As your S85-powered BMW ages, the headlights may start showing signs of wear. Upgrading to the LCI headlight retrofit is the perfect opportunity to enhance the look of your car’s front end.
LCI stands for Life Cycle Impulse, BMW’s term for the mid-life facelift of a model, typically occurring around the midpoint of its production run. For the E6X M5 and M6, this update came in 2008, introducing some enhancements, including new headlights. These updated headlights were part of BMW’s strategy to refine both the aesthetics and technology of their vehicles.
Upgrading to the LCI headlight design instantly transforms the look of your E6X M5 or M6. The updated headlights remove the amber side reflectors, which were relocated to the bumper on later models. This gives your car a sleeker appearance.
As your original headlights age, issues like moisture ingress and condensation become more common. Replacing them with pre-LCI units might seem like an easy fix, but the cost is often comparable to upgrading to the LCI version. By opting for the retrofit, you get a fresh design that enhances your BMW’s front end.
While the sealing on the LCI headlights is not necessarily “improved,” they are more durable than the aging pre-LCI units, offering a longer-lasting and more reliable solution.
Retrofitting LCI headlights into your pre-LCI E6X M5 or M6 is more than just swapping parts; it’s a technical upgrade that involves several key steps to ensure everything works seamlessly:
1. New LCI Headlights Assembly
The first step is sourcing the correct LCI Headlight Assemblies from a 2008-2010 E6X M5 or M6. They’re a direct fit.
2. Re-pinning the Connectors
The LCI headlights use a different connector configuration than the pre-LCI units. To ensure proper functionality of all the headlight features, the connectors on your car’s wiring harness need to be re-pinned.
BMW Service Manual Instructions:
3. Replacing the Light Module
The LM1 light module, found in pre-LCI M5s, is not compatible with the newer LCI headlights. A LM2 AHL LCM (Light Control Module) is required for this install, which is designed for the 2008-2010 M models.
4. Coding
Once the new hardware is installed, the retrofit requires coding. Before this step is completed the headlights wont work.
BMW LM1 to LM2 AHL Manual Instructions:
If you’re sold on upgrading your BMW’s headlights, we’re here to make it happen. From sourcing the correct headlight units to re-pinning connectors, replacing the light module, and performing the necessary coding and programming for full functionality.
If you’re ready to modernize your BMW M5 or M6, reach out to us to schedule your service appointment.
For expert and intermediate DIYers, the BMW service manual is available for reference. While we highly recommend professional installation for the best results, if you choose to tackle the retrofit yourself, we’re happy to assist at any step along the way.
LCM (Light Control Module)
Requires coding to work.
Quantity: 1
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Adaptive LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127045695
LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127160197
Adaptive PRE-LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127160157
PRE-LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127177755
Quantity: 1
Adaptive LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127045696
LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127177756
Adaptive PRE-LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127160158
PRE-LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 63127160198
Quantity: 1
M5/M6 E6X Part Number: 61120432110
Quantity: 1
M5/M6 E6X Part Number: 63126937223
Replacement not required.
Quantity: 2
Requires coding to work.
PRE-LCI M5 E6X Part Number: 61359116260
Quantity: 1
M5/M6 E6X Part Number: 63117162087
Replacement not required.
Quantity: 2
© GEMS autocraft 2025. All rights reserved.
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