the website is obviously trying to decrease the number of after market HID's fitted but I reckon they couldn't introduce in to the MOT because of the amount already in cars. Can you imagine how much uproar there would be if joe public bought a second hand car with them fitted, having no idea they're not standard, then forking out to put them right when it fails the MOT.

 

[andysat]

Sounds like a lot of work!

 

[peddy]

£60 HID's here I come!!... Unless I need to open up my headlights? ranski? :?

 

[ranski]

No mate, just buy the kit - all can be done from the access panel, although much easier with the wheel off



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk