08-19-2022, 02:06 PM (This post was last modified: 08-23-2022, 05:55 PM by SoCalR1200RS.
Edit Reason: resized the photo to prevent horizontal scrolling
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Didn't intend to go down this path, but once I started, I just keep going... I purchased a Carbon Fiber center nose fairing piece, not realizing it was made for the Euro models with the cut out for the LED DRL. I actually really like the look of that vertical LED stripe and decided to keep sinking more money into the challenge and ordered a used LED from eBay which arrives later this month.
Mounting and installation should be easy, with the aforementioned carbon fiber piece. Getting it to work though, is another story, which I intend to use this thread to update as I progress.
From what I've read, there's a specific mode(Code: X202A) , which needs to be enabled in the ECU which would enable the native DRL LED functionality, including the headlight display on the LCD display. Not only would I need to somehow flash the chip to enable this mode - which stories go, there's only been 1 US rider who got their dealership to do it, before the dealer declared never again - but I also lack the button on my left controls. I would need BMW part: 61 31 8 549 925 - and I can't find one for less than $650...
So that leaves me with a Plan - B, splice the light in to another wire, and add a 3rd party controller. If I won't be using the BMW wiring / computer as originally designed, I am curious about the possibility of gutting the LED module and replacing the LEDs with something more fun, like RGB LEDs that can be controlled via an app.
In the shortest terms tho, I will likely seek to simply install the parts, without connecting the wiring for the DRL, so it'll be present, but off. I'll update when the part arrives later this month.
Edit: I found this post by Lee which shows another American rider who did what I'm trying to do! I wish I had his contact info!
(08-19-2022, 02:42 PM)Liteitup Wrote: Would something like an EZCan work? Not cheap, but neither is the switchgear you'd need for Euro bike (I assume).
Oh, that's probably what you meant by 3rd party controller....never mind.
Having just bought a Denali CANsmart controller (identical device to the EZcan except it comes with additional cabling), an EZcan is what I'd suggest investigating as well. Can auto adjust with high/low beams, flash w/horn, flash alternately with turn signals when hazard mode activated, selectable power output per circuit with built in selectable limiter, etc. They can be daisy chained to provide additional circuits as well.
LED light arrived! It looks great. I'm going to plan to install it this weekend, even if it remains unplugged for now.
I'll look into the EZCan, it seems to be the most elegant installation solution that doesn't require splitting any wires at all.
I've also seen this, BMW Part #: 61 31 8 533 473, which is an accessory light button, which is intended for fog lights, but could be put to this use potentially. Would be a lot cheaper than buying the proper left hand controls part.
(08-24-2022, 11:52 AM)SoCalR1200RS Wrote: LED light arrived! It looks great. I'm going to plan to install it this weekend, even if it remains unplugged for now.
I'll look into the EZCan, it seems to be the most elegant installation solution that doesn't require splitting any wires at all.
I've also seen this, BMW Part #: 61 31 8 533 473, which is an accessory light button, which is intended for fog lights, but could be put to this use potentially. Would be a lot cheaper than buying the proper left hand controls part.
(08-24-2022, 11:52 AM)SoCalR1200RS Wrote: LED light arrived! It looks great. I'm going to plan to install it this weekend, even if it remains unplugged for now.
I'll look into the EZCan, it seems to be the most elegant installation solution that doesn't require splitting any wires at all.
I've also seen this, BMW Part #: 61 31 8 533 473, which is an accessory light button, which is intended for fog lights, but could be put to this use potentially. Would be a lot cheaper than buying the proper left hand controls part.
Using an EZcan allows you to use your existing handlebar controls to manage a circuit. You may not need/want additional switchgear.
05-25-2026, 10:24 PM (This post was last modified: 05-26-2026, 01:48 AM by SoCalR1200RS.)
Hi Gents!
I had a very unfortunate meeting with one of my local curbs and it resulted in some scratches and damage to my front fairing. Not an issue, I've already sourced clean OEM replacement parts and should have her looking good as new in a couple of weeks. I'm deciding to take advantage of this front end work to finally replace my nose fairing and move forward with the Euro-DRL install! I think it'll look pretty sick and I'm excited to finally get the carbon nose installed.
My final remaining challenge is powering the light. I considered splurging on a ezCan but honestly, I think it's overkill considering I don't plan to add any extra lights, etc. plus, I still need to solve the connector to the DRL - so I'm back to just a basic wiring setup. Ideally, if I can just tap into a switched power source, I shouldn't have to do anything else.
I've been looking around the BMW Service Manual - and I found this page (ref. 6111) where it shows that non-DRL models, they tucked the connector into the front chasis. My question is, does this stub exist on US models or did they omit this entirely to save the $$?
I've attached some screenshots from the manual that show the plug in question.
I've had my US spec '17 RS front end taken apart down to the steering head and did not see any wiring that was not used for something. Didn't even have an unused connector. I suspect US spec machines have a dedicated wiring harness.
Yeah, I think my best solution is to make my own short cable that goes from the nav connector to the DRL. I'm thinking I can harvest some OEM plugs from donor bikes (eBay, etc.) and then splice together. The trick has been trying to figure out the right plugs needed and where I can source them from. I know BMW likes to standardize parts a lot, so there may be something else that uses the same plug I can access easier than trying to order a whole harness from Europe just to harvest one 18" wire.
: 2016 S1000RR