If you’re getting the “Daytime/Parking Lamp Malfunction” on your BMW F10/F11 dashboard, it doesn’t inherently mean there’s an issue with your lighting components. Rather, the problem may lie within, demanding a closer look. Before we identify the root cause, it’s crucial to understand the lighting components of your specific vehicle. 

The F10 Sedan and F11 (Touring) are part of the BMW 5 Series lineup, equipped with an exceptional lighting system that reflects BMW’s signature style. Halfway through its cycle (LCI), the series received a facelift, along with Xenon's headlights with washers as a standard feature, revised taillights, optional LED headlights, Xenon adaptive headlights, and optional fog lights.

With its advanced lighting technology and wide range of engine options, the series gained worldwide popularity, receiving multiple accolades shortly after its release. Nevertheless, many BMW F10/F11 drivers have experienced warning error codes, highlighting the need for much-needed answers. This in-depth blog will comprehensively address this warning error, allowing you to make an informed decision. 

Before we dive into the details, let’s assess the potential components causing the error. 

Difference between Daylight Running Lights and Parking Lamps?

Often mistaken during identification, DRLs and parking lights – also known as side lights– are integral yet drastically different components. You can differentiate between the two based on placement, brightness, and purpose. 

  • Location: DRLs are located on the front, usually integrated into the headlight assembly. While parking lights are present at the sides, they emit an amber light. 
  • Brightness: Comparatively brighter than parking lights, DRLs emit intense beams to indicate the presence of the vehicle during daytime. 
  • Function: Parking lights are used to indicate the corners of your vehicle, whereas DRLs are used to enhance vehicle visibility during daylight hours. 

What Does “Daytime/Parking Lamp Malfunction Warning” Mean?

Daytime/parking lamp malfunction warning
Daytime/parking lamp malfunction warning

The error, “Daytime/Parking Lamp Malfunction Warning,” typically indicates that you’ve run into a problem with either your DRLs or parking lamps. To determine where the problem lies, you can: 

Make a visual assessment of both your parking lights and DRLs to evaluate the problem. Look for cracks, burnt-out bulbs, or a broken seal, as well as any signs of visible damage. Whether it’s your parking lights or DRLs, their proper functionality is crucial and can result in legal litigation if they are not up to code. 

Beyond “Daytime/Parking Lamp Malfunction,” you can see the following error warnings:

  • Side/daytime lights fault
  • Adaptive Headlights failure
  • Turn indicator front left failure
  • Turn indicator front right failure
  • Lighting system front left failure
  • Lighting system front right failure
  • Headlight vertical aim control failure
  • Adaptive headlight malfunction
  • Lighting system Front Left malfunction
  • Lighting system Front Right malfunction
  • Headlamp vertical aim control malfunction
  • Left Cornering light malfunction
  • Right Cornering light malfunction
  • Left cornering light failure
  • Right cornering light failure
  • Adaptive Lichtsysteme defekt
  • Leuchtweitenregulierung defekt
  • Lichtanlage vorn rechts defekt
  • Lichtanlage vorn links defekt
  • Adaptief verlichting-systeem defect
  • Adaptief verlichtingsysteem defect
  • Verlichting rechts voor defect
  • Verlichting links voor defect
  • Defect koplampafstelling
  • Parkeer- en dag-rijlicht defect
  • Parkeer- en dagrijlicht defect
  • Système d'eclairage avant droit defect
  • Système d'eclairage avant gauche defect
  • Panne éclairage de virage
  • Eclairage virage defectueux
  • Feu position/eclairage de jour defectueux
  • Pozicijska luc/dnevna luc v okvari
  • Pozicijska luc/dnevna luc
  • Svinglys t.v. defekt
  • Defekt lysvidderegulering
  • Lysvidde
  • Forlygternes lysvidderegulering defekt
  • Positions-/kørelys
  • Positionslys og kørelys defekt
  • Adaptive lyssystemer defekt
  • Lysanlaeg foran t.v. defekt
  • Lysvidde-regulering defekt
  • Fari adattivi in curva guasti

When either of the error codes appears, you’ll notice that either your DRLs or parking lights have stopped functioning, which can pose litigation fees. The UK government mandates that all vehicles manufactured after 2011 should have DRLs integrated into them. For parking lights, on the other hand, the Highway Code specifies that all vehicles must display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or more. 

Causes of Daylight/Parking Lamp Malfunction 

The daylight/parking lamp malfunction can stem from several issues, such as burnt-out bulbs, corroded connections, moisture intrusion, or failure of the Headlight Driver Module. If your bulbs, along with the internal wiring, appear to be in working order upon inspection. The problem lies within your LEAR TMS Headlight Driver Module.

The LEAR TMS Headlight Driver Module is highly susceptible to failure due to: 

  • Lifespan deterioration: Ideally designed for longevity, the headlight module can deteriorate over time due to environmental factors, electrical stress, or general wear and tear. 
  • External damage: Head-on collisions can also contribute to TMS LEAR (Headlight Driver Module) failure, especially those vehicles with adaptive headlights, such as the BMW F10 and F11. 

Inspect your TMS LEAR module for white spots or apparent signs of corrosion. If your headlight module is damaged, additional lighting components, such as your adaptive headlights, may also stop working. For a precise diagnosis, you can use an OB2D scanner to retrieve codes to identify the issue. 

The most common diagnostic trouble fault codes:

  • 800FC3 Initialization fault in left headlamp driver module
  • 800FC2 Initialization fault in right headlamp driver module
  • 800FC3 Initialisation fault in headlight driver module left
  • 800FC2 Initialisation fault in headlight driver module right
  • 800FC7 Internal fault in STML (Left hand headlamp driver module)
  • 800FC8 Internal fault in STML (Right hand headlamp driver module)
  • 800FC7 lin bus, headlight driver module (TMS) right, communication fault
  • 800FC8 Lin Bus Headlight driver module (TMS), Left: communication fault
  • 800FC9 Lin Bus headlight driver module (TMS), right: communication fault
  • 800F86 Daytime Driving Light / Side Light, left, faulty
  • 800F87 Daytime Driving Light / Side Light, right, faulty
  • 800F88 Output daytime driving light / side light, left, short-circuited
  • 800F89 Output daytime driving light / side light, right, short-circuited
  • 800FCB Headlight driver module (TMS), left, faulty
  • 800FCE Headlight driver module (TMS), right, faulty
  • 800FC0 LWR fault in headlight driver module, right
  • 800FC1 LWR fault in headlight driver module, right
  • 800FC5 Environment Fault in Headlight Driver Module, Left (over or Under voltage, over temperature
  • 800F40 Direction Indicator, Front Left, Faulty
  • 800FD0 Design/Side Marker Light, Left, Faulty
  • 8041F4 Headlight Driver Module (TMS) Left Daytime Driving Lights or Position Light, Left has Short Circuited
  • 8041F4 Left headlight engine control unit module (TMS): Daytime running light or side light has a short circuit
  • 804201 Right headlight engine control unit module (TMS): Daytime running light or side light has a short circuit

If you see any of the above-mentioned codes, there’s a straightforward solution to the problem. 

How To Resolve The Issue 

A faulty or corroded TMS LEAR (Headlight Driver Module) cannot be salvaged. However, you can easily troubleshoot the problem in two easy steps: 

  • Purchase a Module: When buying a headlight driver module, ensure compatibility. At Xenons4U, our TMS LEAR headlight driver module: 7440877 7427607 7409579 7408422 7381017 BFL TMS Driver Module is compatible with a wide range of vehicles. After ensuring the part numbers align, you can swap your faulty module with a new one. 
  • Diagnostic Coding: After replacement, diagnostic coding is mandatory. Have a technician remove the codes using an OB2D scanner to ensure the module is functioning properly. 

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, please contact our lighting specialists for a prompt, same-day response. With Xenons4U, you’re equipped with expert guidance, fast delivery, and 100% authentic products that undergo stringent testing to ensure longevity and durability. 

Part Numbers & Compatibility List

This module fits a range of models, ensuring broad compatibility: 

Compatible BMW and LEAR part numbers

  • 63117440877 7440877 01 744087701 53510082F 02 53510082F02
  • 63117427607 7427607 01 742760701 53510082D 02 53510082D02
  • 53510082E 02 53510082E02 53510082E 00 53510082E00 53510082E 01 53510082E01
  • 63117409579 7409579 01 740957901 53510082B 00 53510082B00
  • 63117408422 7408422 01 740842201 53510082A 00 53510082A00
  • 63117381017 7381017 01 738101701 535100826 02 53510082602

Compatible BMW 5 series F10 F11 LCI Facelift Xenon headlamps

  • 1ZT011087-44/AG 7378516-01 
  • 1ZT011087-41/AM 7410735-02
  • 1ZS011087-45/AI 7378517-03
  • 1ZT011087-43/AM 7410737-02
  • 1ZS011087-45/AO 7424155-01
  • 1ZS011087-46/AG 7378518-01
  • 1ZS011087-45/AG 7378517-01
  • 1ZT011087-61/AK 63117343907 7343907-06 
  • 1ZT011087-41/AN 7424151-01 

Compatible BMW cars:

  • 5 Series F10 Facelift LCI Saloon Sedan 2013 2014 2015 2016
  • 5 Series F11 Facelift LCI Estate Wagon Touring 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
  • 520i 528i 530i 535i 550i M5 ActiveHybrid 5 petrol gasoline
  • 518d 520d 525d 530d 535d 550d M550d diesel
  • xDrive M-Sport