Turning lights

The turning lights are coupled to the adaptive headlights (option 524).

The footwell module (FRM) uses the following signals to adjust the turning lights:

• Steering angle
• Yaw rate
• Status of reverse gear

E81, E92, E93 with start of series production and E87 from 03/2007

Instead of the main-beam headlight (H7), the main headlight with turning light has a fixed additional reflector with an H3 bulb. The special shape of the lens prevents dazzle to the front.

The illustration shows the main headlight with turning light on the E81, E87, E92, E93

1. Bi-xenon light
2. H8 bulb for side lights and daytime driving lights
3. H3 bulb for turning lights
4. Reflector for turning lights

Fig 1: Identifying Main Headlight With Turning Light - E81, E87, E92, E93

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The illustration shows the turning light on the E81, E87, E92, E93

1. Left turn
2. Right turn

Fig 2: Identifying Turning Light - E81, E87, E92, E93

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched on:

• Terminal 15 ON
• Light switch in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
• Rain-light sensor detects twilight or darkness (threshold exceeded)

The turning lights are not activated at speeds greater than 70 km/h.

• Europe version:

For legal reasons, the turning lights on the Europe version can only be activated via the turn signal indicator at speeds up to 40 km/h.

When reversing, the footwell module (FRM) activates the turning lights as follows in the speed range 0 km/h to 35 km/h:

• US version: both sides
• Other countries: outside of turn only

When the turn signal indicator is switched on:

If the vehicle is stationary, the turning lights will automatically be deactivated after approx. 4 seconds, e.g. when waiting at traffic lights. However, the turning lights can be activated again with the turn-signal/main-beam switch (up to 3 times) until the reflector has reached a certain temperature.

A temperature model protects the headlights from excessive thermal stress.

The switching-off conditions for the turning light depend on the country concerned.

A temperature model in the footwell module calculates the temperature of the reflector. The temperature of the reflector must not exceed a certain value. If a critical temperature is reached, the footwell module (FRM) will deactivate the turning lights. The turning lights can be activated again after a cooling-off phase.

• E70 with start of series production

The turning lights are realized using the front foglights. (Reason: The installation location of the headlights is too high for the turning lights. This prevents legal stipulations from being adhered to.)

Depending on actuation, the right-hand and/or left-hand front foglight is switched on. The turning lights are actuated by the light module (LM).

The front foglights have an additional reflector to illuminate the areas to the sides better.

When turning, the front foglight on the inside of the turn is automatically activated. The additional reflector for the turning light reflects the light beam towards the turning area.

The turning light are not switched on suddenly but rather faded according to special time parameters. Depending on the country concerned, the turning lights are switched on when cornering.

The illustration shows the front foglight on the E70

1. Additional reflector for the turning light
2. Reflector for the front foglights
3. Bulb

Fig 3: Identifying Additional Reflector, Front Foglights And Bulb

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched on: 

• Terminal 15 ON
• Light switch in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
• Rain-light sensor detects twilight or darkness (threshold exceeded)

and 

• Turn signal indicator ON (not one-touch turn signal)
• Speed range (forwards):
  • Europe and Japan version from 0 km/h to 35 km/h
  • US version from 0 km/h to 65 km/h
• Swivel angle (theoretical):

• when stationary = 77°
• when driving = 10°

Alternatively 

• Speed range (reverse):
  • 0 km/h to 35 km/h
• Swivel angle (theoretical):

• when stationary or driving = 70°

If the vehicle is stationary, the turning lights will automatically be deactivated after a certain time, e.g. when waiting at traffic lights. However, the turning lights can be activated again with the turn-signal/main-beam switch.

The following conditions must be satisfied for the turning lights to be switched off: 

• Light switch not in position "A" ("A" stands for automatic driving lights control)
• Rain-light sensor does not detect twilight or darkness (lower threshold exceeded)

Alternatively 

• Turn signal indicator OFF
• Speed range (forwards):
  • Europe and Japan versions = 40 km/h
  • US version = 70 km/h
• Swivel angle (theoretical):

• when stationary 77°
• when driving 10°

Alternatively 

• Speed range (reverse): = 40 km/h
• Swivel angle (theoretical): when stationary and when driving below a certain value

Alternatively 

• Vehicle skids and swings out.

Alternatively 

• Front foglights are switched on with the front foglights switch.