LED angel eyes or bulbs flickering at start-up
New custom headlights flickering when you start the car, or at random, with or without error messages? Your car needs coding from halogen to LED.
On this page
If your new custom headlights flicker when you start the car, or at random while it's running, with or without error messages, your car needs coding to change its output from halogen to LED.
Why it happens
BMWs check their bulbs with a system designed for halogen. LEDs react to the slightest voltage change, so when the car pulses a light to check its circuit, the LEDs flicker.
What to code
Depending on your car, the setting is in the FRM, LM or FEM. Most BMWs from 1999 onwards can be coded.
Apps you can use
- ProTool (mobile app, Android only)
- BimmerCode (mobile app)
- Carly (mobile app)
- BMW Standard Tools (Windows)
Each needs its own hardware to connect to your car.
Steps
- Find which module controls your lights: the FRM, LM or FEM, depending on your car.
- Connect to the car with a coding app and its hardware.
- Change the output for the lights that flicker from halogen to LED.
- Start the car and check the lights no longer flicker.
Car with a FEM? See how to code LED bulbs on a FEM BMW for the exact values.
Common questions
Why do my LED angel eyes flicker at start-up?
The car's output is set for halogen. Coding it from halogen to LED is the fix.
Can my BMW be coded?
Most BMWs from 1999 onwards can be coded.
Which app should I use?
ProTool, BimmerCode, Carly or BMW Standard Tools all work. Each needs its own hardware to connect to your car.
Should I code before fitting new headlights?
Yes, where your car needs it. See the coding needed before you fit custom headlights.
Rather we did it?
If you're not comfortable coding your car, we can do it for you in person or remotely. Before fitting, see the coding needed before you fit custom headlights.
