Coding Anti-Dazzle and Variable Light Distribution

[gtgoff]

Howdy, all! I just picked up a '19 REx here in the US and am also looking to code in anti-dazzle/VLD. I've tried setting some of the changes mentioned in one of the link outs above but they didn't seem to do the trick. Have any of you had success yet?

[websterize]

I picked up a 2020 about a month ago with High Beam Assist. Activating this dormant headlight feature only available in 2019+ i3 models is on the list!

For starters, it seems as if you have to remove 5AP and 8S4 from the Vehicle Order (VO) coding, which requires E-sys software. Apparently, they disable the anti-dazzle and VLD decoding mandated by NHTSA that is otherwise available in the rest of the world. In addition, activation might also require FDL coding of several modules, such as BDC_Body and KAFAS, and who knows what else. (I think FDL coding is what BimmerCode does.)

But ... U.S. law lighting laws recently changed, allowing this supercool high-beam magic available in the rest of the world. But I haven't heard of any campaigns from BMWNA authorizing dealers to activate it.

[frictioncircle]

websterize –

Glad to hear you've gotten an upgraded i3 and are still looking into coding the matrix high beams!

I've read through this Bimmerpost thread regarding iX matrix lighting:
https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/show ... ?t=1897955

On page three, one of the posters has a copy of their build sheet and one of the items is "5AP Decoding for no-dazzle high beam assistance". I get the impression that means that the matrix hardware is there but it has expressly been disabled in software.

Just curious if you got a copy of your build sheet, websterize, and if it has 5AP listed?

[alohart]

Just curious if you got a copy of your build sheet, websterize, and if it has 5AP listed?

Our 2019 U.S. Giga i3 with the Tech Package has options

• 5AP Decoding Anti-Glare High-Beam Assistant
• 5A4 LED Headlight With Extended Scopes
• 5AC High-Beam Assistant
• 5AT Driving Assistant Plus

none of which is included on a friend's 2019 U.S. Tera i3 without the Tech Package. Why would BMW include more expensive anti-dazzle headlights only to disable them in the U.S.? Might they be necessary for High-Beam Assistant or Driving Assistant Plus?

If the anti-dazzle and variable light distribution features could be enabled, would this jeopardize passing a state safety inspection in which the aim of the headlights is checked? If not, sign me up!

[SSi3]

I've been trying to figure this out on my 2019 i3s as well... I poked around in Bimmercode based on some of the older forum posts for non-i3 models but none of those lined up with the coding in the i3. I would love to activate this!

[websterize]

Just curious if you got a copy of your build sheet, websterize, and if it has 5AP listed?

Here is its build sheet, which includes 5AP and 8S4 (highlighted).

[websterize]

… Why would BMW include more expensive anti-dazzle headlights only to disable them in the U.S.? Might they be necessary for High-Beam Assistant or Driving Assistant Plus?

Because, until recently, VLD violated NHTSA's archaic lighting laws.

[alohart]

… Why would BMW include more expensive anti-dazzle headlights only to disable them in the U.S.? Might they be necessary for High-Beam Assistant or Driving Assistant Plus?

Because, until recently, VLD violated NHTSA's archaic lighting laws.

It appears that late model i3's without the Tech Package must have simpler LED headlights that don't implement anti-dazzle and variable light distribution features because they don't have to be disabled with option 5AP. My question is, why would BMW include the more expensive anti-dazzle and variable light distribution headlights with the Tech Package only to disable these features when they could instead have installed the basic headlights that don't have these features?

[websterize]

The lighting variations, by technology, packages, software, and laws by market, feel as complicated as tax law. I would guess the lighting team at BMW is vast!

I think the answer to your question has to do with the adaptive, or “cornering” headlights, which became available in the North American i3 for the 2019 model year along with High Beam Assist — all in the Tech package. To have the cornering lights it touted, BMW needed more advanced LED headlights that included movable lighting elements.

Because your friend’s 2019 didn't have the Tech package, they got the LEDs with static lighting elements, which were the only kind available in U.S. i3s before the 2019 model year. (I’d guess they don't have High Beam Assist either?)

With the anti-dazzle and variable light distribution functionality, all four lighting elements in each headlight do a lot more than just illuminate corners. On the i3, these types of headlights are emblazoned “BMW Adaptive” inside the housing. The software changes discussed here unlock the full functionality of the lighting, which was hamstrung by U.S. government lighting laws until recently.

[alohart]

I think the answer to your question has to do with the adaptive, or “cornering” headlights, which became available in the North American i3 for the 2019 model year along with High Beam Assist — all in the Tech package. To have the cornering lights it touted, BMW needed more advanced LED headlights that included movable lighting elements.

I'll have to pay more attention to the corning lights on our i3. I assumed that they are fixed LED's that illuminate only when cornering. I haven't noticed any motion when they illuminate. However, your description suggests that they are elements of the headlights normally aimed forward that move to the side when cornering. That would explain why the more complex headlights would be included with the Tech Package.

Because your friend’s 2019 didn't have the Tech package, they got the LEDs with static lighting elements, which were the only kind available in U.S. i3s before the 2019 model year. (I’d guess they don't have High Beam Assist either?)

True

With the anti-dazzle and variable light distribution functionality, all four lighting elements in each headlight do a lot more than just illuminate corners. On the i3, these types of headlights are emblazoned “BMW Adaptive” inside the housing. The software changes discussed here unlock the full functionality of the lighting, which was hamstrung by U.S. government lighting laws until recently.

The LED headlights on our 2014 i3 had something like "BMW Adaptive" written inside their housings even though their aim only moved vertically to compensate for a heavy load in the cargo area, for example. Their aim moved up when they were turned on which was obvious when parked facing a wall. I believe the adaptive LED headlights on European i3's were more adaptive, maybe moving horizontally as the steering wheel is turned, or maybe there was a control inside the cabin that allowed the driver to adjust their aim.