System functions
In accordance with the traffic situation, the FLA control unit sends a switch-on recommendation or a switch-off recommendation for the high-beam headlights to the light module or footwell module. On the basis of this recommendation and various other the input variables, the light module or footwell module decides whether the high-beam headlights should be switched on or off.
The following system functions of the high-beam assistant are described:
- Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when oncoming traffic is detected
- Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when vehicle detected ahead of the car
- Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when adequate ambient lighting is detected
- Automatic high-beam headlight switch-on
- Indicators in the instrument cluster
- Function limitations of the high-beam assistant
- Automatic alignment of the high-beam assistant
Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when oncoming traffic is detected
The light cone of the high-beam headlights has a range of about 400 m. The image sensor can detect other light sources within a range of about 1000 m. This ensures that the image sensor detects oncoming vehicles before their drivers can be dazzled by the light cone of the high-beam headlights.
When the image sensor detects an oncoming vehicle, the FLA control unit sends a switch-off recommendation to the light module or footwell module. The light module or footwell module switches the high-beam headlights off.
Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when vehicle detected ahead of the car
When the image sensor detects a vehicle ahead, the FLA control unit sends a switch-off recommendation to the light module or footwell module. The light module or footwell module switches the high-beam headlights off.
Automatic high-beam headlight switch-off when adequate ambient lighting is detected
When the image sensor detects an environment in which ambient lighting is adequate, the FLA control unit sends a switch-off recommendation to the light module or footwell module. The light module or footwell module switches the high-beam headlights off.
Adequate ambient lighting means:
- Daylight
- Twilight
- Street lighting (e. g. in illuminated towns)
Automatic high-beam headlight switch-on
If there is no reason for the lights to be dipped, the light module or footwell module switches the high-beam headlights on. The bi-xenon headlights are switched to full beam.
Displays in the instrument cluster
The FLA indicator light lights up in the instrument cluster as soon as the high-beam assistant is activated (blue on the BMW 7-Series, orange on the BMW 3, 5, and 6-Series and on the X5).
The high-beam indicator light also lights up (blue) in the usual way as soon as the high-beam headlights are switched on.
A Check-Control symbol appears (yellow) if the FLA control unit detects a system failure.
Function limitations of the high-beam assistant
The high-beam assistant can be subject to function limitations under the following circumstances:
- Inclement weather conditions (e.g. fog)
- Poorly lighted road users (e.g. cyclists, pedestrians)
- Certain road signs (e.g. the warning sign for a tight bend): Reflections from traffic signs may be incorrectly interpreted by the high-beam assistant as a vehicle driving ahead or as oncoming traffic.
- Driving over crests and through dips
- Certain traffic situations (e.g. tight bends, vehicles approaching from the side)
- Image sensor's field of view obstructed (e.g. by snow)
Automatic alignment of the high-beam assistant
In order to operate correctly, the image sensor must be aligned parallel with the vehicle's centerline. When the car is driven at night, the high-beam assistant can automatically correct alignment up to 3 ° to the left or 3° to the right. This correction compensates for minor deviations from the centerline.
Driving conditions for automatic directional orientation of the high-beam assistant are:
- Straight ahead for a distance of approx. 50 km: A relatively straight stretch accelerates the directional orientation.
- Road marking must be clearly visible.