I've been trying to find a set of LED headlight bulbs for my 2012 MC All4 S, but can't find a set that doesn't trigger the computer error and flashing when starting up. I've bought at least 4 or 5 brands from Amazon, and even saw a review from CarID on a set that supposedly works with the MC, but someone said their 2015 still produces the error. I realize this isn't the end of the world but I'd really like the upgraded bulbs. Has anyone been able to find a brand that works and doesn't cause the error?

 

Need to find a CANbus compatible LED or add a larger resistor to the headlight circuit. Last option is to code the headlights to not trigger an error in control module (check out www.bimmer-tech.net).

 

I used a couple of 'Canbus compatible' LED headlight bulbs and still get the flicker and warning light for a few seconds after start-up. It does clear itself though.

 

Yeah when I tried several different "canbus compatible" or "error free" bulbs, the dash error light would stay on and I'd have to manually clear it each time I started up the car.

 

Carly should be able to do it or some of the free tools too

 

I know LEDs are a popular "upgrade" to some, but they're really not matched to the reflector made for a standard bulb and scatter light where it doesn't belong.

I always recommend a high-end "real" bulb:

For example:

 

The simplest solution is to code out the cold & hot bulb checks.
But the far more important question is: Have you actually found LED headlight bulbs that actually improve the light on the road?

 

^ This

Right. I'd argue that a good real bulb like the X-treme Vision I linked above with a proper aiming session is pretty much always better in a reflector made for filament bulb. The X-treme vision even has blue marketing ring around the glass if you need the bling.

 

Agree with Westy.
I put LEDs in the side markers, DRLs, and reverse lights. Those work great.
But headlights are engineered very specifically for the bulb and housing, and really shouldn't be modified.
Here's an article from this year on ranking the best halogen upgrades for headlights:
Best Halogen Bulbs 2022
And the Amazon link that fit a Countryman:
I installed these ^ as well. Much more clear lighting at night. Not xenon levels, but for $35 it really was a great upgrade. Doubly-good since I polished the headlight housing. No error codes either, obviously.

 

Agreed, Westy & Jim.
I have Philips X-Treme 4x H7 in my '02 R53 halogen reflector units, along with 2x Hella 500 driving lights for the dark twisties.
I do have a pair of Morimoto LED's - they seem to have some potential as the beam pattern on the low beam is decent, though there isn't any extra light on the road. I'll try them in the high beams next week.

 

Yes, don't do it.
You will have reduced effective lighting performance, will blind other drivers, have CANBus issues and the only benefit is that you look at them once or twice a year in a parking lot and take two pictures of how cool they look, but even the pictures won't show their true color.

 

Thank you for all the good info here. I have since returned the LED replacements and ordered a set of Philips Crystal Vision Ultra bulbs

 

Best option is to get projectors and then do the LED conversion with the needed pigtails with system to work as canbus/. Projectors that have the correct US cutoff.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eadlights.html



+ H9 Can bus decoder + H9 LEDs

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ziza-par...3452lb01-04kt/






Don't put ebay and amazon LEDs that are not focused in a NON projector housing. Its blinds everyone like a lifted truck.