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06 M5 pre to LCI....

32K views 76 replies 22 participants last post by  stel_i79 
#1 ·
Short of the healight and tails lights, what else is needed? Also, I see I need it recoded....like the euro code? Trying to get my ducks in a row.
 
#2 ·
You will need a new light control module, the LM2, which requires coding to your VIN in order to work properly. BMW also sells an OEM wiring harness kit for the LCI headlights and tail lights that you can install, so that you don't have to waste gobs of time modifying the existing pin connectors. Good luck, it is a good upgrade. I've had it done on my M5 already. The LCI lights look way better than pre-LCI in my opinion.
 
#27 ·
Hello <!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->OzMosis<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


Thanks for the post.


I am also planning to upgrade my 06 to LCI headlights, I have found the headlights, but was concerned about the LCM, I read somewhere (5series.net) if you car 06 and above move the LCM doesn't need replacement? Any how if I replace it with 09 M5 LCM, (its been removed from a working 09 m5) would it still need programming to my VIN? - Also if you could let me know where is the LCM located on the car?


Many thanks
 
#4 ·
interior trim is different.
 
#5 ·
Why would interior trim be different?
 
#6 ·
Because it is...notable areas are the doors and center console. But I don't expect you to really convert the trim from pre-LCI to LCI unless you really hate the pre-LCI. Some quick Google image searches...

Pre-LCI center console


LCI center console


Pre-LCI door trim


LCI door trim
 
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#7 ·
FWIW. I woudn't expect anyone to fully convert their interior from pre-lci to lci. Just seems silly if you ask me. But, converting to lci head/tail lights, that's a different story, and worth every penny.

Dan
 
#8 ·
It's worth it. I love the pocket on my driver's door which is a perfect fit for my iPhone lol
 
#10 ·
Yes, sorry..just doing headlight and tail light...ahold of been more clear.
 
#11 ·
Who would be a proper coder (I assume there are MANY on here) to take care of my LCI coding request?
 
#12 ·
Do you have an OBD cable?

You only need ncsexpert, just add +MUEB to the VO and default code the LM2. This assume's you're going to wire the taillights correctly as per the OEM instructions attached (requires two wires to be run from the back all the way to the light module which lives near the gas pedal).

If you don't want to run the wires there is another way of doing it, though it requires custom wiring and custom coding to work.

Also, PM me your VIN so I can check - you might not need an LM2...
 

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#18 ·
Well BMW don't make retrofit cables for the headlights, they just supply the lci plugs and pins. We're supposed to chop off the old connectors, strip 24 wires, crimp on new pins, insert into new plugs and connect it to headlights, apparently that's what "retrofit cable" means to BMW, which looks like this.
The hardest part for anyone who doesn't have the right tool (~$700!) are the crimps. Cowboys will try to "crimp" the wires by squeezing it with pliers but the wires aren't securely fixed in place with this method. Also using pliers makes the crimps get out of shape which can make it difficult to insert into the plugs... and there aren't any spare pins in the kit, so be careful when doing it. Luckily I knew someone that can get hold of the tool from where he works.
N.B. if doing the above, take regular breaks - bending over the car for 3 hours will break your knees!

Thanks for the info, BUT I already have LM2 module installed for a long time (so I could enable angel eyes on pre LCI car) and run them currently with DEPO tails on LM2 modules w/o any issues.

So, I would assume that I can just run LCI headlights with DEPO lights rt?

Lci heads and pre lci tails can be done with 0 risk. In fact I'm in the middle of making pre lci xenon to lci xenon headlight cables to do the exact same thing on an M5 with pre lci tails. Making cables because I've done it manually once... never going to do that again - even though I had the right crimp tool! I'd love to make them plug and play... but all lci xenons need coding!
 
#14 ·
doing this upgrade soon as well on my personal car.


ive done it a few times for customer cars....its not too hard to complete with the DIY (thanks LCM for sharing the pdf again btw) but make sure you know what your doing when it comes to the pins and the LM2 module coding...dont do more harm than good haha
 
#15 ·
I read that PDF.

If I have DEPO rear LED lights and just want to upgrade the headlights to LCI and already have the LCM 2 module, then all I need are the LCI headlights and the retrofit cables right? It should be:

1. remove old headlights.
2. add new headlights (with angel eyes etc if I want them) with retrofit cable.
3. Code.

Done?
 
#16 ·
you need OEM LCI tails. those DEPO lights are wired wrong for this application. the DEPO lights are for pre-LCI cars with a different connector and wiring solution. if you keep those and complete this retrofit with the wrong tails im 99.99% sure that either they wont work or you will fry the LM2 and/or the DEPO lights.

i would sell the DEPO lights and buy OEM LCI tails to do this properly.


also in your steps outlined below, you need to install the LM2 module and wire it accordingly THEN code it...
 
#23 ·
sounds like you want to do this your own way and tread new water....good luck. you asked how it should be done...im giving you the facts. i cant fathom doing a full LCI upgrade and keeping pre-LCI wired/designed aftermarket tails to save money. you'd have to rewire it all to make it work properly and send the proper signals to avoid errors or burning out the connections as too much voltage would be sent via the wrong wires....sounds like a headache waiting to happen with burnt our modules/bulbs/lights/relays....but good luck....anything is possible given enough time and enough money in the budget.
 
#37 ·
No, pre crimped cables wouldn't work since both sides need crimping – if they’re crimped on both ends they’re useless as they won't fit through the connector - the wire needs to be fed through first and then crimped, so only the harness as a whole can be supplied.
With the harness it only takes ~20 mins to fit and code the headlights. The added benefit is that the retrofit can easily be reversed if the old headlights are refitted (e.g. when selling the car) as the OEM connectors don’t need to be chopped off.
The finished headlight retrofit harness would be a bit like this: BMW E60 5 Series LCI Headlights Retrofit Kit Cables No Headlamps Included | eBay . I did message him asking for pre lci xenon to lci xenon cables for the LCI xenon headlight retrofit I’ve been asked to do, he replied saying I should use his cables to fit LCI halogens and put a HID kit in it! Now you know why I had to start making my own cables haha! :grin

You can buy a crimp tool from eBay for £10, works fine.. I soldered mine as well just to be sure..
Hahaha, I remember doing the same, first poorly crimping them, then soldering just in case, back was aching for days after that!
No way, what crimp tool is that? Are you sure it was the right one, as a correctly crimped crimp is so strong it would never need soldering - just like the ones to the right in the above picture, they're never going to come off no matter how hard it’s yanked..


ODBC cable ordered
software ready to code
awaiting headlight/tails/LM2 to arrive

From what I read, a battery charger is not required, just run the car, for non ECU code changes...noted this from bimmerfest thread.
Coding is a quick job so no need for charger :) . Also here in the UK the key just needs to be in position I, but once I was remote coding a Canadian E60 whose LCM wouldn't code unless the key in position II !!


Hi OzMosis
The post is insightful. I am also planning to upgrade my 06 to LCI headlights, I have found the headlights, but was concerned about the LCM, I read somewhere (5series.net) if you car 06 and above move the LCM doesn't need replacement? Any how if I replace it with 09 M5 LCM, (its been removed from a working 09 m5) would it still need programming to my VIN? - where can I get this programming, I don't want to go to the dealer, Also if you could let me know where is the LCM located on the car?

Many thanks
Hi, Please if you M5 is 06 model.. Thanks
If you send me your VIN I can check. Basically Late 06 models don’t need a new LM. LM is located above the gas pedal, behind the plastic cover. If the optional extras on both cars are the same then the 09 M5 LCM for the most part would work, if something doesn’t work it’ll be a minor thing -this is assuming both head and tail lights are going to be fitted & wired according to the pdf.



my production year is a late model 2006
when i did the conversion all I bought was the lights and the wiring kit. After the wiring was completed i plugged the lights in and everything turned on and functioned without any issues. I did not have to change my LCM or get any extra coding done.
When i originally was having the conversion done i purchased the headlights, lcm, and wiring kit from bmw. A tech from bmw was the one who informed me i did not have to worry about the lcm. I'm not here to give people the wrong information i'm sharing my experience. I'ts been a year and I've still haven't had any issues.
As above… if yours is a late 06 model then an LM2 would already be there. If non stock sidelight bulbs were used they would have worked without coding, the only thing iffy with no coding would be the cornering lights - this partly depends on the stock DRL option as I saw some with different DRLs on pre lci cars when I was in the US (maybe they’d been coded to be different, no way of knowing!).



According to the install guide posted earlier in this thread it showed the only new harness available in the upgrade kit was for the taillights. The kit included new connectors for the headlights that you still had to swap the original harness pins into. Is that not correct?
Yup that’s correct, the upgrade “kit” actually has no wiring harness for the headlights… it had to be done manually which me and dskdan and me both did originally. Don’t know about dskdan but it’s definitely not something I’d want to do again, hence the reason for making this harness for pre lci adaptives to lci adaptives:










sounds like you want to do this your own way and tread new water....good luck. you asked how it should be done… i'm giving you the facts. i cant fathom doing a full LCI upgrade and keeping pre-LCI wired/designed aftermarket tails to save money. you'd have to rewire it all to make it work properly and send the proper signals to avoid errors or burning out the connections as too much voltage would be sent via the wrong wires....sounds like a headache waiting to happen with burnt out modules/bulbs/lights/relays....but good luck....anything is possible given enough time and enough money in the budget.
you are sending the improper amount of voltage through your system. overtime your headlight internals will melt and short out. its only a matter of time. the LM2 module and coding literally tells the vehicle how to properly send power to each component of your lights. its not something that you just split wires and plug in....this isnt a honda...its an overly engineered & complex luxury sedan...but its your car and do as you choose...just dont pass on misinformation to others. LCI retrofits have been done on this platform for years and years...and now we have a thread where people are informing others incorrectly....thats not what this forum is for.


i have no vested interest either way...hack ur sh!t up if you like i guess...
ok cool.

you and your tech are the only people on the planet to do an LCI retrofit w/o LM2 module, no coding and its all plug & play. thats sensational. everyone else just likes doing it the hard way because fun.
^ Depending on the lights he bought and what bulbs were used this can actually work! But that’s another topic for another time. There’s no point dissecting all the incorrect points above for the sake of proving one person wrong… I know you said you’re mentioning “facts”, but would you agree a summary of the above is “follow the pdf exactly, anything that deviates from it will fry the LM, relays, lights, bulbs, headlights, wires and anything else related to it”?

I want to make sure no one’s put off upgrading only the headlights, so I’ll mention a few “facts” that I have learned first hand:

There are a grand total of 0 relays used for exterior lighting, therefore no relays can be burned. All bulbs are rated at 12V, the LM supplies a max of 14V, 14V can’t burn out a 12V bulb - the absolute worst case regarding “voltages, power, signals, components, wires” and whatever else mentioned above, is a bulb being on all the time; related to this, the only thing that can melt from a bulb being on constantly is the plastic cornering light lens… of course after the upgrade, the car owner will obviously check that all light bulbs are working correctly, switch on when they are meant to, and aren’t on 100% of the time.
None of the wires will melt from a poor retrofit (there is an issue where the sheathing of wires inside headlights can crumble, this is due to the car residing in a hot climate location months on end).
I hope whoever reads this and is thinking about doing the retrofit properly... ignores this thread lol
I hope whoever reads this and is thinking about doing the retrofit properly... properly researches what is and isn't possible! :) I chose the username (Light Control Module) for a reason! :smile

 
#20 ·
You can buy a crimp tool from eBay for £10, works fine.. I soldered mine as well just to be sure..
If you do buy the official retrofit rear cable, just make sure the rear light wires are correct.
Mine came from bmw with two wires swapped!..
Once you plug them in just check the colour of the wires match up.
Running the wires from rear to the front is fairly easy too.
 
#22 ·
I have an installer that has the crimp tool! I am going to get some LCIs, angel eyes, and get rid of amber bulb. He's gonna install and code and leave my DEPO lights on. Ahhhhh finally I will have the car that I want (CIC retrofit done too!). Next year, rod bearings as preventive measure.
 
#24 ·
ODBC cable ordered
software ready to code
awaiting headlight/tails/LM2 to arrive

From what I read, a battery charger is not required, just run the car, for non ECU code changes...noted this from bimmerfest thread.
 
#26 ·
Lol there's is much misinformation in this thread. Any hack job can be done for cheap...but when the lights burn out or the lm2 module fries then you're going to spend more money fixing things than you would have spent doing it correctly the first time.

I hope whoever reads this and is thinking about doing the retrofit properly...ignores this thread lol
 
#28 ·
Hi <!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->OzMosis<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


The post is insightful. I am also planning to upgrade my 06 to LCI headlights, I have found the headlights, but was concerned about the LCM, I read somewhere (5series.net) if you car 06 and above move the LCM doesn't need replacement? Any how if I replace it with 09 M5 LCM, (its been removed from a working 09 m5) would it still need programming to my VIN? - where can I get this programming, I don't want to go to the dealer, Also if you could let me know where is the LCM located on the car?


Many thanks
 
#29 · (Edited)
According to the install guide posted earlier in this thread it showed the only new harness available in the upgrade kit was for the taillights. The kit included new connectors for the headlights that you still had to swap the original harness pins into. Is that not correct?
 
#33 · (Edited)
you are sending the improper amount of voltage through your system. overtime your headlight internals will melt and short out. its only a matter of time. the LM2 module and coding literally tells the vehicle how to properly send power to each component of your lights. its not something that you just split wires and plug in....this isnt a honda...its an overly engineered & complex luxury sedan...but its your car and do as you choose...just dont pass on misinformation to others. LCI retrofits have been done on this platform for years and years...and now we have a thread where people are informing others incorrectly....thats not what this forum is for.


i have no vested interest either way...hack ur sh!t up if you like i guess...
 
#32 ·
Whats your car production year? mine is euro 07/2005. You can check on realoem.com by putting your last 7 digits of vin.
I'm not sure if I can have same seemless upgrade like yours. Pls confirm production year of your car. This would help !

Thanks

Many thanks
 
#34 ·
When i originally was having the conversion done i purchased the headlights, lcm, and wiring kit from bmw. A tech from bmw was the one who informed me i did not have to worry about the lcm. I'm not here to give people the wrong information i'm sharing my experience. I'ts been a year and I've still haven't had any issues.
 
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