E46/2, E46/C only in conjunction with option 524

Fig 1: Identifying E46/2, E46/C Only In Conjunction With Option 524 (Adaptive Headlights)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Launch schedule for "Adaptive headlights" option 524:

E46 Coupe (E46/2) and E46 Convertible (E46/C) model revision: 03/2003
E60: 03/2003. Adaptive headlights are approved for the European market, for United Kingdom and the US from the start of series production of the E60 (07/2003).
This is also the case for Japan and Taiwan.
E65, E63, E83: From 10/2003
- E83 US version: "Xenon lights without AHL" option 522 will be available from
- E83 EURO: "Xenon lights without AHL" option 522 will be available from 09/2004.
E53: 04/2004 onwards

NOTE: Option 524 is only available in conjunction with option 522.
"Adaptive headlights" option 524 is only delivered in conjunction with "Bi-xenon main and dipped beam headlights" option 522.

NOTE: EU approval for option 522 only in conjunction with option 502.
"Bi-xenon main and dipped beam headlights" option 522 "is only delivered in conjunction with "Headlight cleaning system" option 502 (in countries with EU approval).

NOTE: AHL = ALC
The development designation for the adaptive headlights was "ALC".
ALC was the abbreviation for "Adaptive Light Control".
The marketing and sales designation for option 524 in English-language markets is "adaptive headlights", abbreviated to "AHL".
This is why the abbreviation "AHL" is used even in diagnostics and technical vehicle documentation.
However, some control units may still bear the abbreviation "ALC", which may also be the abbreviation used in the EPC (Electronic Parts Catalogue).