I am ready to drive my 2002 325xi off a cliff! I installed a Xenon Hid conversion to my standard halogen setup. After many difficult fitment mods, it worked GREAT... UNTIL.... I started the engine! The lights flicker for a few seconds, then shutdown and my headlight out warning lamp illuminates. I was told I needed a "BMW DIGITAL HARNESS" but can't seem to find one anywhere. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME OUT??? Any help is appreciated!

E46 models that are running halogens must get their LCM re-flashed by the dealer for “xenon”. There is no special harness, or resistors, do it right do it the way BMW designed the car to work. Right now your LCM thinks you have halogens, and it is sending out the wrong amount of current, and that is why your HIDs are strobing. Here is a link to another post I replied to, it includes directions you can give to your dealer incase they have no clue what you are talking about.



http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=977059&highlight=lcm+reflash

Yes, you need to have your LCM re-coded. Halogen bulbs receive a 100% supply of voltage when on. HID's or Xenons receive a pulse-width modulated signal, a rapid on-off signal which is why your lights are strobing. Go to the dealer and say you have retrofitted your vehicle with xenons, and would like to have the car re-coded.

I've done this a few times on customers cars.

Kyle

Thank you both for your help. Any idea what they may charge me for this? I already have a $75 harness on its way that he "100% guaranteed" would work. I ordered it before these replies. Thanks again

I seen this happen on my friend's car. Took it in to get re flashed, I think it the cost was around $50. Depends on the hourly shop rate and how long it takes them.