Adaptive Headlights - Coming Soon to US?

[Chick Webb]

Haven't seen a post about this, so... Looks like NHTSA has opened the door to adaptive headlights. Wonder if/when we'll see an update that enables this for those who's vehicles are equipped with the hardware.

U.S. to allow advanced headlights after Toyota petition

[smrtypants44]

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Haven't seen a post about this, so... Looks like NHTSA has opened the door to adaptive headlights. Wonder if/when we'll see an update that enables this for those who's vehicles are equipped with the hardware.

U.S. to allow advanced headlights after Toyota petition

I doubt manufacturers will enable retrofits on existing equipment (even if its just coding)- but I'm sure within the next couple model years it'll become available on new cars.

[VaztheDad]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

I doubt manufacturers will enable retrofits on existing equipment (even if its just coding)- but I'm sure within the next couple model years it'll become available on new cars.

Completely disagree here.

BMW intentionally has been selling the technology (disabled in the US) in the current generation, very aware it would soon be permitted by the US DOT. Would I be shocked they'll want to change for it, no?

Do I bet its unlocked in a future OTA OS update? Absolutely. BMW *has* to demonstrate they have software agility to continue driving relevance against Tesla.

[Chick Webb]

Originally Posted by VaztheDad

Do I bet its unlocked in a future OTA OS update? Absolutely. BMW *has* to demonstrate they have software agility to continue driving relevance against Tesla.

Agree about the motivation and hope to see an OTA update for this in the not-too-distant future, as my car will support it and I think it's a significant safety enhancement.

[alex2364]

BMW isn't going spend R&D on old cars to retrofit this feature even if it's only software. And US cars don't have the exact same hardware in their headlights as Euro cars. The only thing BMW will do is add this in new cars. If you want this feature, upgrade your car.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by VaztheDad

BMW *has* to demonstrate they have software agility to continue driving relevance against Tesla.

[Chick Webb]

Originally Posted by alex2364

BMW isn't going spend R&D on old cars to retrofit this feature even if it's only software. And US cars don't have the exact same hardware in their headlights as Euro cars.

Not to argue, but given that there are several threads discussing this, and numerous people with properly equipped vehicles have reported getting theirs coded to enable this functionality (some more than once, since the coding gets wiped out by OTA updates), I'd say you're wrong on that.

We shall see. Certainly BMWNA will be getting an earful from a lot of people if it doesn't happen.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Not to argue, but given that there are several threads discussing this, and numerous people with properly equipped vehicles have reported getting theirs coded to enable this functionality (some more than once, since the coding gets wiped out by OTA updates), I'd say you're wrong on that.

We shall see. Certainly BMWNA will be getting an earful from a lot of people if it doesn't happen.

Not every US car has the same hardware compared to Euro cars even if you optioned the fanciest headlights. For example pre LCI F80/F82 could be coded but 2018+ LCI F80/82 can't because US cars got dumbed down hardware. https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=202

[smrtypants44]

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Not to argue, but given that there are several threads discussing this, and numerous people with properly equipped vehicles have reported getting theirs coded to enable this functionality (some more than once, since the coding gets wiped out by OTA updates), I'd say you're wrong on that.

We shall see. Certainly BMWNA will be getting an earful from a lot of people if it doesn't happen.

If you read the full document looks like OEM's will have to perform lab testing proving the lack of glare to cerify that feature. Not likely to be performed on older cars.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

If you read the full document looks like OEM's will have to perform lab testing proving the lack of glare to cerify that feature. Not likely to be performed on older cars.

It may be performed on older cars due to the supply situation still keeping car supplies tight such that older cars are a valuable part of the dealership portfolio right now. Keeping them competitive has value.

I also think they'll see some pressure from competitors in the automotive space. Many OEMs including Mercedes, Toyota, and others have been shipping cars with this also disabled in software only. If the regulations sufficiently allow those to be enabled I expect you'll see an OEM offering to enable this for free or very low cost to their customers. If Mercedes, Audi, or the like offer this then BMW will be under pressure to do the same.

When consumers expect updates to cars thanks to Tesla you don't want to be caught flat footed.

[crypto]

Probably wishful thinking but I'd like to see an OTA update to get full use of the laser lights on my CS.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by crypto

Probably wishful thinking but I'd like to see an OTA update to get full use of the laser lights on my CS.

I don't think it would be a free update unless the car supports OTA updates...

I liken it to when they added Android Auto support to cars. Cars that could get OTA updates got it that way and cars, like mine, without OTA updates got it installed via the dealer. Of course, if the user didn't ask the dealer to update it then it would never happen.

I think the same could play out here. Where BMW offers it via OTA updates for free and for cars without OTA update support it may be offered via a dealer installed update. Cost will be up in the air from free (via something else getting the update covered under warranty) to a labor charge to install the update.

It will come down to though what other OEMs do and how much extra work the new US regulations require... I don't see BMW being left flat footed in Mercedes, Audi, or Lexus does it... Would be a bad look.

[KevinC]

Don't hold your breath kids - like everything else where government is involved, this is gonna take some time..

While this officially confirms that the U.S. will eventually allow adaptive headlamps, the surrounding regulations have to be finalized. We won’t actually know what that’ll entail for another two years. The law only directs the agency to issue a finalized rule within two years amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 and the clock started ticking this month.

Source:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...united-states/

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Don't hold your breath kids - like everything else where government is involved, this is gonna take some time..

While this officially confirms that the U.S. will eventually allow adaptive headlamps, the surrounding regulations have to be finalized. We won’t actually know what that’ll entail for another two years. The law only directs the agency to issue a finalized rule within two years amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 and the clock started ticking this month.

Source:

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...united-states/

That article is old. The NHTSA is delivering the final rule early. And it is awaiting publishing in the Federal Register.

How fast will car makers comply is the open ended question. But I imagine all all by later this year on new cars.

[Grumpy514]

This may become a thing on 2023-2024 model year vehicles. I very much doubt it will become an update on our G8Xs 2021-2022s

[FlyinLowSD]

Interesting (even if a little aged) thread. Does this mean I can recode /reverse the decoding that’s on my spec sheet? S5AP Decoding Anti-Glare High-Beam Assistant. I do have S5AC High-Beam Assistant. Works well, used away from the city.

[JAI///M3]

But how much will the monthly subscription cost?

[SteezeforMyBimmerMon]

I was pretty sure that some vehicles in the US will adjust their headlights automatically already, but only for going around corners.

[smrtypants44]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

Interesting (even if a little aged) thread. Does this mean I can recode /reverse the decoding that’s on my spec sheet? S5AP Decoding Anti-Glare High-Beam Assistant. I do have S5AC High-Beam Assistant. Works well, used away from the city.

You can do that already. I have anti glare high beam coded in on my f32.

[FlyinLowSD]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

You can do that already. I have anti glare high beam coded in on my f32.

My mistake. Does that mean I can reverse/encode
S8S4 Decoding, Variable Light Distribution
?

[smrtypants44]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

My mistake. Does that mean I can reverse/encode
S8S4 Decoding, Variable Light Distribution
?

yes VLD is different than high beam assist though. VLD adjusts the reach/spread of the headlights based on speed

Both VLD and No glare high beam should be able to be coded in depending on what model you drive (i know F3x LCI doesnt work)

steve@codemybimmer did mine remotely.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Its a great system.
Though somewhat slightly distracting as I find myself watching the "dark square" that frames oncoming cars with their lights on.
But then I don't drive that much at night so really don't use it that often and haven't become used to it.
Best when out of the city...street lights and reflective signs can make the system pretty busy in cities.