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How do I change the light control module on my 04' BMW 325i?

Submitted: 398 days and 13 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $20
Status: AWAITING EXPERT REPLY
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Optional Information

2004 BMW 325i 2.5 L

Already Tried:
I have not tried anything. I just recently began driving and the hazards began flashing randomly when the vehicle was off and then the blinker quit working and still didn't work even after I changed the bulb. I took it to BMW and they told me it would cost something like $800 dollars to get my blinker working again to replace the light control module. I thought there was surely a better way. After I find out how to change it I assume I'll be able to get a module from an E46 at a salvage yard and replace it. Thanks for your help.

Posted by BMW Pro. 398 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hi,

 

the problem you will have is the unit must be coded to your vehicle as the software will vary depending on your vehicle spec.

 

But, to remove the control unit is easy enough. It's just a case of levering out the finishing strip that surrounds it which will reveal 2 screws that hold the unit in place.

 

 

Rich.

398 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

and i can get bmw to code the unit for my vehicle? will a used LCM be capable of being re-coded or will i have to get a new one and do you know how much they will charge to re-code it? and i understand how i will remove it, but where is it located?

Posted by BMW Pro. 398 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

The light control unit is part of the switch and can be seen in this link which also illustrates how many variants there are......

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ET37&mospid=47720&btnr=61_1060&hg=61&fg=35

 

 

You can recode a second hand unit but this will more than likely illuminate the tamper dot on the dash as vehicle mileage is stored in the LCM. The price of coding will vary from location to location as each dealer has its own hourly labour rate, but expect to pay for at least half an hour of labour time.

 

 

 

Rich.

398 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

Ok, one last thing. The finishing strip is on the dash and if I need to replace the LCM I don't have to replace the whole switch? Do you have any suggestions on how to get a LCM?

Posted by BMW Pro. 398 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

The switch forms part of the LCM so all comes as one. Ease the surrounding trim away slowly so not to break it. Unfortunately I think the LCM is a dealer only part, but that doesnt mean you have to have it coded at the dealer, you could save money by having it coded at a specialist with the correct diagnostic equipment.

 

 

Rich.

398 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

Sorry to ask one more question, but which switch is that exactly and what is it called?

Posted by BMW Pro. 398 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

The switch to turn the lights on, it is part of the LCM, all comes complete. Sorry I thought that's what you were asking previously.

398 days and 9 hours ago.

Reply

Ok, sorry I was confused. But I just called my local BMW dealer and they said that each car comes with a LCM that is coded and that it can't be recoded... that they'd have to order a new one. Is this true or do you believe it would be possible to get one from somewhere else making sure I get the correct variant with all the same features as mine and take it to a specialist?

Accepted Answer

Taking the LCM from another car and coding it to yours will bring on a little red light on the instrument cluster signifying that there is a possibilty that the mileage has been tampered with, i think i mentioned this previously.

 

 

Rich.

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Expert: BMW Pro.
Pos. Feedback: 98.3 %
Accepts: 403
Answered: 10/6/2008

BMW Technician

5 years main dealer experience.

398 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

Well just to update you, I found one of those parts (secondhand) and a guy in town that can program it. I have a 30-day return policy on the control module so if it doesnt work I can return it and I'll keep the old one as well. The part through BMW was $500 + labour, and I'm getting the part for $200 and the guy said he'd program it for $50. What should I do? Is the worst case scenario I have to see a red light and if I decide to resell the vehicle I'll have some explaining to do or will eventually have to get BMW to do the job?

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