Problem with My Headlights, and I'm Totally Confused!

[pinmagic]

I have a 2011 vert with xenon headlamps, and something ain't right!

There are 2 sets of round headlamps on the car - the outermost set (i.e., the ones closest to the orange parking lamps), and the innermost set (i.e., the ones closest to the grille).

Note that I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE ANGEL EYES - those work fine.

The outermost lamps seem to function as low and high beams, but what are the innermost ones? I'm baffled!

On my car, one of the innermost lamps rarely lights, and the other one never does. Basically, when the headlamp switch is in the "Automatic" mode, the passenger side innermost lamp SOMETIMES lights, but not always. It doesn't light in any other mode. The driver's side innermost lamp simply never lights.

What are the innermost lamps, and when are they supposed to light?

You'd think this would be an easy question, but frankly, the owner's manual doesn't make it clear, and I haven't been able to find the answer here. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow. Thanks!

[Sarracino89]

I don't have much familiarity with the standard xenon lights as I did an aftermarket depo swap for my 128i, but what I think you are referring to is the fact that the two inner lights are the "cornering lights" meaning when you are turning a corner, they come on to light up the area around the corner better. Hope this helps. Like I said, not completely sure, but I think that is the case. Try turning the car on and then turning the wheel to each side and check the lights to see what happens .

[1Mer]

Adaptive Headlights!

Xenon's should also turn left/right when going round corners. The cornering lights only activate at slower speeds. I think both the cornering lights should come on when reversing but I'm not 100% sure

[Boxtyp3]

Those inner lights turn on whenever you turn the steering wheel. Meaning , when you turn right, the passenger side turns on and off again when you turn the wheel to straight. Same thing happens if you yurn left. And yes, they both turn on in reverse.

[pinmagic]

Thanks, all! That seems to be it! And now that I know that, the manual starts to make sense, cause it talks of "Adaptive Light Control." It's curious that it only functions in the Automatic mode, and not in standard mode, but the manual confirms that.

I appreciate the help, as always!

[Sarracino89]

Just happy to help a fellow one addict and save you a trip to the dealer

[romak47]

Thats the "cornering lights" function .Turn your wheel left or right while going under 15mph and the side you turn to will light up.

Read this! !!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210084