[fdriller9]

Hey guys I just wanted to share some info on replacement of the adaptive lighting module (SMC II or AHL) in OEM xenon housings.

I fried my driver's side module by not properly sealing my housings back up.

Anyway I searched on here and ********* and could not find any info on coding nor replacement. The issue was brought up a few times on ********* but I could not find any procedures for prog/coding.

So a brand new SMC II module is about $160 from my dealer. In addition to buying the part, you need to program AND code the module into your car.

Now since I didn't do any programming or coding, I can only assume the following.

Programming: US or Euro spec, specifically left hand or right hand drive.
Coding: Left or Right side module. As you may know, the lights turn to the right (on US spec vehicles) and not to the left (to avoid blinding oncoming traffic). I also think the module needs to be calibrated in this step with input from the steering angle sensor.

I got quoted $290 for programming and coding from my dealer in NJ.

However, if you need to replace your SMC II module, try getting a used one. I found a used driver's side SMC II module on here and it was a direct swap. Remove the 3 torx screws swap in the used module and replace the screws.

Car went through the self check on start up and it worked fine.

Also the code my FRM was throwing was 9CBE: Communication with stepper motor box left right defective. And a permanent adaptive headlight error symbol on my dash and iDrive.....very annoying.

To do a quick diagnosis, I swapped the passenger side with the driver's side and the code followed. I believe it was 9CBF for the passenger side. You could see the metal contacts on the driver's side module were corroded, which was what lead me to believe it was fried.

So in the end I saved $70 on the part and $290 on the programming and coding. Now my adaptive headlamps are fully functioning....all for $90

[nOshi]

great post I need to source a module for my driver side also, lol same exact thing happened to me.

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by nOshi

great post I need to source a module for my driver side also, lol same exact thing happened to me.

Yea my adaptive lights have been working great for a few months now. They're usually around $100 on eBay, used.

Apparently, the e60 uses the same module so it may work for e90. But you will have to try that option at your own risk.

Just make sure you get the correct side (drivers vs passenger) and spec (us vs euro).

[jetblack07]

I got a SMC and I am going to table this in the next few days. Can I access this by just taking the wheel off and pulling the splash gaurd back or do I need to pull the bumper off?

[nOshi]

No need to take the bumper off. Just jack up whichever side, take the wheel off, and unscrew the splash guard, and you will see it directly below the head light. Just swap them and your golden.

[reconandrevelry]

I know this is a really old thread but I am not sure if this is the exact same thing. I am having the same issue but my code for my 2006 E90 325i is: 9CBD Communication with Step Motor Controller on the left distrupted.

Can anyone help?

[Hodgepodge]

reconandrevelry, yes it is the exact same thing. You probably need a replacemtn SMC module. Since you have a 2006, I strongly recommend that you pull the module and get the part number off of it. There are about 4 and I purchased the wrong one once. Look on eBay for the same part number with the same hardware and software version numbers. Should run you about $90. If you install that part and you still get the error, you will either need to get dirty (swapping a headlight assembly or stepper motor) or spend $1000+ at the dealer.

[zinner]

How did you code your module ? I was wondering if this is something the NT510 can handle or do I need ncs expert?

[frankthetoad]

Necrobump!

I got an adaptive headlight error this morning. I pulled the following codes:

009CC0
009CBF
009CC2
009CC6
009CAB
00E59A
00E594

I'm hoping that its just the SMC module, but that's a lot of codes! Any ideas?

[intel1]

Originally Posted by frankthetoad

Necrobump!

I got an adaptive headlight error this morning. I pulled the following codes:

009CC0
009CBF
009CC2
009CC6
009CAB
00E59A
00E594

I'm hoping that its just the SMC module, but that's a lot of codes! Any ideas?

I had issue with my adaptive lights recently I pull the codes and was getting 9CBE, FRM> communication with step motor controller on right side disrupted. I pull out SMC, and for sure it was water damaged.
I purchased used one off of eBay and coded it with NCSExpert, adaptive lights are now working. My car is 330xi.

[zackkcaz25]

How do you code the new (used) module?

[Serf27]

Originally Posted by zackkcaz25

How do you code the new (used) module?

I have not read of any issues being caused by not coding the lighting modules on the lights.
I think my adaptive modules have a blank vin on them last time I checked.

You can code them to your vehicle vin though, using bimmergeeks protools app.