"European Models" Encoding Variant: Switch Off Dipped Headlights If Adaptive Headlights Fail

Oncoming traffic may be dazzled if the adaptive headlights do not work properly. The headlights remain in a position that could cause dazzle to oncoming traffic.

Vehicle occupants must be informed of the malfunction: The indicator lamp for the adaptive headlights (on the light switch) flashes

The control unit for adaptive headlights attempts to move the headlight concerned down to prevent this headlight from dazzling oncoming traffic. The headlight is automatically moved down by the actuator motors of the automatic headlight-range adjustment.

If the headlight cannot be moved down, the bi-xenon light of that headlight is switched off. Condition for switching off: The vehicle must be parked (vehicle must be shut down, and terminal R OFF for several minutes).

The headlight concerned must not be switched off so long as the journey is continued. For this reason, the following conditions must be satisfied before the headlight is switched off:

• Terminal 15 OFF
• Terminal R OFF
• Speed = 0 km/h
• Sleep mode (idle status) for at least approximately 2 minutes

If the second headlight should fail, the dazzling headlight is switched on again to ensure that the vehicle still has at least one dipped headlight.

This fail safe feature is only automatically activated on vehicles with the "European model" encoding variant.

Fault messages and their effects:

• Fault code 0001: Adaptive headlights not OK (= "adaptive headlights not OK": minor fault, no dazzling): The headlights can be switched on. Adaptive headlights are not set to standby mode. The indicator lamp for adaptive headlights (on the light switch) flashes.
• Fault code 0010 or 0011: Possible dazzle from left or right headlight: The left or right-hand headlight is no longer switched on after the vehicle has been parked. The indicator lamp for the adaptive headlights flashes. The light module (footwell module on E90) sends a message to the instrument cluster. The headlight concerned is indicated as being defective (car symbol in Check-Control display). Both front foglights are switched on. If the headlights that are still on should fail, the headlights that are switched off will be switched back on again as a substitute.
• Fault code 0100: Possible dazzle from both headlights: After the vehicle has been parked, both headlights are no longer switched on. The indicator light for the adaptive headlights flashes. Both headlights are indicated as being defective (Check-Control symbol). In addition, a Check-Control message is emitted. Both foglights are switched on. Fault memory entry in control unit for exterior lighting.
• Fault code 1111: No live signal from control unit for adaptive headlights: The headlights can be switched on. The indicator light for the adaptive headlights flashes.