Lighting - Automatic Headlamps Seem Overly Sensitive

SI B63 05 02
Lights

October 2002
Service Engineering

SUBJECT
Automatic Low Beam Switched on in Bright Conditions.

MODEL
E39 (5 Series), E46 (3 Series), E53 (X5), B65 (7 Series)

Vehicles with rain sensor and automatic headlamp control (Option 521)

SITUATION
When "Automatic headlamp control" is activated, the low beam headlamps come on unnecessarily, or switch off late (in the judgment of the customer) in bright conditions. This may happen in particular in bright, sunny weather (cloudless skies).

CAUSE
The factory setting for the optical sensor is set to the most sensitive configuration. This ensures that the low beam headlamps are reliably switched on under all lighting conditions. Some customers may judge this setting to be too sensitive.

There is no fault in the optical sensor. A replacement of the part would not change the situation and must therefore not be performed.

CORRECTION
In case of complaint, the situation should be explained to the customer.

If the customer requests a less sensitive setting for the automatic headlamp control, this can be Set in Vehicle and Key Memory (VKM) using DIS CD V31.1 or later.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Information only.