DIY Guide: Installing CSL Yellow DRL Modules on Your G20 3 Series (2019-2022)
Want to give your G20 3 Series the aggressive, motorsport-inspired look of the legendary M-car CSL models? Upgrading your daytime running lights (DRLs) to iconic CSL-style yellow is one of the most dramatic cosmetic modifications you can make.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire installation process, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to give your 3 Series a commanding new road presence. Please note: This guide and module set are specifically for the 2019-2022 Pre-LCI G20 models equipped with Laser Headlights.
Table of Contents
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Is This Mod Right for You? (Skill, Time, Access)
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Tools & Parts Needed
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Step-by-Step Installation Guide
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The Final Result
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is This Mod Right for You?
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Skill Level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable with lifting your car and removing wheels and trim panels.
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Time Estimate: 2-3 hours.
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Important Note on Access: To be clear, accessing the DRL modules on the G20 platform is an involved process. The most common DIY method, which this guide follows, requires removing the front wheels and fender liners to reach the back of the headlight housings.
Tools & Parts Needed
Required Tools:
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Floor Jack & Jack Stands
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Wheel Chocks
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Breaker Bar & 17mm Socket (for wheel lugs)
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Wheel Lock Key (if applicable)
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Ratchet with 8mm & 10mm Sockets
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Torx Bit Set (T20 is essential)
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Plastic Trim Removal Tool Kit
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Torque Wrench
Required Parts:
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
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Lift & Secure the Vehicle: Park on a level surface. With the car on the ground, loosen the front lug bolts. Chock the rear wheels, then use a floor jack to lift the front of the car and secure it safely on jack stands.
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Remove Wheel & Fender Liner: Remove the front wheel completely. Using your 8mm and 10mm sockets and a trim tool, remove all the bolts and plastic expansion clips that secure the fender liner. Carefully peel back or remove the liner to get clear access to the back of the headlight assembly.
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Locate the DRL Module: Look at the back of the headlight housing. You will see a silver, finned metal heatsink—this is the OEM DRL module. There is one module for the inner DRL and one for the outer DRL. They are held in by T20 Torx screws. [Image showing the fender liner removed, with an arrow pointing to the DRL module on the back of the headlight]
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Remove the OEM Module: Carefully unplug the wiring harness from the module. Using a T20 Torx bit, remove the screws holding the module in place. The module will now come free.
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Install the BayOptiks CSL Module: Before installing, apply the included thermal paste to the back of the new BayOptiks CSL Yellow DRL module. This is a critical step for heat dissipation and longevity. Carefully slide the new module into place, plug in the connector, and secure it with the original T20 Torx screws.
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Test Before Reassembling! Before you put everything back together, turn on the car's daytime running lights and confirm that the new DRLs illuminate in yellow.
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Reassemble: Reinstall the fender liner and the wheel. Lower the car off the jack stands.
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Final Torque: With the car on the ground, use your torque wrench to tighten the lug bolts to the factory specification (140 Nm / 103 ft-lbs).
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Repeat for the Other Side. The process is identical for the second headlight.
The Final Result
This single modification completely changes the character of your G20, giving it the aggressive and premium look found on top-tier M models.
[Stunning before-and-after slider image showing the G20's standard white DRLs vs. the new CSL yellow DRLs]
Ready to Give Your G20 an M-Car Look?
This plug-and-play module kit is the most effective way to get the iconic yellow DRLs for your G20 3 Series with Laser Headlights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Will this work on my G20 with the standard LED headlights? No, this specific kit is designed only for the optional Laser headlight assemblies (option code 5AZ) on 2019-2022 models. A different kit is required for the standard LEDs.
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Do I need to do any coding? No. These modules are 100% plug-and-play and are designed to work with your car's existing system without causing any error codes.
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Why is thermal paste included and why is it important? The thermal paste ensures a proper connection between the LED module and its heatsink, allowing heat to dissipate effectively. This is crucial for the performance and long life of the LEDs.