light check module

[robzilla]

I have been told by BMW that my light check module is faulty, they want about £600 to fit a new one, i can't afford that so i am looking for a second hand one, i know it has to be coded but i don't even know the location of it, anybody know? 2003 4.4 sport.

[x555]

Not sure on this one but link this may help.....number 2 possibly??
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=63&fg=05

[x555]

Looks like it's number 4 here but where it lives i don't know sorry
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=61&fg=25

[Raj]

The LCM is the actual light switch itself. When removed you'll see it's a complete module (well certainly the case on the E46 and E60). I had to replace mine on an E46 when I retrofitted the OE LED rear taillights. I always thought you couldn't just replace with a second hand unit as it couldn't be re-coded once already coded for another car.

[X5Sport]

Looking around the web indicates that it might be possible to recode a used LCM, but it's not easy. Something called 'Progman' can do it, but none of the OEM Dealer systems (GT1 etc) can. The LCM holds a record of the VIN and mileage of the vehicle and changing it will result in the 'tamper dot' showing up in the cluster. In theory there are supposed to be ways of doing this without triggering the tamper dot, as long as you can find someone with the right tools to recode a second hand module.

[robzilla]

[quote=""x555""]Not sure on this one but link this may help.....number 2 possibly??
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=63&fg=05[/quote]

is that the ballast though?

[robzilla]

[quote=""Raj""]The LCM is the actual light switch itself. When removed you'll see it's a complete module (well certainly the case on the E46 and E60). I had to replace mine on an E46 when I retrofitted the OE LED rear taillights. I always thought you couldn't just replace with a second hand unit as it couldn't be re-coded once already coded for another car.[/quote]


i thought it was a seperate module somewhere like on the e34's, i was told it could be recoded to the car, i will try and check this first, otherwise its lots of money at bmw.

[kkodal78]

if E34 one works i have a couple laying around in my garage.. you are more than welcome to have it. one should be LKM-B and the other one is LKM-L..

[X5Sport]

What is the actual fault you are getting?

It is possible to repair the units as long as you are competent with working on electronic circuits. Lots of reports on the web of people dissassembling the LCM and repairing failed components such as the MOSFET devices (it's a type of transistor)

The E53 is fitted with the LKM 3 (may also be in the E38/39 and was redesigned in 1998). Overheating seems to be a common cause for failures. MOSFET devices are also sensitive to static discharge and need careful handling, including ESD protection. The LCM Ver 4 is reported to have solved the issue. Replacement units are reported to be at V4 or later.

You may just have to pick one up from a breaker or fleabay. All the indications that I can see are that it will work, but will have the tamper pixel triggered. I guess the coding is also to tell the system which lamp options are on the car?

Isn't anything simple on these cars?

[robzilla]

I have lost all dash lights and BMW mucked me about a lot, they quoted me £170 so i said yes do it, then they realised that they had the wrong part and said the correct part was about £450 so i had a row and left, i decided to try and get one from breakers or ebay, not sure what to do really. I can't afford that sort of money.

[AW8]

Personally I would start by speaking to some trusted ( & I mean trusted) BMW indy's. Many are good with spanners & oily bits but you need to find someone who really knows there stuff & maybe even ideally trainedby BMW to high level on the more random & odd electrical components that need coding. You also potentially want someone appropriately motivated in dealing with non oily problems & solving them.........if considering salvage parts you need to be sure they are happy with this. Some will entertain this if you use a reputable no quibble supplier but most wont want to mess about with rubbish parts &/or unreputably sourced parts from some random bloke off ebay.

You need to tell them exactly what you have been told but only if you have a fair understanding of what has been diagnosed & are able to communicate this well, ( please don't take this as an insult). In abscence of being confident discussing same then you need to find that same indy, satisfy yourself they are what you need & let them properly have a look at the car. Don't expect something for nothing as most good indy's still want your money & can be offended if you project a penny pinching agenda from initial contact. By all means mention cost is a genuine issue but don't put them off.

I am sure folk on here may be able to give recommedations or point you in the right ditrection & with this in mind I suggest that you might want to indicate where you approximately are geographically speaking.

I appreciate my post might not be a true insight into helping you achieve a d.i.y. fix on this but you need to be realistic as to what you hope to achieve via a forum & when dealing with complex issues realtive to ability & resources.

I suspect this wont be the only time you have a big bill on your car & keeping a uaede E53 well maintained & cared for is never going to be a cost effective exercise..........With over 100k on clock & over 5 yrs ownership I know this more than many.

Please don't take my post the wrong way...............best of intetions & all that

[robzilla]

not at all thanks for your comments, i don't understand a great ammount about car eletrics but i know what i've been told by the main dealer, i'm not sure a second opinion on the problem will help i just need somebody to fix it really, i might just have to swollow the cost and get it done, i am in east sussex so if anybody wants to tackle the job instead of taking it back to the main dealer then pm me, i will pay obviously but wanted to save a bit over main dealer prices, times are hard and i don't want to sell her yet.

[robzilla]

where abouts is the lcm, i could get my brother to look at it for dry joints, he works with circuit boards all the time.

[AW8]

My concern is you may be waste money if you spend out on a new or salvage LCM.

I would..............

1st get a second opinion/diagnosis from a good indy, (reckon on £30 for 30 mins diagnosis)

2nd if LCM confirmed beyond economical repair get a price for a guaranteed working used item from a reputable salavage expert such as Quarry Motors.

3rd Get indy to recode as/if required.

How much are you genuinely prepared to throw at this for........................

a) Parts ?

b) Labour, (including diagnosis) ?

Sorry I can't help....If I had knowledge & required kit I would assist myself.

[AW8]

Only one on ebay is in Lithuania circa £75 iirc.

One ended with no bids item number: 230685321369 maybe worth asking seller if it will be relisted though I would gtry to buy from reputable source.

I would still speak to an indy before buying same or attempting a fix.

I think you need to allow £200.....say part at £100 plus labour diagostics,coding.

Assume indy labour circa £60 p/hr assuming they have right knowledge & kit to recode if needed.