Had mine fixed recently. My case was slightly easier because the dealer 'broke' them whilst updating the CIP following my Active Steering Control Module failure... I told them there was a strong likelihood that they would stop working and they did! However, they have now fixed it. I believe by applying the latest version of the software...

They have always designed to be on in the UK. It is a fault and can only be corrected by a dealer. I don't know why dealers try so hard to avoid fixing well known problems!!! My guess is that you have to deal with the 'desk-monkeys' first who really don't have a technical clue. Indeed, I've often found the so-called experts know little too!

 

Chris99

I also want mine turned on.
I have a 05 plate 530i M Sports auto, and really like the look on the newer cars that have them activated.
On mine, the wiring, connectors and buld holders are all present, but they don't have any bulbs in them.
I have got my car booked in at the local dealer on Friday, for a couple of things, and will ask them to sort this out also.

Will keep you updated on how I get on.... fingers crossed... T

 

Are you sure? AFAIK all UK E60's have them, LEDs and all!?

 

The "eyebrow" lights are a codeable option - just like Car/Key memory options.
Dealer should be able to sort for you in 10 mins - it's to do with changing the vehicle coding after updating software. (ZCS coding for older vehicles).

Any properly equipped independent specialist is also well able to set this up for you.

Kind Regards,
Eddie.

 

hi guys

i have got my car back from the dealer and so just a quick update. for a few of the above posts, mine did have the LEDs in there and i think it was just a software issue. i know when i was trying to get some info, the bmw customer information line were very helpful (tel 0800 325 600) and they may be able to tell you whether uk car where made without bulbs in as they were able to tell me that no uk models were built with them disabled in the software (contrary to what the dealer had told me). might be worth a try. also, in my case the software version i had was known to have the bug where the lights were turned off. there is a goo dpost on here about access the bmw menus in the idrive where it tells you your software version and i think version 23 and 24 have this bug though someone else may know more

in my case the reprograming took 5 hours though this was a full software update but now the lights are on and i have a new colour scheme for the idrive menus which is nice. Also, rather strangely, they have replaced my light switch in the car which turns the lights to automatic/off/side/head. i didnt think there was anything wrong with my old one but this one is definately different, rather strange but at the moment i dont have the energy to deal with the dealer again to ask why!

I also asked the dealer to install the mp3 software for me at the same time which they didnt do or at least it wont play the mp3 cds i have made.. even after several attempts following the guides on the forum. i might start a new (or if anyone knows the answer as i cannot seem to find it on the forum) about now to check the idrive to see if mp3 software is installed?

cheers

chris

 

I'm betting they didn't replace the switch, they just pushed on it accidentally which caused it to recess into the dashboard. If I'm correct, you should be able to simply pull the switch back out and it'll snap back into place and look just like it did before...

 

As you've had the software updated you will have the mp3 software but the trouble is the CD drive itself. 'Early' models didn't have a compatible drive installed... :thumbsdown:

Perhaps they had to replace the light switch module during the coding? AFAIK the coding won't work correctly unless all of the modules etc. report 'normal'...

 

Ah, yes - could be! I've knocked mine a few times with my knee!

 

cheers guys. this light switch seems to stick out further from the dash than i remember the old one doing so maybe the old one was pushed into the dash and theyve fixed it or maybe broken but i guess the new one is just fine lol

for the mp3 software, i know a few people have said the mp3 software module may not be nessisarily installed when the sofwtare is updated as i didnt previsouly have it installed and also that bmw dont recommend the mp3 update for early versions due to 'incompatabilities' which may be right also. at the min, when i insert an mp3 cd, in the multimedia menu, the CD 'button' turns from a grey, non-clickable button to a white, clickable button when the cd is detected which when clicked something like the format or media is unsupported is shown on the screen. With the previous version of the software, he CD button just stayed grey, non-clickable? not sure if that means anything?

as a side point, i have been thinking about installing an ipod interface in place of the cd changer. is the mp3 software needed for this to work and do you think this will work in my model. i currently have the cd changer and sat nav fitted from new which seems to be important.

cheers

 

Well then push this one in and see if it looks like the old one!