adaptive light (LED)

[sbkim]

I have '15 with LED lighting package which should have the adaptive lighting. Unlike my other cars with similar feature, I don't notice the light beams moving with steering. I understand that it's not supposed to turn to the driverside when standstill but I don't even notice the light turning towards the passenger.

Is there a simple way to test to ensure that it's working as it should?

Thanks

[Armen383]

Originally Posted by sbkim

I have '15 with LED lighting package which should have the adaptive lighting. Unlike my other cars with similar feature, I don't notice the light beams moving with steering. I understand that it's not supposed to turn to the driverside when standstill but I don't even notice the light turning towards the passenger.

Is there a simple way to test to ensure that it's working as it should?

If you do have the 552 option (well, at least for EU) which is Adaptive LED headlights (not to be confused with 563 option which is Interior Lights package), then the easiest way to check it is as follows: stand next to a wall, lights on, turn the wheel - you will see the light moving a bit as you turn the wheel. As you move the wheel enough for an actual turn left or right - the side will be highlighted as well, you'll notice that for sure.

P.S. If you live in US though, some cool features might be disabled and need coding, since you've got different laws there...

[sbkim]

Thanks Armen. I am in US and I do indeed have Adaptive LED headlights and setting is set to Auto. Not sure why I didn't think of your test before I will give it a shot.

Originally Posted by Armen383

If you do have the 552 option (well, at least for EU) which is Adaptive LED headlights (not to be confused with 563 option which is Interior Lights package), then the easiest way to check it is as follows: stand next to a wall, lights on, turn the wheel - you will see the light moving a bit as you turn the wheel. As you move the wheel enough for an actual turn left or right - the side will be highlighted as well, you'll notice that for sure.

P.S. If you live in US though, some cool features might be disabled and need coding, since you've got different laws there...

[stewy604]

Another test would be to see if your 'fog lamps' come on when you turn your wheel to the left & right or have your signal / indicators locked on (as said above, setting must be on Auto).

[Trojanlaw]

Originally Posted by sbkim

I have '15 with LED lighting package which should have the adaptive lighting. Unlike my other cars with similar feature, I don't notice the light beams moving with steering. I understand that it's not supposed to turn to the driverside when standstill but I don't even notice the light turning towards the passenger.

Is there a simple way to test to ensure that it's working as it should?

Thanks

You have to code your car to activate the VLD. It is very simple. Please see the Coding thread on page 1.

[sbkim]

Originally Posted by Trojanlaw

You have to code your car to activate the VLD. It is very simple. Please see the Coding thread on page 1.

Sorry but what's VLD? Is this where beams get separated with oncoming traffic? I thought moving head lamp with steering angle would be standard.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by sbkim

Sorry but what's VLD? Is this where beams get separated with oncoming traffic? I thought moving head lamp with steering angle would be standard.

It's mentioned in my coding thread as mentioned by Trojanlaw ():

1. Variable Light Distribution: All you have to do is remove 8S4 from your FA, then VO Code BDC_Body. This is for both LED and Bi-Xenon.

Variable Light Distribution has several different modes of operation (for Low Beam):

1 - City Light: Shallow and Very Wide Beam Pattern active from 0 - 50kph (30MPH) (Both Headlamps are Panned outwards 12 horizontal from center and 0.7 lowered vertically)

2 - Standard Light: Same Basic Beam Pattern as with 8S4 Enabled and Headlamp Switch Set to Auto. Active from 50 - 110kph (30MPH - 68MPH)

3 - Guiding Fog Light - Shallow and Wider Beam Pattern Enabled with the Front Fog Lamps On and Headlamp Switch in Auto and Speed 0 - 110kph (Both headlamps are panned outwards 8 horizontal from center and lowered 0.7 vertically)

4 - Highway Light - Long Throw Pattern illuminating approx. 25% further than Standard Light. Active from 110 to 250kph (68MPH- 155MHP). (Driver's Side Headlamp is panned 3.5 outwards Horizontal from center and lowered 0.25 vertically, while the passenger side headlamp is raised 0.2 vertical) (thank you @shawnsheridan)

Clarification of VLD, HBA, and Anti-Glare/Anti-Dazzle (thank you @skalberti):

VLD is Variable Light Distribution - It only works on your low beams to move your headlights and position the beams on the road depending on steering angle and vehicle speed.

HBA is High Beam Assistant - USA spec high beams that turn off in the presence of headlights or taillights of other cars and automatically turns the high beams on if no other cars are present.

Anti Glare, Anti Dazzle - European spec high beams that enable your car to keep the high beams on without blinding other cars. Currently not able to be coded in the US.

[sssmokie]

Its variable light distribution. Software tweak that allows your headlights to do it.

[sssmokie]

Or just wait a couple of seconds for the all mighty opasha to join the discussion : )

[opasha]

Originally Posted by sssmokie

Or just wait a couple of seconds for the all mighty opasha to join the discussion : )

Nothing almighty about this average joe, but thanks for the positive words, my friend .

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by sbkim

Sorry but what's VLD? Is this where beams get separated with oncoming traffic? I thought moving head lamp with steering angle would be standard.

Yes, that is true. You should see the lights move as you turn the wheel regardless of whether you code for VLD or not.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Yes, that is true. You should see the lights move as you turn the wheel regardless of whether you code for VLD or not.

Correct. They move regardless on both Bi-Xenon and LED headlights. However, with VLD coded, the movement is more apparent/faster/more intelligent with your changes in speed and steering (both ways).

[Heden]

Is VLD "standard" on a Euro spec car? If a car doesn't have 8S4 in its VO code, does it automatically have VLD?

Regards,
Niclas

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Heden

Is VLD "standard" on a Euro spec car? If a car doesn't have 8S4 in its VO code, does it automatically have VLD?

Regards,
Niclas

Yes.

[sbkim]

Great info. Thanks everyone.

[elimpfor]

Does anyone know if the Canadian models have the US restrictions?

[Jenya B]

Originally Posted by elimpfor

Does anyone know if the Canadian models have the US restrictions?

+1 is CAN have US restriction?

[spyderbret]

I have a 2015 X5d on order for delivery some time next week with the LED lighting package. I noticed on my build sheet there are the following options:

5AP Decoding for no-dazzle high beam assistance
8S4 Variable Light Decoding

Does that mean I wont have to worry about the LED lights functioning as described? No coding necessary?

Thanks!

[2014_F15]

Originally Posted by spyderbret

I have a 2015 X5d on order for delivery some time next week with the LED lighting package. I noticed on my build sheet there are the following options:

5AP Decoding for no-dazzle high beam assistance
8S4 Variable Light Decoding

Does that mean I wont have to worry about the LED lights functioning as described? No coding necessary?

Thanks!

You will have to code it, but check out Opasha's primer and you won't have any limit to what you can do with your new car. Enjoy!

EDIT - Just to clarify, I'm referring to coding to enable the 5AP and 8S4 which are "de-coded" from the factory for many of our cars.

[Kzang]

OP, you do not "need" to code your car to have your lights swivel left and right and up and down. It should move based on your steering wheel turns. Yes driver side turn will be more limited due to possible glaring to oncoming traffic which makes sense. If your lights don't swivel then I would take a trip to the dealer to have them checked out.