BMW F10 High Beam Assistant Retrofit: Navigating FSC Codes and KAFAS

Retrofitting features in modern BMWs, like the High Beam Assistant (HBA), often involves more than just hardware installation. It frequently requires understanding and managing FSC (Freischaltcode) codes and considering systems like KAFAS (Kamera-basiertes Fahrerassistenzsystem). This write-up details the experience of retrofitting HBA on a 2015 BMW F10, highlighting the steps taken and the challenges faced.

The retrofit process began with wiring the new auto-dimming mirrors, essential for the HBA functionality. The original mirror setup had 3 wires (pins 3-6-10), while the new mirrors featured 6 pins. Researching on newtis.info suggested pins 4-5 were for K-CAN2, although pin 9 remained unclear. The wiring was adapted, looping K-CAN2 from the ECU junction box to pins 4-5, effectively bypassing the unknown pin 9.

Moving to coding, E-sys was used to connect to the car. The FLA3 (5f) ECU was identified, and CAFD files were detected and coded successfully. Although 5AC (High Beam Assistant FA code) was present in the car’s FA, FDL coding was preferred over VO coding due to previous NBTevo issues. Key coding parameters included:

• NBTevo: HIGH_BEAM_ASSISTANT set to aktiv (though no menu appeared in NBTevo).
• FRM: FLA_VERBAUT = aktiv, FLA_AUTO_AKTIV = automatisch.
• KOMBI: L6 BO ST_MAB_ASST_APPL = aktiv, ST_MAB_ASST_TIMEOUT = aktiv.

Post-coding, the HBA icon appeared in the 6WA instrument cluster, indicating initial success. However, the icon disappeared after restarting the vehicle and did not reappear during a 60km/h test drive in Auto-Off-Auto light switch mode. This suggests a potential issue with the system activation or a missing component in the retrofit process, possibly related to FSC code activation or KAFAS system integration for proper HBA operation. Further investigation is needed to pinpoint the cause of the malfunction and achieve a fully functional BMW High Beam Assistant retrofit.