2004 MCS.

My right headlamp is out and I took it to my mechanic. He told me it isn't the bulb, but rather that the headlamp module is out. He says there are no aftermarket items available and that the dealership charges $550 for them.

Does this sound right?

 

Headlight Module? Or is it the headlight assembly itself? HIDs or regular headlights?


If he's not talking about the headlight itself, I'm guessing he is referring to the BCM, body control module for short. It's pretty expensive. I'm guessing he included the cost for installation in that price.

I got mine replaced after it shorted out for roughly $300-350. That was the amount for the part that my mechanic ordered for much cheaper from a dealership. It's better to get it replaced at a MINI dealer even though they charge and arm and a leg for every hour they work on your car. A mechanic can easily swap out the BCM for a new one, but you will have to get a dealer to reprogram the new module for you. Even though they just plug your car into a computer and load up some software, they still will charge you for an hour of work even though it takes about 10 minutes. Installation and reprogramming shouldn't take more than an hour.

It holds a majority of the software and user settings for your car. Most electrical components of your car are controlled by it except for the engine and all things related. Once you get a new one, you won't be able to use many of the electricals in your car if you don't have it reprogrammed. My key remote didn't work, AC controls, headlamps etc. If this is the problem, you should get it fixed asap. A faulty BCM will start to spread its way into other electrical parts, and quite possibly damage them. My door lock actuator shorted itself as a result.

Run a search for the BMC. You'll get a good deal of reading.

 

Thanks. I'll call my mechanic and get clarification.

 

I would guess he is referring to the igniter, or ballast. IDK if Mini sells them individually, or if you have to get a complete new assembly, but that would explain the high $ amount.

 

If it is the igniter, or ballast, look around on ebay, I have seen them for sub $75.00!