[bekind]

Anyone notice that there is only one operational HID light on either side of their X3? The lenses closest to the grill are for show only.

This is the first time I have seen the hi-beams run off the low beams and are simply adjusted via an internal aperture. Pretty neat! You can see it pretty clearly by shining a light into the empty lense.

I'm mostly used to halogen highs and occasionally have seen a dual HID setup but typically HIDs are not used in highs as they take a second to warm up.

Are all newer BMWs using this fake lense setup?

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by bekind

Anyone notice that there is only one operational HID light on either side of their X3? The lenses closest to the grill are for show only.

This is the first time I have seen the hi-beams run off the low beams and are simply adjusted via an internal aperture. Pretty neat! You can see it pretty clearly by shining a light into the empty lense.

I'm mostly used to halogen highs and occasionally have seen a dual HID setup but typically HIDs are not used in highs as they take a second to warm up.

Are all newer BMWs using this fake lense setup?

All BMW xenon hi-beams are designed that way; in fact most cars use the xenon low-beam bulb with an internal aperture adjustment. If you take the headlight out, there's a patent number on the technology for the adjustable aperture. You can also read the aperture stats on the corona rings when they're off. The innermost bulb is used on the 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 as a corner illuminator, but the X models make use of their fog lights for this feature. It's a BMW signature to have two bulb components in each headlight, so it was just a design feature.

[sfax]

Aren't they used for adaptive headlights and come on when cornering if you have this option or is that the fog lamps?

[bekind]

Both our headlights and fog lights aim when going into a corner.

Was just surprised to see the lens and nothing behind it. Still looks good though.

I guess the statment 'most cars use this aperture' is relative to what you define as most cars. All the vehicles I have worked on recently have a HID low beam and a halogen high beam.

[loatron]

Originally Posted by bekind

Both our headlights and fog lights aim when going into a corner.

The fog lights are adaptive as well?

[mhrir]

Originally Posted by loatron

The fog lights are adaptive as well?

The foglights are not adaptive. One will illuminate when the wheels are turned far enough. Thats it.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by mhrir

The foglights are not adaptive. One will illuminate when the wheels are turned far enough. Thats it.

They're activated by the turn signal. Perhaps also by wheel angle? But have not seen that happen on mine.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

They're activated by the turn signal. Perhaps also by wheel angle? But have not seen that happen on mine.

When you turn the wheel to the right, the right fog light will come on. Same goes for when you turn the wheel to the left. Try it in your driveway...turn the wheel, get out of the car and take a peek...one fog light will be lit on the side your wheel is turned to

[Nahoa]

Cool. That's better than I thought, then. When it comes on with the turn signal, it tie out after a bit so if you're in traffic in turns off before the turn ( watching that and the angel eyes reflected in the car ahead, of course). Guess I couldn't see it turn back on once turning. Will have to go check that out!

[sfax]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

When you turn the wheel to the right, the right fog light will come on. Same goes for when you turn the wheel to the left. Try it in your driveway...turn the wheel, get out of the car and take a peek...one fog light will be lit on the side your wheel is turned to

Important to only try this on your driveway, not the highway!

[Nahoa]

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by bekind

Both our headlights and fog lights aim when going into a corner.

Was just surprised to see the lens and nothing behind it. Still looks good though.

I guess the statment 'most cars use this aperture' is relative to what you define as most cars. All the vehicles I have worked on recently have a HID low beam and a halogen high beam.

Most *new* cars in the premium segment. I should have been more clear.

[Stephen5242]

Originally Posted by bekind

Anyone notice that there is only one operational HID light on either side of their X3? The lenses closest to the grill are for show only.

This is the first time I have seen the hi-beams run off the low beams and are simply adjusted via an internal aperture. Pretty neat! You can see it pretty clearly by shining a light into the empty lense.

I'm mostly used to halogen highs and occasionally have seen a dual HID setup but typically HIDs are not used in highs as they take a second to warm up.

Are all newer BMWs using this fake lense setup?

The headlights next to the grill are for flash-to-pass. Pull back on your high beam switch and they will be ON only as you pull back on the switch. They do not stay on. When you push forward on the high beam switch the outer xenon's become your full time high beam lights. The flash-to-pass lights can be used with your headlights off or on.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by bekind

...Was just surprised to see the lens and nothing behind it. Still looks good though....

Actually, if you look through the dummy lens while shining a flashlight through it, you will see three white wire termination blocks and a lot of multi-colored wires.

Have thought of putting a small red-green-blue, color changing LED array there to supplement the daytime running lights, but syncing the color change sequence of two sides is a minor problem.

[paul386]

Originally Posted by Stephen5242

The headlights next to the grill are for flash-to-pass. Pull back on your high beam switch and they will be ON only as you pull back on the switch. They do not stay on. When you push forward on the high beam switch the outer xenon's become your full time high beam lights. The flash-to-pass lights can be used with your headlights off or on.

You are very incorrect... There is nothing in the inner lenses. They are dummy. Flash to pass activates the high beams on the outer lights.

[clarence]

The variable aperture system is simply called "bi-xenon". So if u see cars as saying they have bi-xenon, then both dipped & main beams share the same projector.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Actually, if you look through the dummy lens while shining a flashlight through it, you will see three white wire termination blocks and a lot of multi-colored wires.

Have thought of putting a small red-green-blue, color changing LED array there to supplement the daytime running lights, but syncing the color change sequence of two sides is a minor problem.

You don't think the local constabulary will have issues with your forward-facing, alternating red/blue lights???

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by Razel

You don't think the local constabulary will have issues with your forward-facing, alternating red/blue lights???

Have thought about it, but these would be at a lower than daytime running light intensity, not Xenon strobe flashing intensity. However, you're right - it might be inviting trouble.

Maybe a better use of the inside lens openings would be a high powered IR laser to burn holes in the slow cars blocking the passing lane.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Have thought about it, but these would be at a lower than daytime running light intensity, not Xenon strobe flashing intensity. However, you're right - it might be inviting trouble.

Maybe a better use of the inside lens openings would be a high powered IR laser to burn holes in the slow cars blocking the passing lane.

Now you're talking!

I'm thinking of putting eye patches over mine, just to make it look tough.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Have thought about it, but these would be at a lower than daytime running light intensity, not Xenon strobe flashing intensity. However, you're right - it might be inviting trouble.

Here in California, no forward facing red or blue lights of any intensity allowed. Even aftermarket motorcycle windscreens can't be red or blue (think sportbikes with short windscreens). Ok if it came from the factory that way, though.

Maybe a better use of the inside lens openings would be a high powered IR laser to burn holes in the slow cars blocking the passing lane.

Yes!