Help needed. Both my headlights have had condensation inside them.  On one of the headlights the Angel lights are no longer working at all.  The model is an 118i 2012 F20. Should I start by replacing the module, if so what one do I need?  Thanks

Hi Tony

Welcome to the Forum

Looking at the Diagnostic it would seem so 

Take a look at www.realoem.com if you are not already aware put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model. Then check the Lights Section you should find the part number you need there

Try and find where moisture is getting to avoid more shorts.

Dave

Thanks Greydog.  I put my VIN into that website and found a few options.  I have a report on my car based on my VIN and its and says "S522A Xenon Light"  I'm assuming I need the highlighted one in the screenshot?

Hi Tony

That looks right to me, if you double click the part number in realoem it will bring up a list of any alternatives that may help

Dave

Ok Great, Thanks Dave.  

I will look at ordering the "driver module for headlight" (Xenon).  I only want to pull the car apart once.  Is the part "Control unit xenon light" relevant or possibly faulty relating to this issue?

Hi Tony

Unfortunately the only way to be certain is to take the Unit out and test with a multi meter from the Diagnostic print the module had registered a short circuit. The other intermittent communication faults I would suspect are linked to the short circuit some may need reseting once the module is changed

Dave

Hi Dave, I have managed to swapout with a replacement TMS module.  The angel light is now working on that side.. however I still getting a "Headlight vertical aim control failure".  When I start my car in my garage I can see the lights go up and down briefly then the error appears.  Do I need to reprogram the module?  I brought the module from aliexpress.  

Edited September 29, 20241 yr by bmwkiwi

for the vertical aim error, it's possible the module needs coding/programming to fully sync with your car's system. aliexpress parts sometimes require extra steps like that. i'd try looking into coding options and see if that clears the error

Morning Tony

I would say Jez is right try clearing down all faults then if you can see the Aliexpress unit try registering it as you would a battery

Good Luck

Dave

Thanks Dave and Jez.  I spoke to a mechanic and he said it maybe a corroded connection.. however I'm not totally convinced since the angel light issue was fixed straight away by swapping out the aliexpress module, so I'm guessing that means he is implying I had a faulty module and connection at the same time.

I have since ordered a 2nd hand Hella BMW headlight which I have been told has working modules. It is probably the original TMS module. I am thinking of swapping the aliexpress one with that which hopefully means I don't need to program it or clear all the faults. However is the module able to be swapped by removing the tyre and accessing the back flap on the passenger side? (car is right hand drive). I don't want to have to pull the front bumper off again. Cheers