Dim DRLs - Are they dying?

[B58_ hwAyaq]

I just noticed the inner portions of both of my DRLs appear to be dimming. Quick googling shows that BMWs have experienced this prior to the LED failing.

Thoughts?

And if they are failing, does anyone know the part number(s)? I’m two months out of warranty…

The “headlight module” I found was ~$380 each, and I’m not even sure that’s the right part.

Was considering yellow if I have to replace them, but I don’t think I love the look on red or with the Supra DRL style for that matter.

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[B58_ hwAyaq]

Someone mentioned that this may be expected (post was deleted?).

This pic was from feb 2022, and I can see some dimness on the passenger side here.

Maybe the outside conditions today (mid day storms) were ‘perfect’ to highlight the nature of the DRLs ?‍

I will have to check tonight when it’s dark.

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

I think this is part of it.

This is the first time I’ve seen my headlights from this angle. I was looking from the cab of my truck, which is higher than the typical angle from which you’d look at the lights.

As you increase your viewing angle, the inner part of the DRLs are impacted.

 

[gixxersixxerman]

My left side (drivers side) is noticeably dimmer then the right side. It kinda comes up in photos, but in person it’s way off. Took it to the dealer and they “reflashed” the headlight module and also did the recall. No difference. I was hoping Diode Dynamics would’ve come out with a module as I have had great luck installing their BRZ and Camaro DRL modules, but they don’t want to. Guess when the time comes I’ll just the DRL board or see about de-soldering and soldering in a new chip.

 

[Gringo1960]

Someone mentioned that this may be expected (post was deleted?).

This pic was from feb 2022, and I can see some dimness on the passenger side here.

Maybe the outside conditions today (mid day storms) were ‘perfect’ to highlight the nature of the DRLs ?‍

I will have to check tonight when it’s dark.

Question unrelated to the DRL issue: the red on the pic above… OEM Renaissance Red or a wrap? Asking ‘cuz haven’t yet seen a red A90 up here in Montréal…

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Question unrelated to the DRL issue: the red on the pic above… OEM Renaissance Red or a wrap? Asking ‘cuz haven’t yet seen a red A90 up here in Montréal…

That is OEM Renaissance Red 2.0 (BMW crimson red, I believe).

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

Idk, kind of looks like something is going on. Or I just never noticed it ?‍

 

[Axix23]

They look fine

 

[B58_ hwAyaq]

They look fine

Appreciate your input. I’m starting to see it on my old pics, too, depending on lighting conditions.

Leave it to my OCD ?

 

[TheSuds]

I just noticed the inner portions of both of my DRLs appear to be dimming. Quick googling shows that BMWs have experienced this prior to the LED failing.

Thoughts?

And if they are failing, does anyone know the part number(s)? I’m two months out of warranty…

The “headlight module” I found was ~$380 each, and I’m not even sure that’s the right part.

Was considering yellow if I have to replace them, but I don’t think I love the look on red or with the Supra DRL style for that matter.

You ever figure anything out? I've had this for a few months, feels like such a waste to buy a whole new headline assembly

 

[mezza9]

any fix for this issue ?

 

[gixxersixxerman]

You ever figure anything out? I've had this for a few months, feels like such a waste to buy a whole new headline assembly

The DRL module isnt that much i paid like 85$ a while ago looks like they cost a little more now. this was the exact part i bought

Headlamp Drl Unit Assembly Left Hand #81170-WAA02 | Autoparts.toyota.com

But you can also just buy the LED boards in any color you want including white from alibab or i think even Amazon sells them now. for like 50$ now and super easy to swap out. BUT my DRL was dim because the tube slid out of its location some.

 

[TheSuds]

The DRL module isnt that much i paid like 85$ a while ago looks like they cost a little more now. this was the exact part i bought

Headlamp Drl Unit Assembly Left Hand #81170-WAA02 | Autoparts.toyota.com

But you can also just buy the LED boards in any color you want including white from alibab or i think even Amazon sells them now. for like 50$ now and super easy to swap out. BUT my DRL was dim because the tube slid out of its location some.

oh nice, is there a way to tell if mine is slid out of place? mine is only dim towards the logo on the inside, the outside is still bright just like the left headlight

 

[gixxersixxerman]

oh nice, is there a way to tell if mine is slid out of place? mine is only dim towards the logo on the inside, the outside is still bright just like the left headlight

On mine if you looked straight down from the top, you could see the driver's headlight tube wasn't as "hidden" as the passenger headlight, like 3/4 of the tube was visible and on the passenger headlight less than half of the drl tube was visible. Now i only noticed this when i was replacing the module and removed the headlight without knowing at the time you could remove it from the wheel well.

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