When traveling at night in a BMW, the ride is usually very smooth and safe because of the car’s adaptive headlights. But what happens when those headlights no longer function as they are supposed to? Rather than providing constant illumination, they may dim, begin to produce unsteady light, or not even come on at all. If this all rings a bell, then you may be experiencing adaptive headlight issues.
Adaptive headlights adjust to your velocity, steering angle, and road surface. Whenever these lights fail, it becomes very dicey to maneuver through the road, and, in extreme cases, your safety might be at risk. Let’s take a closer look at the problems with BMW adaptive headlights and how to have them solved.
What BMW Adaptive Headlights Are
BMW adaptive headlights are an advanced lighting system that aims to control the direction and beam pattern of your headlights. Not only are they simply the headlights that turn in the direction of the steering, but they also adjust to any inclines or declines, and even regulate their beam intensity for oncoming traffic. This system is designed to help in making night driving safe and comfortable but due to its complexity, it comes with special features and components that can have issues.
Adaptive Headlights Issues In BMWs
- Headlight Won’t Pivot or Adjust: The most obvious issue is when the high beams are not shifting in tandem with the car’s steering. This can hamper visibility, particularly on curves and turns making night driving a very difficult exercise.
- Flickering or Dim Lights: Flashing headlights are mostly associated with electrical problems. This may be as a result of a faulty ballast, dead battery, or faulty wiring.
- Failed Auto-Leveling: BMW adaptive headlights also have a sensitive mechanism to compensate for the changes in car load. If this fails, the headlights may be pointing upwards or downwards, causing you to blind other motorists or have poor vision yourself.
- Moisture Inside the Headlight Unit: Water collected inside the assembly can result in shorting out and interfere with the smooth working of the system.
How To Troubleshoot BMW Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Check the Basics: The first thing to do is to conduct a rudimentary visual check on the headlight assembly. Look at the external part; it must be clean and there must be no signs of damage such as cracks or scratches on the body. If your car’s dashboard has a warning light, check the owner’s manual to know the correct procedure to follow.
- Replace Worn Bulbs or Ballasts: If the adaptive headlight is not functioning properly, it is likely due to faulty burnt-out bulbs or a failing ballast. These are usually easily substitutable components and replacing them is usually the only solution to rectify the problem.
- Inspect the Sensors and Wiring: Defective sensors or loose connections are common causes of the problem. If the car is taken to an expert, he or she can find out if some of the sensors or connections are problematic and require fixing or replacement.
- Update the Software: It is also important to understand that the software part of the system can malfunction. Using a professional BMW technician to update the software assures that the system is running the most current, and stable version.
- Consult a Professional Mechanic: For chronic or difficult-to-solve problems, it is advisable that you consult a specialist. An authorized BMW repair center has the perfect tools and knowledge to diagnose and repair adaptive headlight issues within the shortest time possible.
Schedule Your BMW Maintenance With The Leading Service Center In West Hills
BMW adaptive headlights are one of the best features that make driving easier and safer at night, but like any other complex system, they can develop some problems. If you have adaptive headlight problems, don’t wait. Visit Bavarian Workshop located in West Hills, CA. We have been assisting European vehicle owners in San Fernando Valley since 1978 and we cater to vehicles from nearby cities like Woodland Hills, Agoura, and Calabasas, CA. Our expert staff is always ready to help you keep your BMW safe, durable, and prepared for any use. Do you want to schedule your appointment today? Call us now!