From page 104 of the 2005 Owner's Manual:

Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp control system that enables better illumination of the road surface. Depending on the steering angle and
other assumptions, the light from the headlamp follows the course of the road.

Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position2, turn the light switch to the position 'Automatic headlamp control', refer to page103.

To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the
Adaptive Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>is active only when pointing toward
the passenger side.


---------------
So yes, it adjusts more to the right (passenger side) than to the left.

yohooooooooooooooo then i dont have a problem :D

I know this is an old thread, but in searching for 'adaptive headlights,' this post was the most informative.

I even learned that my 2004 X5 3.0 (10/03 Production) does not have this feature, but the 2004 4.8is I will pick up on Saturday (07/04 Production) should have this feature. It will be our first BMW with this feature. Looking forward to testing it out.

I absolutely love this feature. In fact, I searched for a model that had this option, along with the HID lights. It was must-have for me.

So nice being able to see around corners instead of having the lights shining uselessly off into the trees or into people's windows. I wish they would turn even more, but thankful for what they do now.

I understand the future of headlights is very bright as smart LED technology will solve almost every lighting problem.

My X is an '05 3.0. It was part of an option package, so look for that rather than simply the year.

Solid advice. From what I have read, adaptive HID's did not enter production until 04/04. In my case (and in the case of any early production 2004 E53) the 10/2003 production date was the key to this feature being present in the US.

I have also read here that all HID E53's produced after 04/04 had adaptive technology. That is to say you are perhaps correct that they are listed as an option (Option code 524), but that if the information here is understood correctly, the option for Xenon lights (Option 522) *includes* adaptive technology in the US after 04/04.

Good research. I should have said that the lights were available as part of various packages. My used X has sort of a family touring option list, gps, rear heating/ac controls, the lights, etc. I presume they also came with sport packages(?). Maybe not.

:dunno: I think it makes sense that every 4.6/4.8is came with the sport package. Just like every six speed manual E39 540. I can't imagine that BMW would produce something with 'is' and it be available without sport.

I looked at the option codes for the 4.8 I am planning to buy. It shows four separate codes related to the sport package:

226 Sport suspension settings
255 Sport Steering wheel
481 Sport seats
840 High speed sychronization

I *have* seen a 4.8is with comfort seats but never ones without the other three options. A long time ago, I even had an E39 with comforts. I much prefer the sport seats that I have ragged out on my trusty old '04 3.0 and tried to keep fresh in my '00 540i6.

I understand that the 840 option refers to an increased rev limiter to accompany the sport suspension settings.