The Impact Of Malfunctioning Adaptive Headlights On Your BMW’s Driving Safety
– Do your adaptive headlights frequently flash & flicker when driving?
– Do they fail to adjust themselves in response to changes in vehicle speed & steering angle?
– Is your BMW’s dashboard displaying a warning message related to the lighting system?
– Has your vehicle’s high-beam assist feature malfunctioned?
If your response to any of these questions is “yes”, it could indicate a potential issue with your BMW’s adaptive headlights. Today’s blog post is about these lights- the most convenient feature in modern day cars. The post discusses some of the leading reasons why your BMW’s adaptive headlights may act up and the way their failure can impact your driving safety.
BMW’s Adaptive Headlight System: A Brief Note
A ‘dynamic’ lighting system- this is what your BMW’s adaptive headlight system embodies. It makes use of a network of sophisticated sensors, actuators, and intelligent algorithms to adjust the direction and intensity of the light beam in response to changing road conditions. To anticipate changes in driving conditions and optimize headlights accordingly, the system relies on sensors such as wheel speed sensor, yaw rate sensor, and, steering angle sensor.
Although BMW’s adaptive headlight systems are engineered to be durable, they are not immune to problems. Wondering what can cause such a durable system to malfunction? Well, many different things… ranging from electrical issues to sensor malfunctions. What follows is a detailed discussion on individual reasons that can contribute to adaptive headlight failure in your BMW.
Understanding Common Issues
#1- Defective bulbs
As with conventional headlight bulbs, bulbs used in adaptive headlights can burn out or fail. Some of the leading reasons why bulbs used in your BMW’s adaptive headlights may fail include aging, moisture intrusion, and electrical issues. It won’t be easier for the adaptive headlight system to adjust these defective bulbs in response to the changing driving conditions. Reduced visibility because of defective headlights can compromise your driving safety.
#2- Damaged sensors
To determine how accurately the light bulbs should illuminate and at what direction they should be pointed, the control module needs real-time inputs from a network of sensors located throughout the vehicle. If one of these sensors malfunctions because of calibration errors, bad connections, or electronic faults, it will significantly limit your BMW’s adaptive headlight system’s ability to perform its intended function. This can contribute to reduced visibility in addition to a bunch of other problems.
#3- Electrical issues
Communication disruption among key components because of an electrical glitch in the system can also lead to adaptive headlight failure in your BMW. Electrical hurdles such as corroded connectors, wiring faults, and glitches in the control module can cause your vehicle’s adaptive headlight system to act erratically or cease functioning altogether. A weak battery can also take a toll on your vehicle’s adaptive headlights along with other major components of the lighting system.
#4- Mechanical failure
The mechanism that adjusts the direction and intensity of the light beams emitting from your BMW’s headlights is made of an array of components including motors and linkages. If the motor acts up or one of the linkages get damaged, the lighting system won’t function correctly. As a result, your visibility will be impaired… affecting your driving safety. Moisture intrusion, extreme temperatures, corrosion, and water ingress are some of the leading reasons behind mechanical breakdown of adaptive headlights in BMW cars.
Impact On Driving Safety
Adaptive headlights provide you with optimal visibility in varied driving situations- whether you are navigating winding roads or driving in low-light conditions. If for some reason your BMW’s adaptive headlights act up, it will impact your visibility- making it challenging for you to identify obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. In short… it is not safe to drive a BMW if its adaptive headlights are not working correctly. So, if your adaptive headlights are not working they way they should, seek professional assistance right away.
Here’s How Munich West Can Help
It is neither very convenient nor very safe 
to drive a car when its headlights are experiencing operational issues. So, if your BMW’s adaptive headlights are struggling to adjust themselves in response to changing driving situations, don’t waste time contemplating the issue. Instead, contact us at Munich West to have your vehicle checked by our factory trained professionals. Our skilled technicians are adept at handing complicated issues in European cars including BMW. To schedule an appointment, please call us or visit our website.
