Adaptive Headlights

[KennyH]

I'll probably getted flamed for this dumb question, but here goes:

I own a 2003 M3 with adaptive headlights. I can tell when they're autoleveling, particularly when coming to a pretty abrupt stop. But I'll be damned if I can tell that they're "looking around a curve". I have yet to see any movement from side to side when cornering. Is it a subtle thing, or should I be able to tell?

[white 330ci]

i have not seen the adaptave headlights, but i think they are supposed to be controlled by the steering wheel, so maybe just turn the wheel all the way to one side and watch for the light to move.


try it in an empty parking lot at night

[aschueler]

actually I am pretty sure they depend on your speed as well as how much you are turning, so if you are sitting still, they might not move at all.

The only way I can realy tell mine work is when I turn into my driveway at night; you can see then turn in with you instead of sweeping across the lawn.

[PoorGuyX3]

I have the adaptive headlights on my X3 and they turn from side to side based on the steering wheel. I sat in my garage one day and figured that one out. I think it has to be in drive though??? ( I have an auto, i know, i know, boooooo) not sure about the manual tranny though.

[GRD-4-3L]

The side to side travel is 15° so you should definitely see movement, especially at slow (below 30mph) speeds.

[chuckie789]

The X3 must be different than the 3 series. On my 330Ci, the lights move based on speed and the physics of the moving car. With the car at a standstill and with the wheels turned to the left (or, on right-hand drive cars, to the right) the Adaptive Headlights are required by law to face straight ahead in order not to dazzle oncoming traffic. A standard feature of Adaptive Headlights is dynamic headlight range control compensating any differences in load conditions and vehicle weight. Therefore, in an M3, they should not move unless you are moving, or if you just came to a stop. They will also turn more if you are going at a moderate speed and turning a corner at a decent angle. Try this...when driving at about 30 to 40mph, make your car swerve very quickly. Go back and forth with the wheel and look at the ground. You should see the lights swivel with a small delay. The only other way to see the true beauty of these beasts is to drive around a corner in your car with the Xenons, and then turn off your lights and hold the turn signal bar to the flashing position (you will be driving with the regular lights). Since the inside/regular lights don't turn/adapt, you should see a difference. Good luck!

[320CDI]

I have a brand new 3 series coupe and the adaptive lights turn when you are stationary - I am in Scotland so not sure if the law is different.

[aschueler]

I tested mine today stopped at a red light, watching the lights' reflection in the car in front of me. They definitely turned, but only at the extreme of turning. I still think the degree to which they turn depends on the speed of the car, but they do apparently turn even when stationary.

(manual transmission in neutral....just sitting waiting for a light to turn green)

[rgzimmer]

I can see mine turn on the road at night. Just drive in a dark area and move the wheel slightly from side to side at slow speeds. You should see it.

Also, I heard that it only works if you have the lights in auto-on mode. I haven't confirmed that, though. I always drive with my lights on auto.

[aschueler]

Whew all the little things to respond to about the adaptive headlights, eh?

My experiment today was on the "on" position (they don't come on when it's raining when in "auto")

[StephenA]

Mine move on auto or manual switch settings. The move when sitting still. I can see it best on winding roads very dark going fast.