Thanks I will have a proper look over the weekend hopefully. Would be great to get this sorted.
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
2007 3.0si E86 Coupe - Carbon Black
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
The bottom photo shot of the road looks like the best lighting. Is that before or after the upgrade? (It says original photos, but just confirming.)
Current: 2005 Z4 2.5i: first time to own a BMW and loving it!
Previous: 2018 Chevy Volt / 2004 Acura RSX Type S / 1989 Acura Intergra RS / 1982 Ford Escort / 1968 VW Bus
Previous: 2018 Chevy Volt / 2004 Acura RSX Type S / 1989 Acura Intergra RS / 1982 Ford Escort / 1968 VW Bus
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
Does the original not have a clear lens because it became that way over time or are you saying it wasn't manufactured with a clear lens? I'm asking because I bought two used ones and one has a very clear xenon projector lens and other has a cloudy xenon projector lens.
Current: 2005 Z4 2.5i: first time to own a BMW and loving it!
Previous: 2018 Chevy Volt / 2004 Acura RSX Type S / 1989 Acura Intergra RS / 1982 Ford Escort / 1968 VW Bus
Previous: 2018 Chevy Volt / 2004 Acura RSX Type S / 1989 Acura Intergra RS / 1982 Ford Escort / 1968 VW Bus
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
Photo descriptions are above each photo
Original wasn't manufactured as clear lens.
Original wasn't manufactured as clear lens.
Most OEM projectors out there come standard with what is known as “fresnel” lenses. These projector lenses have circular lines molded into their surface, and are often produced with less than optically clear glass. So what? Well the fresnel lines and frosted/ translucent glass dim the output and soften the beam pattern so the projectors aren’t performing to their full potential.
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
Thanks that was a big help. Plugged the passenger side unit into the drivers side and the main beam flicks up fine. Checked voltage on drivers side pin 8 in the connector and there is 12v. Nothing on the passenger side pin 8 so the fault is either between the headlight controller or a break in the harness between the controller and the light. I am guessing headlight controller the culprit. Does a replacement need coding to the car?
2007 3.0si E86 Coupe - Carbon Black
- x-driver
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
First I replaced a whole headlight unit on my Z4 due to water intrusion, then I swapped projectors. No coding needed at all
I believe there is no special controller for high beam inside the headlight, just a wire to power up the actuator.
I retrofitted bixenon in my e39 and have the actuator connected directly to high beam bulb wires. In fact you can do the same in your headlight to avoid replacing it if you don't find the source of troubles Retrofitlab offers specific harness to get power for the actuator from high beam bulb for e39, maybe it's the same with Z4, I haven't checked the high beam bulb connector type in the Z4, so I'm not sure.
I'd start with checking the actuator wires inside the headlight, follow those wires where they go and see if there is something wrong with them. You might just be looking for a wire that is broken inside. Try to bend the wires and see if they are broken somewhere.
I believe there is no special controller for high beam inside the headlight, just a wire to power up the actuator.
I retrofitted bixenon in my e39 and have the actuator connected directly to high beam bulb wires. In fact you can do the same in your headlight to avoid replacing it if you don't find the source of troubles Retrofitlab offers specific harness to get power for the actuator from high beam bulb for e39, maybe it's the same with Z4, I haven't checked the high beam bulb connector type in the Z4, so I'm not sure.
I'd start with checking the actuator wires inside the headlight, follow those wires where they go and see if there is something wrong with them. You might just be looking for a wire that is broken inside. Try to bend the wires and see if they are broken somewhere.
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
Yep, as mentioned above. Light unit works perfectly on the other side so I don’t suspect any issues in the unit. It’s either the light control module or wiring in between that and the light.
2007 3.0si E86 Coupe - Carbon Black
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Retrofitlabs bi xenon upgrade advice
Oh, I understood you tried the working unit on this side where the problem is Well that's gonna be a bigger problem then
Replacement LCM will need coding then.
Replacement LCM will need coding then.