IIHS tests headlights, 3-series dead last

JJS · 03-31-2016, 04:05 AM

The adaptive HID/xenon lights I have on my F31 are just about the best I've experienced, especially with high-beam assist, which modify the high beam to avoid blinding other drivers. If there are better lights, I don't need them.

Kabrich · 03-31-2016, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabreigns

Good find. I wish they had the same test with HIDs as well. That would probably put give an official word to the argument of HIDs vs LEDs.

I feel like that old V8 Vegetable Juice Commercial - where a person hits their head and said "wow....I could have had a V8"....

Just remembered I have a Minolta fL meter and a Minolta Lumens Meter. Hardly ever use them, so I often forget i have them - despite costing thousands of dollars each.

Any LED or Halogen F30 owners in the Tampa Bay area that might want to arrange to meet somewhere dark at night for some actual measurements?

If so, Message Me.

I have the HID Xenons in my 2013, so that isn't a problem - though not coded for VLD - despite having all the necessary equipment. They have not been adjusted "UP" as some have also suggested.

However, a simple measurement a x feet out of all 3 types would be very interesting and telling.

EDIT: While I am at it, might as well ask if any Coders in the Tampa Bay Area who could code in VLD and some other goodies?

Zirenz2006 · 03-31-2016, 05:35 AM

Where is Scott to defend the fact they still even use halogens?

I know he has said because of fleet cars but it's ridiculous. Much cheaper cars come with LED's standard now. It's time to end the halogens already.

I can't stand when I see a nice 3 series with halogens.

bringonthenite · 03-31-2016, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJS

The adaptive HID/xenon lights I have on my F31 are just about the best I've experienced, especially with high-beam assist, which modify the high beam to avoid blinding other drivers. If there are better lights, I don't need them.

Totally agree, the high beam assist is a great feature.

mkoesel · 03-31-2016, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

and are the LED's on the 340i even the same as the LED's on the M3?

No. They are similar, but not the same part nor the same software.

RoundelM3 · 03-31-2016, 07:58 AM

Interesting that IIHS finds ONLY the 3-series with this so-called deficiency, when nearly all BMW models have the same lighting systems (either HID or LED). Some models still have Halogens as standard equipment, but IIHS in all their infinite automotive wisdom zeroed in on the 3-series and now every potential uninformed buyer will think the 3-series isn't "safe" to drive at night. The idiots at IIHS should be horsewhipped for publishing misleading information like this. My 335i with HID/Xenon has way more than adequate lighting, as does my wife's new 228i with HIDs.

AstonKarim · 03-31-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAK92

The default pic in the article seems to show halogens on the BMW.

I don't have the LED lights (I didn't think the cost for that option was worth it) but the Xenon lights I have are very bright to me and much better than the typical halogens I have been used to all these years.

I was the same until I had a loaner that had them; was driving at night when three deer crossed the highway and I noticed them from miles away

I am sure I can upgrade my xenon bulbs as they do produce a yellow hue, but was thoroughly impressed with the LEDs

bri1042 · 03-31-2016, 12:18 PM

I had another thought on this. What are they using to come up with their "35-mph or less" to stop safely stat? Is this another test where they're using the left-over-from-1971 310-feet to stop from 60 measurement (or was it 230 feet...I don't recall exactly)? The one that was used to justify the 55-mph speed limits 30 years ago...along with the fuel-efficiency argument that only indicated 55-mph being optimal if you had a 3-speed auto.

That braking distance was very amusingly debunked on Top Gear at one point.

Kabrich · 03-31-2016, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

Interesting that IIHS finds ONLY the 3-series with this so-called deficiency, when nearly all BMW models have the same lighting systems (either HID or LED). Some models still have Halogens as standard equipment, but IIHS in all their infinite automotive wisdom zeroed in on the 3-series and now every potential uninformed buyer will think the 3-series isn't "safe" to drive at night. The idiots at IIHS should be horsewhipped for publishing misleading information like this. My 335i with HID/Xenon has way more than adequate lighting, as does my wife's new 228i with HIDs.

They only tested Midsize Cars.

Kabrich · 03-31-2016, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstonKarim

I was the same until I had a loaner that had them; was driving at night when three deer crossed the highway and I noticed them from miles away

I am sure I can upgrade my xenon bulbs as they do produce a yellow hue, but was thoroughly impressed with the LEDs

Sorry, but no headlight is going to light up a deer 3 miles away (except perhaps an airplane landing light - and that may even be doubtful).

RoundelM3 · 03-31-2016, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabrich

They only tested Midsize Cars.

So apparently the 4-Series cars aren't mid-sized despite their being identical except for the number of doors...

Clearly there's mis-aligned headlights (or complete idiots) behind this "finding" somewhere...I can sure as hell see further than 130 feet with the HIDs on both of my cars, particularly with the high-beams on.

DHS · 03-31-2016, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bri1042

I had another thought on this. What are they using to come up with their "35-mph or less" to stop safely stat? Is this another test where they're using the left-over-from-1971 310-feet to stop from 60 measurement (or was it 230 feet...I don't recall exactly)? The one that was used to justify the 55-mph speed limits 30 years ago...along with the fuel-efficiency argument that only indicated 55-mph being optimal if you had a 3-speed auto.

That braking distance was very amusingly debunked on Top Gear at one point.

Don't forget that during the totally bogus 70s fuel crisis Secretary of Transportation Lizzy Dole and our government claimed accelerating as slow as possible gave the highest mileage. It was totally bogus based on nothing. Real world tests showed 2/3 throttle proved to be the most efficient.

Kabrich · 03-31-2016, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

So apparently the 4-Series cars aren't mid-sized despite their being identical except for the number of doors...

Clearly there's mis-aligned headlights (or complete idiots) behind this "finding" somewhere...I can sure as hell see further than 130 feet with the HIDs on both of my cars, particularly with the high-beams on.

You clearly need to look at the study as you have some serious incorrect assumptions.

03-31-2016, 04:05 AM	#45
JJS Lieutenant 123 Rep 441 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wellington, NZ iTrader: (0)	The adaptive HID/xenon lights I have on my F31 are just about the best I've experienced, especially with high-beam assist, which modify the high beam to avoid blinding other drivers. If there are better lights, I don't need them. __________________ EBII 335i Touring M-Sport (Munich built July 2013) \| 6 Speed Manual \| 2VF Adaptive M Suspension \| 2VL Variable Sports Steering \| 403M wheels \| M-Sport brakes \| 688 Harman Kardon \| 494 Heated Seats \| 610 HUD \| 322 Comfort Access \| 5AC High-Beam Assist \| 609 Navigation Professional \|
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03-31-2016, 05:35 AM	#47
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1535 Rep 4,555 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	Where is Scott to defend the fact they still even use halogens? I know he has said because of fleet cars but it's ridiculous. Much cheaper cars come with LED's standard now. It's time to end the halogens already. I can't stand when I see a nice 3 series with halogens. __________________ Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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03-31-2016, 07:58 AM	#50
RoundelM3 Major General 1833 Rep 6,986 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Interesting that IIHS finds ONLY the 3-series with this so-called deficiency, when nearly all BMW models have the same lighting systems (either HID or LED). Some models still have Halogens as standard equipment, but IIHS in all their infinite automotive wisdom zeroed in on the 3-series and now every potential uninformed buyer will think the 3-series isn't "safe" to drive at night. The idiots at IIHS should be horsewhipped for publishing misleading information like this. My 335i with HID/Xenon has way more than adequate lighting, as does my wife's new 228i with HIDs. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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03-31-2016, 12:18 PM	#52
bri1042 Brigadier General 5894 Rep 3,283 Posts Drives: 2021 IOMG M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I had another thought on this. What are they using to come up with their "35-mph or less" to stop safely stat? Is this another test where they're using the left-over-from-1971 310-feet to stop from 60 measurement (or was it 230 feet...I don't recall exactly)? The one that was used to justify the 55-mph speed limits 30 years ago...along with the fuel-efficiency argument that only indicated 55-mph being optimal if you had a 3-speed auto. That braking distance was very amusingly debunked on Top Gear at one point.
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