Adaptive Headlights: Introduction

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Adaptive headlights turns the bi-xenon headlights towards the inside of a bend when cornering. This improves illumination of the curve of the road. Visibility is therefore improved.

When cornering, the driver is not looking into a "black hole" - instead, the adaptive headlights allow the driver to see the curve of the road.

This SI Technology bulletin (SBT) describes the adaptive headlights for the following model series:

E60, E61, E63, E64 up to 03/2005:
The system overview applies accordingly for the E65 and E66 up to 03/2005.
E60, E61, E63, E64 from 03/2005 until 09/2005
The system overview applies accordingly for the E65 and E66 from 03/2005.

NOTE: AHL control unit discontinued from 03/2005.

From 03/2005, the AHL control unit software is integrated into the light module on the E60, E61, E63, E64, E65 and E66. The AHL control unit is no longer fitted.

E60, E61, E63, E64 from 09/2005
The vehicle electrical system was changed from 09/2005.

As a result of the change, several control units were discontinued and some control unit functions were integrated into new control units.
E70
The turning lights function is new on the E70 from the start of series production.

The turning lights give the area next to the carriageway additional illumination when you are turning or cornering (driving in tight bends). They are also active when you park the vehicle.

Depending on the country concerned, the turning lights are activated when cornering.
E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93
For the E81, E92, E93 from start of series production and for the E87 from 03/2007, the turning light function is new.

NOTE: Turning lights on E70, E81, E87, E92, E93 only in conjunction with option 524

Turning lights are a sub-function of option 524 "Adaptive headlights".

Bi-xenon headlights are standard equipment on the E92, E93.

Option 524 is standard on the US version.

NOTE: AHL components on E46, E53 and E83

There is a separate system description for the adaptive headlights on the E46, E53, E83.

NOTE: AHL components on the E63, E64

The E63, E64 has a zero-position sensor.
Otherwise, the E63 and E64 are the same as the other 5-Series models.

NOTE: Components for adaptive headlight on E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

On the E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93, the adaptive headlights largely correspond to those on the E60, E61, E63, E64, E65 and E66:

E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93 vehicles are equipped with a zero-position sensor.
On the E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93, the FRM (footwell module) acts as control unit for exterior lighting. The footwell module contains the functions of the light module, AHL control unit and the general module (or body general module).