Error codes like “Adaptive Headlight Failure” on your BMW’s F10 or F11 can be concerning, but there’s a straightforward solution that can solve your problem immediately. In this blog, we offer insights and proactive approaches to address these issues before they escalate into major and costly repairs. Before you make any changes, it’s essential to understand your vehicle’s lighting mechanism.
Belonging to the BMW 5 series, the F10 and F11 helped set a new benchmark in the premium class segment after their release. Halfway through their life cycle in 2014, also known as Life Cycle Impulse, modifications included a facelift, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers as a standard feature, and optional LED or adaptive headlights. The Xenon adaptive headlights, in particular, garnered considerable attention from BMW drivers worldwide due to their diverse functionality and brightness. Beyond Xenon, various headlights are available, including LED adaptive headlights, which can also display similar error codes.
What are Adaptive LED Headlights on BMW?
Adaptive LED headlights are advanced automotive lighting features equipped with sensors that automatically adjust the direction and intensity of the LED light beams. Now a standard feature across multiple BMW models, adaptive LED headlights utilize full-white LEDs to ensure the closest resemblance to daylight for maximum visibility.
This advanced level of LED technology enhances road visibility, prevents accidents, and improves visual appeal, ultimately providing a better overall driving experience. A warning error may indicate that you’ve encountered an issue with these adaptive headlights.
What does the Adaptive Headlight Warning Message mean?
The warning error “Adaptive Headlight Failure” indicates there’s a malfunction or failed component in your lighting system. Typically, the headlights shift and pivot in response to the direction of the steering wheel. During an error, you’ll notice that either one or both of your adaptive headlights fail to move or perform any function, indicating a malfunction that requires closer inspection.
Besides “Adaptive Headlights failure” or “Adaptive Headlight Malfunction,” you can see the following error codes:
- Side/daytime lights fault
- 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
- Daytime/parking lamp 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
These error codes can indicate a similar problem, which is why it’s essential to identify the root cause to prevent recurring issues in the long term.
Causes of Adaptive Headlight Failure
The most common cause of adaptive headlight failure, particularly in BMWs, is often due to moisture intrusion or lifespan degradation of the LEAR TMS headlight module. Here’s a closer look at the causes:
- Lifespan degradation: Like every electronic component, LEAR TMS headlight modules are susceptible to degradation over time. Poor maintenance, environmental factors, or external damage contribute to premature failure. This can be easily resolved by replacing the module.
- Water Ingress: Moisture intrusion —often from extreme weather conditions or car washes —can affect the headlight module, causing it to malfunction. The problem can be rectified with a simple replacement. Inspect the headlight assembly for cracks and reseal it if necessary before replacing the module.
Other potential causes can include faulty level sensors, wiring connection issues, and stepper motor malfunction. If you are unable to find any physical evidence of the root cause, using an OB2D scanner to diagnose the issue can help.
How To Diagnose & Troubleshoot The Error
If your adaptive headlights keep fogging or misting, it’s best to start off by checking the condition of the TMS module. Typically located at the back of the headlight assembly, you’ll need to unscrew the bolts from the compartment to access the LEAR TMS headlight module. If there are white spots or it appears corroded, a replacement can easily fix the issue.
Another method you can use is through an OBD2 scanner to retrieve the codes to identify the problem. If the diagnostic trouble codes match any of the following, you’re likely in need of a headlight module replacement.
- 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
Before replacement, reseal the headlight assembly to prevent moisture ingress. Then purchase a TMS LEAR headlight module, in compliance with your specific BMW model, like: 7440877 7427607 7409579 7408422 7381017 BFL TMS Driver Module.
After replacement, diagnostic coding is required using an OBD2 scanner. This can help clear the codes from your dashboard, resolving the issue completely. If you encounter issues during installation, contact our car technicians for expert guidance on the same day!
As your trusted car manufacturer, Xenons4U offers genuine OEM parts that are 100% authentic with free shipping. Most of our products undergo thorough testing by our team to ensure a 5-star customer experience.
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
