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ELERON BMW 4 Series (F32/F33/F36) + M3 (F80) / M4 (F82/F83) Headlights Guide — ICON / CSL-GTS Tri-Color & Snake-Eye (E-Mark, Fitment, Pin Guide)
A practical ELERON guide for BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 and BMW M3 F80 / M4 F82/F83 headlight upgrades: ICON/CSL-GTS tri-color DRL options and Snake-Eye arrow DRL. Includes E-mark context, exact pin/SA-code fitment, DRL switching steps, install notes, coding expectations, and troubleshooting tips.
Related Products
SKU: YAA-F32-05817
SKU: YAA-F32-05819
Related Vehicles
This guide covers ELERON headlight upgrades for BMW 4 Series F32 (Coupe), F33 (Convertible), F36 (Gran Coupé) — plus BMW M3 F80 and BMW M4 F82/F83 (pre-LCI & LCI, depending on connector version). You’ll learn what to buy, how to pick the correct pin version, how the DRL modes work, and what to expect for install/coding.
If you only take one thing from this article: count the populated pins on your factory headlight connector first. It’s the fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong version.
1) Overview: which ELERON headlight style is right?
A) ICON / CSL-GTS Tri-Color (most popular)
OEM-look, full-LED upgrade with clean light guides and strong bi-LED projector output. Run a subtle white-only OEM DRL for a factory finish — or choose CSL/GTS-inspired variants that add yellow, amber, or red options for a more aggressive signature when you want it.
- Best for: OEM+ daily look in white, with optional motorsport DRL modes.
- DRL variants: White-only • White+Yellow • White+Yellow+Amber • White+Yellow+Red.
- Signals: orange/amber LED turn signals with crisp diffusion.
B) Snake-Eye “Arrow DRL”
Full-LED upgrade with a bold arrow DRL look. DRL is switchable between OEM-white (~6000K) and selective yellow (~3000K) using the high-beam stalk.
- Best for: a standout DRL signature without going “full show build.”
- DRL modes: White ↔ Yellow.
- Output: bi-LED projectors with a sharp cutoff and strong night visibility.
Important: These headlights are sold in multiple connector versions. Your best move is to count the populated pins on your factory headlight plug and cross-check your VO/SA codes (examples below).
2) DRL modes & quick switching (high-beam stalk)
ICON / CSL-GTS DRL variants
- White-only OEM version: fixed white DRL (no color change).
- White + Yellow: flash 5× for yellow (~3000K); flash 4× for white (~6000K).
- White + Yellow + Amber: flash 4× white; 5× yellow; 6× amber.
- White + Yellow + Red: flash 3× red; 4× yellow; 5× white.
Tip: switch modes with the vehicle on and DRLs active. If the count doesn’t register, pause and repeat with steady timing.
Snake-Eye Arrow DRL
- flash 5× for yellow (~3000K)
- flash 4× for white (~6000K)
Best practice for daily driving: use the clean white DRL mode. Additional colors are a styling option often used for tuning builds and events — use as intended in line with local expectations.
3) Exact fitment & pin guide (6/8/9/10-pin)
Supported platforms: F32/F33/F36 plus F80/F82/F83. Order the connector version that matches your factory plug.
| Factory lighting | Typical years | VO/SA codes (examples) | What to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED (LCI) | ~2014–2020 | 5A2 / 552 (most cars) | 6-pin (if 6 pins populated) |
| Xenon (Pre-LCI, non-adaptive) | ~2013–2016 | 522 (no 524) | 8-pin |
| Adaptive Xenon (Pre-LCI) | ~2013–2016 | 522 + 524 (AHL/AFS) | 9-pin |
| Adaptive LED (rare wiring) | early builds (varies) | 552 with extra wiring | 10-pin if your plug physically has 10 populated pins |
The connector shell can look identical across versions. What matters is the number of populated pins. Always confirm by counting pins on the vehicle-side headlight plug.
Pin Photo Guide (Tap to Enlarge)
Fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong version.
6-pin (LED) — common on many LCI cars
Often 5A2 / 552 setups. Confirm by counting populated pins.
8-pin (Xenon non-adaptive)
Typical 522 Xenon without 524 (no AHL/AFS).
9-pin (Adaptive Xenon)
Typical 522 + 524 (AHL/AFS) setups.
10-pin (rare wiring)
Seen on some early 552 setups — verify twice before ordering.
Tip: if your car is modified or has an unusual retrofit history, rely on pin counting first and VO/SA codes second.
4) E-mark & “road-legal in white mode” (plain language)
ELERON headlight assemblies in this range are E-marked. For everyday driving, these kits are designed to run a clean white DRL mode. On multi-mode variants, additional DRL colors exist as a styling option — commonly used for tuning builds and events — so the best practice is simple: use white DRL mode for daily road operation and use as intended in line with local expectations.
Want deeper context on markings and inspections? See: E-mark & ECE lighting guide.
5) Install notes, coding expectations, aiming
Install (high-level)
- Disconnect the battery. Protect painted edges before removing bumper/trim.
- Remove the old headlight assemblies and transfer any required clips/brackets.
- Install ELERON housings and connect the correct pin version (6/8/9/10).
- Function check: low/high beam, DRL, turn signals, and DRL mode switching.
- Aim the headlights after installation.
For aiming basics and a clean cutoff setup, use: How to aim headlights.
Coding expectations (what’s normal)
- Pre-LCI Xenon → Full LED: some cars may need coding to prevent bulb checks or adapt lighting parameters.
- Adaptive (AFS/AHL) cars: if you move to non-adaptive headlights, coding may be needed so the car doesn’t expect adaptive functions.
- Rare 10-pin setups: confirm wiring/pin population carefully; plan on professional coding support if your car is uncommon.
If you see warnings, flicker, or fast indicator behavior, start here: CANBUS & LED error fixes.
6) Troubleshooting: warnings, flicker, hyper-flash
Dash warnings / bulb checks
- Confirm the correct pin version (6/8/9/10).
- Reseat connectors and check grounds (loose grounds cause intermittent behavior).
- If needed, an installer can adjust bulb monitoring (cold/hot checks) for relevant channels.
DRL flicker / unstable DRL switching
- Verify stable voltage (battery/charging health matters).
- Some cars use PWM for DRL control; coding or an anti-flicker solution may help depending on setup.
- Repeat the flash sequence with consistent timing.
Hyper-flash / indicator rate changes
If the indicator rate changes after installation, the car is usually detecting an unexpected electrical load. Start with connector checks, then review coding/monitoring settings. A general workflow is outlined here: CANBUS & hyper-flash fixes.
7) FAQs — ELERON BMW F3x / F8x headlights
Which version do I order: 6-pin, 8-pin, 9-pin, or 10-pin?
How do I switch DRL colors?
Do I need coding?
What’s the fastest way to get a clean beam pattern?
Need help confirming your connector?
Send a clear photo of your vehicle-side headlight plug (showing populated pins) and your build info — we’ll point you to the correct version. For deeper reading, use the guides below.
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