Headlights LCI Retrofit for S85

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Headlights LCI Retrofit for S85

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 both the look and reliability of your car’s front end.

What is LCI?

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 several enhancements, including new headlights. These updated headlights were part of BMW’s strategy to refine both the aesthetics and technology of their vehicles. The new design offers better illumination, cleaner lines, and a more modern, angular appearance compared to the pre-LCI units.

Why Retrofit Headlights?

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, more modern 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 and improves reliability, reducing the likelihood of common issues like lens fogging or fading.

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.

The Retrofit Process

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 units 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.

3. Replacing the Light Module

The Gen I light module, found in pre-LCI M5s, is not compatible with the newer LCI headlights. The Gen II module, which is designed for the 2008-2010 models.

4. Coding and Programming

Once the new hardware is installed, the retrofit requires coding and programming to ensure everything works as it should. Before this step is completed the headlights wont work.

Conclusion

If you’re sold on upgrading your BMW’s headlights, we’re here to make it happen. From sourcing the correct headlight units to repinning connectors, replacing the light module, and performing the necessary coding and programming for full functionality.

If you’re ready to modernize your BMW with the latest headlight technology and improve the overall aesthetic of your 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.

BMW Service Manual Instructions:

E60_LCI_Retrofit [click here]