Adaptive headlights 101

[g300d]

I have an 04 facelift.

The adaptive headlights work only in the "A" position.

When the switch is moved to "A", the green light illuminates, and you will see the beam move noticeably when moving the steering wheel (pass side mostly, the travel to driver's side is limited to avoid blinding oncoming traffic).

The green light will flash on and off if you switch it to "A" and there is any fault in the system.

[tecboy99]

Some early facelifts, like mine, didn't were not equipped with the dynamic xenon. Meaning that it wont turn left or right, if you look at the headlight, one of the rings around the xenon lamp will say Dynamic if you have it. If it doesn't say anything, then they will only move up and down. If they don't, then you could check your headlight level sensor attached to the passenger side control arm.

[AV8R4AA]

i have 2 headlight control dash switch parts.
I bought one because I thought I had a defective unit.
Neither control panel has a green light socket.

I have a February 2004 build date X5.
Did very early facelift series not have green bulbs?

[Joshdub]

Pre facelift does not have the green led on the light switch. Maybe you got those?

[blackbeast]

Originally Posted by g300d

The adaptive headlights work only in the "A" position.

I just confirmed this too

I had no idea until this thread. I've tried seeing my beams move by turning the wheel before and saw nothing so I assumed they were broken

It's actually really noticeable and pretty cool!

[g300d]

^wait till you try them on a twisty road at speed!

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by blackbeast

I just confirmed this too

I had no idea until this thread. I've tried seeing my beams move by turning the wheel before and saw nothing so I assumed they were broken

It's actually really noticeable and pretty cool!

While your vehicle may be equipped with adaptive headlights, the "A" on the light switch is for Automatic Headlights, a commom BMW feature.

[AV8R4AA]

So if you have a switch that has an A selector AND a green light, then you have adaptive
headlights? If you have no green light, then no Apdative?

_______________________UPDATE___________________


I ran a vin decoder and it shows Xenon lights, but no adaptive function.

Therefor, no green light, makes sense now.

[electricalserv x5]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

easiest way to tell, is to look at your headlight switch. Do you have an A setting (turn switch to left from an off position)? If so then its in Adaptive setting.
Also, when switch is in A setting, a small green light is illuminated.

Wow another x5 lesson learned today...................