How It Works

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 46 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW M5, 2008 BMW 650i, 2007 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW M6, and 2007 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When the dipped headlights are switched on, the mechanical screen is positioned vertically in front of the bulb (see illustration). The beam of the xenon headlight is thus dipped.

When main beam is switched on, the mechanical screen in front of the bulb is folded forward (viewed in the direction of travel). The screen is then horizontal. This redirects the beam of the xenon headlight to main-beam headlights. The rays of lights are able to shine uninterrupted to the front and to make use of the complete area of the reflector and the lens.

The mechanical screen in front of the bulb is actuated as follows: The solenoid is actuated as soon as main-beam headlights are switched on. The solenoid moves the screen to the horizontal. If the solenoid for the mechanical screen cannot be actuated, the screen will be pulled back to the vertical position by the return spring. The beam will thus be as per dipped headlights.