Headlight different for the US market?

[kmpowell]

This is probably a really stupid question, but why do North America spec cars have the inner light in the xenon cluster blanked over with a lens?

NA CAR


EURO CAR

[Aussie_in_London]

good observation that, I have always wondered why they have to have the large orange reflectors up front or built into the sides of the front bumpers

[EINSER M]

we have the joys of the DOT (Department Of Transportation) to make our cars shit ugly!

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by kmpowell

This is probably a really stupid question, but why do North America spec cars have the inner light in the xenon cluster blanked over with a lens?

The US DOT mandates the orange reflector in the corners of the headlight.

That inner light is there because tho USA also gets AHL (adaptive head lights - ie lights that turn with the steering wheel). That inner lamp lights up as a corning light. The outer Xeon turns up to 30' to "see" around corners as you drive.

RoW (EU spec) cars also can have AHL. It is an option. But in Europe they have clear corners.

1er LCI with AHL



Xeon's with AHL


Xeons without AHL


Xeon's without AHL



In Europe you have THREE headlight options. The base headlights are halogens. Then you have Xeon's and then Xeons with AHL.


Dackel

[kmpowell]

I see, so it's to do with Adaptive headlights. That explains it then.

[rogbmw]

Thanks - excellent explanation of the differences.

[Lester]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The US DOT mandates the orange reflector in the corners of the headlight.

Dackel

Actually, DOT doesn't require amber relectors to be integtrated into the headlight assembly. This is a manufacturers decision. Reflectors must be amber, and visible from the front and sides. There are all kinds of specifications as to degrees of visibility, reflective characteristics as well as temperature stability (The amber color must be stable if baked at 300 deg for 8 hoiurs). Many car models have the amber reflectors located on the front fenders, angled so they can be seem from the front and sides. An example is the BMW X6.

[DSCPLN]

Slightly old thread.. but is there any way to request the euro-spec (non-orange) reflectors when placing an order in the US?

[AW128i]

Originally Posted by Xinterp

Slightly old thread.. but is there any way to request the euro-spec (non-orange) reflectors when placing an order in the US?

No. The Euro-spec headlights are technically illegal in the U.S.

[DSCPLN]

So the only workaround is to have a euro OEM headlight shipped to the US and pay the labor to swap it out?

[Moo]

You can also use this method, a lot cheaper I'd figure

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261227

[M3 Adjuster]

He apparently means, yes.

[MusclezMarinara]

Just buy the euro headlights

[eeghie]

People that advise on buying the euro headlights, can I ask if it is indeed just the housing that needs to be exchanged?

Who can confirm that the adaptive Xenon modules, other bulbs/connectors, etc are exchangeable when changing from US to EU headlight housing?

(Assuming change from US Adaptive Xenon to EU Adaptive Xenon)

What kind of labor would be involved? except from connecting/disconnecting

[eeghie]

On the subject, has anyone seen or heard of DIY versions of removing the amber reflectors from a US headlight housing? Can the housing be opened up and re-sealed?

While not being able to get a close look myself, possible some fortunate current E82 LCI owner can confirm if it would it be possible for a petrol-head surgeon to breakout/remove the amber reflectors whilst not ruining the housing itself? Fi with a custom bend hook/knive/blade/pliers?

The ~1200$ bill for EU headlights must get other's creative juices flowing!?

[ChrisBuer]

Originally Posted by Moo

You can also use this method, a lot cheaper I'd figure

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261227

How funny!!!

[tkbr0wn]

Originally Posted by eeghie

People that advise on buying the euro headlights, can I ask if it is indeed just the housing that needs to be exchanged?

Who can confirm that the adaptive Xenon modules, other bulbs/connectors, etc are exchangeable when changing from US to EU headlight housing?

(Assuming change from US Adaptive Xenon to EU Adaptive Xenon)

What kind of labor would be involved? except from connecting/disconnecting

Wouldn't you need one of these?





I Keed, I Keed!!!!

[Luca335]

On my 1M, when I turn the wheel right I can see the adaptive xenon head light turn to the right. When I turn the wheel left, the xenon light does not turn left, is this normal? Help please.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Luca335

On my 1M, when I turn the wheel right I can see the adaptive xenon head light turn to the right. When I turn the wheel left, the xenon light does not turn left, is this normal? Help please.

They should move both ways. The headlight switch must be to the left, which is the adaptive light control mode.

[Luca335]

It is turned to the left.

[Lester]

You need to be driving for this to work. To avoid blinding oncoming traffic (think of when you are stopped at an intersection turning left) the Adaptive Headlight aims the lights towards the front passenger side when the vehicle is at a standstill.

[Lester]

Originally Posted by Xinterp

So the only workaround is to have a euro OEM headlight shipped to the US and pay the labor to swap it out?

Yes at $1,200 each plus 4 hours labour. BNW Dealers can`t do it as they are not legal.