[Bassthe1st]

Anybody else discovered that out of the 4 lens in the headlights, only 2 are used? At first I thought that 2 were for lows and 2 for highs, but they in fact use the same lens. I'm wondering why is that...

Ps: This is for the xenons.

[EvenKeel]

Originally Posted by Bassthe1st

Anybody else discovered that out of the 4 lens in the headlights, only 2 are used? At first I thought that 2 were for lows and 2 for highs, but they in fact use the same lens. I'm wondering why is that...

Ps: This is for the xenons.

Yes, this is indeed the case. Probably to maintain the traditional BMW headlamp look.

Its also fair to assume its a cost issue in that the difference between independent lamps and an additional xenon arc within the same lamp was not sufficient to justify the additional headlight assemblies. My guess is that the swiveling nature of the lamps was also a factor in decisioning.

For what its worth, I think the xenon lights are superb in their current form.

[olinjohnston]

It's not an additional Xenon arc...It's just a shutter that opens for high beams. This system called "Bi-Xenon" has been used by BMW since late 2001. The inner set of lights was used as a "flash" high beam or daytime running light. On new BMWs the halos (LEDs now) are sufficiently bright enough to be considered the running lights, and the inner non-functional lights are only to preserve the quad headlight style that BMW has become known for.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

Yes, this is indeed the case. Probably to maintain the traditional BMW headlamp look.

Its also fair to assume its a cost issue in that the difference between independent lamps and an additional xenon arc within the same lamp was not sufficient to justify the additional headlight assemblies. My guess is that the swiveling nature of the lamps was also a factor in decisioning.

For what its worth, I think the xenon lights are superb in their current form.

+1 Although on my E46s they were bi-xenon with halogen high beams for flashing. And the halogens were also the DRLs.

[G20_Transporter]

so now when you flash to pass you are actively moving the shutter from my understanding, will this damage anything by its rapid on off state

[v1k1ng01]

I wish they had put a turning light in there like the E9X's instead of making it a complete dummy. I'll be looking for a way to retro-fit it until they offer the LED LCI for the F30.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by F30_Transporter

so now when you flash to pass you are actively moving the shutter from my understanding, will this damage anything by its rapid on off state

BMW should have left the inner lights as the flash-to-pass function, because quick, flashing operation of the xenon lights is detrimental to their longevity. I guess BMW figures this feature will be used infrequently enough that it will not significantly affect the lifetime of the xenons.

[olinjohnston]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

BMW should have left the inner lights as the flash-to-pass function, because quick, flashing operation of the xenon lights is detrimental to their longevity. I guess BMW figures this feature will be used infrequently enough that it will not significantly affect the lifetime of the xenons.

Remember, this is from the same company that rapidly stops and restarts the engine at every stoplight...These details do not concern them.

[Mobster1983]

Originally Posted by olinjohnston

It's not an additional Xenon arc...It's just a shutter that opens for high beams. This system called "Bi-Xenon" has been used by BMW since late 2001. The inner set of lights was used as a "flash" high beam or daytime running light. On new BMWs the halos (LEDs now) are sufficiently bright enough to be considered the running lights, and the inner non-functional lights are only to preserve the quad headlight style that BMW has become known for.

This. In the previous vehicles, that inner set was the lamp that reflected through a fiber optic line or mirror and lit up the Angel Eyes. With LED angel eyes! the inner bulb is not necessary.

The shutter for high beams has been there for a while. While I can't say on the E90, the 2008 E63 had the shutter for brights and the inner bulb was only used for the Angel Eyes.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by olinjohnston

Remember, this is from the same company that rapidly stops and restarts the engine at every stoplight...These details do not concern them.

It's illegal to flash your brights on the Autobahn to get somebody to move over. So I imagine it's not used much in daylight.

[n55x3]

While the Xenons are blanked on the inner lens I'm pretty sure the new LED light option on the 4 series uses both lenses.

Looking forward to someone trying to install the 4 series LED inner workings into a 3 series.

When we got my wife's 2011 X3 I day dreamed about installing a set of driving lights behind the empty lenses. Never got around to doing it but would be nifty.

[v1k1ng01]

Originally Posted by snowghost

It's illegal to flash your brights on the Autobahn to get somebody to move over. So I imagine it's not used much in daylight.

Illegal yes, but everybody still does it.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by v1k1ng01

Illegal yes, but everybody still does it.

LOL. I did it myself last summer.

[Carbon.F30]

The inners are non-functional on the F30s. It’s there to preserve the traditional BMW look.

The newer (facelift) 320/330/340 with active LED lighting does use the inner lamp. I’ve also seen it used in halogen models (DRL/highbeam).

[atlguy]

Having non functional lights is kinda goofy.

I'm suprised no one ever figured out some kind of retrofit. I guess there's no need really... The halos look awesome and the xenon headlights are very good.

[Gamb1t]

I wish I didn't clicked this link. I hate yooooooooo.......

[lemonchicken]

Must find mod. Must find mod. Bring the inner lenses to life. Modddssssss

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Carbon.F30

The inners are non-functional on the F30s. It’s there to preserve the traditional BMW look.

The newer (facelift) 320/330/340 with active LED lighting does use the inner lamp. I’ve also seen it used in halogen models (DRL/highbeam).

4-year old thread. I got fished in too.

[Planefixer4]

What a disappointment. Really uncool. Class action lawsuit anyone???

[Billfitz]

Really? What damages did you, or anyone, suffer because two of the lenses are only there for cosmetic purposes? In the realm of First World Problems this one is way down the list.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Planefixer4

What a disappointment. Really uncool. Class action lawsuit anyone???

How about a class action suit for bumping a 6 year old thread?

[Solidjake]

Originally Posted by tex2670

How about a class action suit for bumping a 6 year old thread?

Lmaoooo +1

Planefixer4 Why??? They pass DOT regulations and provide adequate lighting. There is no need to do anything regarding the lights and BMW. If you have an A&P then modify your lights to add another projector.