LED vs. Xenon

[Tuce]

The front indicators are LED only with the LED Lighting Package, otherwise incandescent. Rear indicators are incandescent regardless of lighting package.

[paso1]

wow, I would have never thought of paying $2k for lights but this is a very nice toy

[mdss6]

Originally Posted by m3nari

This video totally changed my opinion and will most likely get the LED package.

These automatic high beams absolutely do not increase "comfort" and "safety" for other driver's on the road. More and more BMWs and Mercedes are appearing with this function on the roads in NorthWest Europe, and they are easy to spot. The cutoff in the high intensity light and glare for someone having to see these lights either head-on, or in the rear view mirror, is not nearly so binary as the BMW propaganda video claims. They are very annoying indeed.

The driver of such a car will see a lot more, as the video indicates automatic high beams spray a lot of lumens around. But expect to have a lot of other drivers flashing high beams back.

Cheers

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

You're not alone, especially when the xenons can do the same thing.

I keep going back and forth on this option. Probably will leave it out for 2k.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by mdss6

These automatic high beams absolutely do not increase "comfort" and "safety" for other driver's on the road. More and more BMWs and Mercedes are appearing with this function on the roads in NorthWest Europe, and they are easy to spot. The cutoff in the high intensity light and glare for someone having to see these lights either head-on, or in the rear view mirror, is not nearly so binary as the BMW propaganda video claims. They are very annoying indeed.

The driver of such a car will see a lot more, as the video indicates automatic high beams spray a lot of lumens around. But expect to have a lot of other drivers flashing high beams back.

Cheers

Interesting perspective from somebody that deals with cars equipped with these features.

[Niko1414]

I have LED lights on my M6 and Xeon on my M5 and honestly can't tell much of a difference when driving. Maybe a bit whiter with the LED, but cosmetically the LED lights look much cooler. My 2 cents. I should take a side by side night picture for everyone.

[Sir Loin]

Yes, please!

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by Niko1414

I have LED lights on my M6 and Xeon on my M5 and honestly can't tell much of a difference when driving. Maybe a bit whiter with the LED, but cosmetically the LED lights look much cooler. My 2 cents. I should take a side by side night picture for everyone.

Yes you should

[ss134]

The fuction shown on the video is available with adaptive xenon lights with high beam assist as well- you do not need the LED lights for this function- in Europe at least .

[solstice]

Since my current build is shaping up to a Luddite special with 6MT, Passive suspension and Steel roof I think I stick to good ol' Xenons not to upset the balance

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by mdss6

These automatic high beams absolutely do not increase "comfort" and "safety" for other driver's on the road. More and more BMWs and Mercedes are appearing with this function on the roads in NorthWest Europe, and they are easy to spot. The cutoff in the high intensity light and glare for someone having to see these lights either head-on, or in the rear view mirror, is not nearly so binary as the BMW propaganda video claims. They are very annoying indeed.

The driver of such a car will see a lot more, as the video indicates automatic high beams spray a lot of lumens around. But expect to have a lot of other drivers flashing high beams back.

Cheers

Never once in almost 2 years been flashed in my ML with HID auto high beams. It's very good and conservative. Only complaint on the ML is it doesn't work under 35 mph.

[iatacs19]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Never once in almost 2 years been flashed in my ML with HID auto high beams. It's very good and conservative.

Yeah I enjoy this option very much. It is handy when driving very late at night on those poorly lit empty roads.

[Powaup]

Saw an M6 today on the freeway and boy... The LEDs really stood out in the day time. Think of it this way: The main thing people see about your car at night is your headlights ,why not get the best looking ones! and how often do you see a car with full LED headlights?

Lighting package is now a must for me. Rather pass on the 19s and stick with the LED headlights

[Powaup]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I keep going back and forth on this option. Probably will leave it out for 2k.

Just do it and check that box

[Sedan_Clan]

Here is an updated photo for you guys who wanted to know what the LED headlamp looks like when the low beam is activated:

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

I just don't like the halogen-esque housings for the LED bulbs.

I agree. When they are not on, the LED's actually look like the less expensive option. They look awesome when illuminated though. I've never driven a car with LED headlights. I love the Xenon lights on my 3. It's a tough call for $1900. I think the LED's would have to far exceed the performance of my Xenon lights in order for me to check that box.

[RealStig]

So to confirm :

- The adaptive feature of the lights are not only for LEDs, for Xenons you get the same feature if you have auto high beams.
- Regardless of you have LEDs or Xenons, you need to get the car coded to enable the feature.

Questions :

- Can coding be done by yourself? I'm actually a software architect, so I can figure stuff out if this doesn't require kernel hacking and stuff.
- Will the coding stick around when I take my car to BMW for service and they do a software update?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by RealStig

So to confirm :

- The adaptive feature of the lights are not only for LEDs, for Xenons you get the same feature if you have auto high beams.
- Regardless of you have LEDs or Xenons, you need to get the car coded to enable the feature.

Questions :

- Can coding be done by yourself? I'm actually a software architect, so I can figure stuff out if this doesn't require kernel hacking and stuff.
- Will the coding stick around when I take my car to BMW for service and they do a software update?

Yes, you can do it yourself. You just need a laptop, the required cable, the software and about 15 minutes of your time. It's very, very easy to do.

Yes, if the dealer updates something on your car, you will/may need to re-code all or certain modules.

[RealStig]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Yes, you can do it yourself. You just need a laptop, the required cable, the software and about 15 minutes of your time. It's very, very easy to do.

Yes, if the dealer updates something on your car, you will/may need to re-code all or certain modules.

Thanks. I will read the F30 forums and see how much work this is and will definitely do it. I'm also happy to be the free coder in NJ area if this is an easy thing.

[ixse]

just found out new corolla comes with full led headlights.. wtf bmw .. wtf..

[F9T]

So the M3 won't even have the adaptive headlight function enabled like the current M3s?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by infantrytroop22

So the M3 won't even have the adaptive headlight function enabled like the current M3s?

Which function(s) are you referring to?