Part 2

63 02 03 (007)
Adaptive headlights E60/E61/E63/E64/E65/E66/E70/E81/E87/E90/E91/E92/E93


System activation and automatic calibration
When terminal 15 is switched ON, the headlights always perform a calibration sequence, even if the dipped headlights are not switched on. The control unit for adaptive headlights sends the "perform calibration sequence" request to the stepper motor controllers (SMCs, control units for the headlight stepper motors). The stepper motor controllers actuate the stepper motors in the headlights. The calibration sequence is performed. In the calibration sequence, the headlights move as follows:
1. The headlights move to the right and left (= calibration sequence for adaptive headlights).
2. The headlights move up and down (= calibration sequence for automatic headlight-range adjustment).
3. At the end of the calibration sequence, the headlights are in the straight-ahead position.
Following the calibration sequence, the system is ready for operation.
When reverse gear is engaged, the headlights are moved to the straight-ahead position.

Note: The calibration sequence is performed only after terminal 15 has been switched OFF for at least 15 seconds.
> E66, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66 until 09/06

> E87, E90, E91, E92, E93 until 03/07
If terminal 15 is repeatedly switched on and off (e.g. for demonstration purposes), the calibration sequence will not be executed every time terminal 15 is switched on.
Terminal 15 must have been switched off for at least 15 seconds before it is switched on again. Only then is a calibration sequence performed when terminal 15 is switched on.

Note: Calibration sequence always after terminal 15 ON and dipped-beam headlights ON.
> E66, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66 from 09/06

> E70 from start of series production
> E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93 from 03/07
If terminal 15 is repeatedly switched on and off (e.g. for demonstration purposes), the calibration sequence will not be executed every time terminal 15 and the dipped-bead headlights are switched ON.

Note: Calibration sequence with enlarged range of movement.
> not E65, E66

From 09/07, starting with the E60, E61, E63, E64, a calibration sequence with larger range of movement will be introduced.
The calibration sequence with larger range of movement will then gradually be introduced on other model series.



Activation of stepper motor controllers
The control unit for adaptive headlights sends the stepper motor controllers (SMC) the nominal values for the positioner modules (position of positioner modules and speed of movement).

The control unit for adaptive headlights calculates the nominal values using the following signals:
- Vehicle road speed
- Steering angle (at speeds up to 50 km/h, dependent on encoding)
- Yaw rate (50 km/h upwards, see "Steering-angle sensor and DSC sensor" above)



Speed-dependent analysis of signals
Depending on the road speed, the adaptive headlights are controlled using the following signals: Signals from the steering angle sensor and signals from yaw-rate sensor (in the DSC sensor).
The encoding (at the end of the production line) determines the priority assigned to sensor signals above which speed threshold.



Adjustment of headlight horizontal aim
The stepper motor controllers move the headlights to the right or left when the vehicle corners.
Horizontal range of movement of headlights:
- Inwards, i.e. towards center of vehicle: up to max. 8°
- Outwards: up to max. 15°
Example: Right-hand bend:
The right-hand headlight turns by up to 15° (the right-hand headlight is the "inside" headlight on a right-hand bend).
Viewed from the vehicle, the right-hand headlight moves "outwards".
The left-hand headlight moves up to 8° (the left-hand headlight moves towards the middle of the vehicle, i.e. "inwards" as viewed from the vehicle).
The headlight on the outside of the bend has to reach its end position at the same time as the headlight on the inside of the bend so that the carriageway remains smoothly and evenly illuminated.
On a right-hand bend, the left-hand headlight is on the outside of the bend. The right-hand headlight is on the inside of the bend.



Deactivation of adaptive headlights function under extreme handling conditions
If the vehicle drifts, skids and loses sideways grip, the adaptive headlights function is deactivated as follows:
- The headlights are returned to the straight-ahead position. The headlights are no longer turned.
- The dipped headlights remain on.



Deactivation of adaptive headlights function in response to system faults
Until 09/07, a system fault will be indicated by the indicator lamp on the light switch flashing.
From 09/07 system fault will be indicated by a Check-Control message in the instrument cluster.
Dazzling of oncoming traffic must be prevented in the event of a system fault.
For this reason, the adaptive headlights function is deactivated as follows:
- If the stepper motors are still functional, the headlights are returned to the straight-ahead position. The headlights are no longer moved towards bends in the road.
- If it is no longer possible for a headlight to be moved back to the straight-ahead position, the headlight is tilted downwards (by the stepped motors for automatic headlight-range adjustment). This prevents dazzling of oncoming traffic.
- Vehicles up to 09/07
If the headlight cannot be tilted downwards, the bi-xenon bulb in this headlight is disabled as follows:
When the vehicle is parked up, the control unit registers sleep mode for the adaptive headlights, as follows: Vehicle standstill and terminal R OFF for several minutes.
The next time the vehicle is restarted, the bi-xenon light of the defective headlight is not switched on.
The front foglights are switched on in order to ensure a minimum level of illumination.
The dipped beam headlights are not switched off while the vehicle is in motion.

Note: From 09/07, the dipped-beam headlights will not be switched off in the event of a system fault.
If a system fault develops in the adaptive headlights, the dipped-beam headlights for the affected headlight will not be switched off.



Setting headlights to parked position
When terminal R is switched off, the headlights move to the parked position. The parked position is important for the headlights' next calibration sequence: From the parked position, the headlights are run through a calibration sequence in the pre-drive-check. During each calibration sequence, the control unit for adaptive headlights relearns the straight-ahead position for the headlights.
When the headlights have reached the parked position, the stepper motor controllers SMCs inform the control unit for adaptive headlights ("verification").
The control unit for adaptive headlights deactivates the stepper motor controllers.
The run-down period lasts approx. 10 seconds.



Automatic headlight-range adjustment
If the special equipment "Adaptive headlights" is fitted, the control unit for adaptive headlights also controls the automatic headlight-range adjustment.
The automatic headlight-range adjustment adapts the headlight range for different operating conditions. Variations in the vehicle tilt angle are produced by vehicle loads and braking or acceleration in extreme driving situations. The automatic headlight-range adjustment moves the headlights up and down as required.

The control unit for adaptive headlights also controls the automatic headlight-range adjustment as follows:
1. The ride-height sensors and the brake light switch supply the signals for the automatic headlight-range adjustment.
2. The control unit for adaptive headlights computes the vehicle inclination (longitudinally to the roadway) from the signals.
3. The stepper motors for the automatic headlight-range adjustment automatically and dynamically control the headlight range.
The headlight range is adjusted so that the actual headlight range conforms to the legally required headlight range as follows:
- If vehicle rear is lower than front:
The actual headlight range will be longer than the legally stipulated range. The headlight beam height is lowered to reduce the headlight range to match the legal requirement.
- If the vehicle is horizontal:
The actual headlight range will be the same as the legally stipulated range.
- If vehicle front is lower than rear:
The actual headlight range will be shorter than the legally stipulated range. The headlight beam height is raised to increase the headlight range to match the legal requirement.



Adaptive headlights for automatic driving lights control
The automatic driving lights control feature (option in conjunction with the rain-light sensor) automatically switches the side lights and dipped headlights on or off.
Switch-on conditions:
- The automatic driving lights control must be encoded (in the light module on the E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, in the footwell module on the E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93).
- The light switch must be in position "A" ("A" for automatic driving lights control and adaptive headlights).
- The rain-light sensor must be installed and operational.
The rain-light sensor detects the brightness of the ambient light.

The rain-light sensor sends the following prompts to the light module (on the E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93: footwell module):
- Ambient brightness low: In twilight, darkness, in an underground garage or tunnel.
"Switch on dipped headlights" request
- Ambient brightness sufficient.
"Switch off dipped headlights" request
If only the side lights are to be switched on, the light switch must be set to side lights (switch position 1).
When the light switch is set to position "A", the control unit for adaptive headlights is also activated:
- When the automatic driving lights control function switches on the dipped headlights (e.g. at dawn/dusk), the adaptive headlights function is notified at the same time.
The control unit for adaptive headlights thus assumes control of the automatic headlight-range adjustment.
- In addition, signals from the rain-light sensor are evaluated (E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66: by the light module; E90, E91, E92, E93: by the footwell module).
The headlights are not turned when the vehicle is cornering until total darkness sets in.
The message "dipped headlights on" is given individually for each headlight.
If a headlight fails, the adaptive headlights are switched off.
The front foglights are switched on in order to ensure a minimum level of illumination.



Turning lights
The turning lights are coupled to the adaptive headlights (option 524).
The footwell module (FRM) uses the following signals to adjust the turning lights:
- Steering angle
- Yaw rate
- Status of reverse gear

> - E81, E92, E93 with start of series production and E87 from 03/07
Instead of the main-beam headlight (H7), the main headlight with turning light has a fixed additional reflector with an H3 bulb. The special shape of the lens prevents dazzle to the front.





The illustration shows the main headlight with turning light on the E81, E87, E92, E93

1) - Bi-xenon light
2) - H8 bulb for side lights and daytime driving lights
3) - H3 bulb for turning lights
4) - Reflector for turning lights





The illustration shows the turning light on the E81, E87, E92, E93

1) - Left turn
2) - Right turn
- The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched on:
- Terminal 15 ON
- Light switch in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
- Rain-light sensor detects twilight or darkness (threshold exceeded)



The turning lights are not activated at speeds greater than 70 km/h.
> Europe version:
For legal reasons, the turning lights on the Europe version can only be activated via the turn signal indicator at speeds up to 40 km/h.

When reversing, the footwell module (FRM) activates the turning lights as follows in the speed range 0 km/h to 35 km/h:
- US version:both sides
- Other countries: outside of turn only
When the turn signal indicator is switched on:
If the vehicle is stationary, the turning lights will automatically be deactivated after approx. 4 seconds, e.g. when waiting at traffic lights. However, the turning lights can be activated again with the turn-signal/main-beam switch (up to 3 times) until the reflector has reached a certain temperature.
A temperature model protects the headlights from excessive thermal stress.
The switching-off conditions for the turning light depend on the country concerned.

Note: Temperature monitoring by temperature model
A temperature model in the footwell module calculates the temperature of the reflector. The temperature of the reflector must not exceed a certain value. If a critical temperature is reached, the footwell module (FRM) will deactivate the turning lights. The turning lights can be activated again after a cooling-off phase.



> - E70 with start of series production
The turning lights are realized using the front foglights. (Reason: The installation location of the headlights is too high for the turning lights. This prevents legal stipulations from being adhered to.)
Depending on actuation, the right-hand and/or left-hand front foglight is switched on. The turning lights are actuated by the light module (LM).
The front foglights have an additional reflector to illuminate the areas to the sides better.
When turning, the front foglight on the inside of the turn is automatically activated. The additional reflector for the turning light reflects the light beam towards the turning area.
The turning light are not switched on suddenly but rather faded according to special time parameters. Depending on the country concerned, the turning lights are switched on when cornering.





The illustration shows the front foglight on the E70

1) - Additional reflector for the turning light
2) - Reflector for the front foglights
3) - Bulb



The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched on:
- Terminal 15 ON
- Light switch in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
- Rain-light sensor detects twilight or darkness (threshold exceeded)
and
- Turn signal indicator ON (not one-touch turn signal)
- Speed range (forwards):
- Europe and Japan version from 0 km/h to 35 km/h
- US version from 0 km/h to 65 km/h
- Swivel angle (theoretical):
- when stationary ≥ 77°
- when driving ≥ 10°
Alternatively
- Speed range (reverse):
- 0 km/h to 35 km/h
- Swivel angle (theoretical):
- when stationary or driving ≥ 70°
If the vehicle is stationary, the turning lights will automatically be deactivated after a certain time, e.g. when waiting at traffic lights. However, the turning lights can be activated again with the turn-signal/main-beam switch.

The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched off:
- Light switch not in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
- Rain-light sensor does not detect twilight or darkness (lower threshold exceeded)
Alternatively
- Turn signal indicator OFF
- Speed range (forwards):
- Europe and Japan versions ≥ 40 km/h
- US version ≥ 70 km/h
- Swivel angle (theoretical):
- when stationary 77°
- when driving 10°
Alternatively
- Speed range (reverse): ≥ 40 km/h
- Swivel angle (theoretical): when stationary and when driving below a certain value
Alternatively
- Vehicle skids and swings out.
Alternatively
- Front foglights are switched on with the front foglights switch.

Preconditions for activation
The control unit for adaptive headlights is "awake" from terminal 15 ON.
The movement of the lights is subject to the following conditions:

- Reverse gear must not be engaged.
- The system is free of faults (indicator lamp not flashing and no Check-Control message)
- The bulbs for the bi-xenon lights are OK in both headlights.
- The vehicle must not be skidding or fishtailing.
- The rain-light sensor must detect darkness.
- Additional precondition for activation: automatic driving lights control is active (light switch in position "A", see above).

Notes for service staff

Caution: Exercise caution when working on bi-xenon headlights
Whenever inspecting or working on the headlights, always observe the safety precautions and accident prevention rules. The headlight system has dangerously high voltage.

- General notes:
- Diagnosis:
- Encoding/programming:
- Car and Key Memory:
> E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66
The sensitivity of the driving light sensor can be set to one of 2 settings with the Car and Key Memory.
> E70, E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93
All Car and Key Memory functions are programmed inside the vehicle itself.
(Please refer to the "Personal profile" section of the Owner's Handbook: Personal settings for a maximum of 3 remote control units via the display in the instrument cluster or via the Central Information Display.)

National versions
The options "Daytime driving lights" and "Manual headlight-range adjustment" are available in certain countries.
Vehicles with manual headlight-range adjustment do not have adaptive headlights. This is because vehicles with manual headlight-range adjustment have halogen dipped headlights. Adaptive headlights (option 524) are only available in conjunction with option 522 "Xenon dipped and main-beam headlights".



Switching on adaptive headlights in conjunction with daytime driving lights function
The "Daytime lights" option (Northern Europe and Canada) means that
dipped-beam headlights and side lights (E70, E92, E93: daytime driving lights) are always switched on:
- Light switch in position "2"
- Terminal 15 ON
The automatic headlight-range adjustment is active (actuated by the control unit for adaptive headlights).
If terminal 15 is switched off, the dipped headlights and the side lights are automatically switched off as well.
The light switch must also be set to position "A" with the "Daytime driving lights" option. The control unit for adaptive headlights is then in standby.

System functions for "Daytime lights" option when the light switch is set to position "A":
- If the vehicle is encoded with the "Daytime driving lights" option (end of production line), the light switch can remain in position "A" at all times.
When terminal R is switched on, the side lights, parking lights and licence plate lighting are switched on.
As soon as terminal 15 is switched on, the dipped headlights are also switched on.
- When the dipped headlights are switched on, the control unit for adaptive headlights is activated (for automatic headlight-range adjustment).
- The indicator lamp on the light switch lights up and indicates that the system is functional.
- The adaptive headlights turn when the vehicle is stationary if the steering wheel is turned (to the right only).
- The headlights are moved when the vehicle corners if the rain-light sensor registers darkness.
The switch-on conditions for the adaptive headlights in conjunction with special equipment "Daytime driving lights" are as follows:
- The vehicle must be encoded with the "Daytime driving lights" option (end of production line)
- The light switch must be in position "A"
- Terminal 15 must be switched on and reverse gear must not be engaged
- Rain-light sensor must detect darkness

Subject to change.