High Beam help... auxiliary switch?

[s60088]

After a few years, I have my BMW back finally from a former friend : 2015 535i Xdrive. I found the turning signal lever dangling by its wires. BMW was able to set it back into the round slot and if I hold close to the column, I can use the left & right functions. Forward and back seem not to be grabbing anything. I hold tight and try to manaeuver it in different ways but have no success. I need to renew my registration by mid-July and high-beams will be requested. What can I do?? Is there a way to wire an auxiliary switch? I've included a link to two photos and a short video of current operation.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/x6scdyj2ZuQ7cMuXA

[MauiM3Mania]

Moved for assistance.

[dworthy]

Those wires are only for the "BC" function. I think the best way to fix this is to just replace the whole switch, a new one will run over 600 bucks, but here's a used one for about half that: https://www.ebay.com/itm/13414704195...3ABFBMkODh3rJg

Not a hard job to do, but you will need to pull the steering wheel to install it.

FYI P/N for High beam assist S5ACA=Yes: 61319354048
P/N for non High beam assist S5ACA=No: 61319354047

[s60088]

Thank you. I never received any notification of a reply! I just logged in to check why and saw your comment. Thanks.

[s60088]

This site inserts the photo not upright. In any case, thanks for the link to a replacement. It's a shame that just the left lever can't be replace solely. One more thing - just for DMV inspection, my left and right turn signals function. Is there a way to pull that inner piece to get the high-beams to come on? This is what will keep me from passing inspection.

SWITCH.jpg

Lastly, I don't know what this means :
"P/N for High beam assist S5ACA=Yes: 61319354048
P/N for non High beam assist S5ACA=No: 61319354047"
- where I would type or where I would look. At the moment, the adaptive headlamp is malfunctioning so all that I really care about is having my headlights and high-beams working.... high beams being the issue with the column stem broken.

[dworthy]

In the older cars, like the E-models, you can just replace the stalk, now it's a whole unit.

In order to know which part you need, you will have to run your VIN to see if it has the High Beam Assist or not. The link I provided is for High Beam Assist, the other name is auto high beams.

[s60088]

This is a 2015 535i Xdrive. I have auto high-beams but to be honest, I don't understand how it all works and how high-beam assist varies. Would one column stem assembly not work with the other? I guess what I'm asking above is what inside makes the high beams come on.

[s60088]

I was able to get the high beams on with the blue light on the dash but they're not showing on the front of the car. My left headlight was full of condensation and the adaptive lights were flickering. Protected under the hood are ten small holes that I drilled carefully through just the initial clear lens and the water escaped. There is no more moisture even with 12 hours of heavy downpour. I wonder if the malfunctioning adaptive lighting is related or if coincidentally the high-beam bulbs need replacing.

[328 Power 04]

Wow, player 2 has entered the game!

[bmwdirtracer]

Without seeing the car, I'd guess that you need the steering column switch module (~$700), a left headlight (~$1000), and the headlight driver module (~$600) which is mounted on the bottom of the headlight, and becomes ruined if water gets inside the light.

You should be aware that it's generally necessary to spend ~$1000-1250, for every $25K the car cost new, every year, on repairs and maintenance. Years this was neglected accrue.

EDIT: Labor for the headlight replacement shows as 2.5 hours, the switch module probably 2 hours.

[dworthy]

Even though the car isn't very old, you can still find part on the eBay aka evil bay. Here is a link to the parts book, all you need to input is the last 7# of the vin to get part numbers: RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model

[s60088]

Thanks for all input.

[s60088]

A person working on my car took out the headlight (having to dismantle the bumper to get it out since the 2nd bulb is not accessible like the main one is (?!?). He found that both bulbs work and the high beam shutter appears to be okay but that the computer board module was completely corroded. The only code that comes up on the car is that the car cannot communicate with the headlight. I forget the number at the moment.

Why Germans thought placing it at the BOTTOM of a "sealed" unit is beyond me. I'm looking to replace that module and find comparable units only on eBay for about $120. I hope that this is the only issue and that the part is substantial. I hope that the part of the headlight body where this connects is not damaged. Any tips on where to go or which replacement part (knock-off unfortunately) is best are welcome.

dworthy

MODULE MOISTURE DAMAGE BOARD.jpgMODULE MOISTURE DAMAGE CONNECTOR.jpg

[bmwdirtracer]

[dworthy]

LOL Chris

You can just grab one off of Ebay as that one is in a bad way. The cars were never designed to be under-water, just water resistant is all. Take a close look at the connector, if you see any green puss, use a tooth brush and electrical contact cleaner to remove it.

[s60088]

I'm using a good site that someone here recommended - realOEM.com - for my 2015 535i Xdrive built 04/2015... -D547772

I was ready to order the headlight module #63117 440878 but am getting confused by 63117 440877. What is the difference? Am I entering wrong info on my car to find the correct part?

5' F10 (2009 - 2016)
5' F10 LCI (2012 - 2016)
5' F11 (2009 - 2013)
5' F11 LCI (2012 - 2017)

[MauiM3Mania]

Just a wag, but does your car have 'Adaptive Headlights'?

[RBNetEngr]

The difference is for a vehicle WITHOUT adaptive headlamps (63117440877) or WITH adaptive headlamps (63117440878).

Based on this article, I think adaptive headlamps were not available in the USA for F10 5-Series

https://www.bmwblog.com/2021/11/18/b...ve-headlights/

[s60088]

The car has adaptive headlights, but if I don't use that feature, would either part number function giving me headlamps and high-beams?

[bmwdirtracer]

If you're sure your car has adaptive headlights, then order the correct part for an adaptive headlight car.

If you're not sure whether your car has adaptive headlights, enter the 17 digit VIN at this website: https://bimmer.work/

[s60088]

Yes, the car has adaptive headlights. I ordered -878. Thanks.

[s60088]

SOooo... the new module came and was installed (impressive Chinese knock-off I assume). There was no change in headlamp high-beam. I have to pray that DMV passes me this afternoon anyway. Does anyone have an idea as to what causes my left high-beam not to show? The bulbs were all checked and work. What else is there to check?

[shadowpuck]

for anyone that wants more background or looking for further details that might help - please check this thread, for some reason, this issue is spread across two threads....

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...xiliary-switch

my guess is i'd want to very wire/signal integrity from the switch to the bulb. that would also include verifying fuses, relays, etc....

i'm not super well versed in ista or the newer cars but i wonder if ista has a test plan for this....

[s60088]

Hi. That link is my other post so it doesn't provide me any info on this specific question. That other post of mine regarded the module part. Now, since installed, my question is more specific to why the left high-beam is not working.

Thanks anyway.

What is "ista?"

[shadowpuck]

my point was to keep all of the information in one place about the issue and car. that way its much easier to read about the history of the situation and what's going on.

you'll note i noted in my post - this is more background into this situation since the posts are split.
creating new threads is not going to help - just fyi.
they are all about the same issue - installed or not.

ista is bmw's dealer level diag tool. it can be found online, it can run on a laptop, and any dealer would have the tool (obviously). some well equipped independent shops will have it too.

at some point - base level testing needs to occur. what does the light need to operate and are those criteria met? that's why i was suggesting checking wiring and signal integrity (especially given the state of that module - other thread has pics for those wondering).
but, i also am willing to admit i have little experience with the newer cars - most of my background runs into about 2007 or so (which is another world in regards to headlight control) so i don't want to lead you astray.

what i can say if it was my vehicle i'd want to confirm power/signal at the module when i flip on the high beams...