There are some differences between the US and European versions in that the inner lights on European models only use the inner lamps as a High Beam. There is no change in the intensity of the Xenon HID lamp, only the movement of a shutter to move the beam cutoff from its low to high pattern. The inner lamps have always been a pair of long range driving lamps, or spotlights, augmenting the outer pair by putting a lot more light om the road ahead. Alas no more.

The new system no longer has these driving lights to provide a long range pattern in the centre of the lighting beams and therefore the lighting is actually worse with the new lighting systems than the old. The E53 in the UK with the HID option puts some 180W of light output on the road. The new vehicles a mere 70W.

It appears that the inner lens is just there as a signature rather than for function other than to hold and conceal the Angel-Eye light pipe hardware and lamp assembly.

Two local BMW Dealers were also completely unaware of this and went to have a look at their own demo vehicles with HIDs installed. Mind you, my own dealer did not know that my E71 40d is a twin, two-stage turbo boosted system rather than a single twin-scroll turbo. I think they are struggling with all of the changes BMW are hitting them with, but not telling them about.

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Me:
Current: 2011 E71 40D Vermilion Red/Beige Nappa

Wifey:
Current: 2012 R80 Countryman SDX Green/Cream