2021 BMW X3 Owners Manual - High-beam Assistant

High-beam Assistant

The concept

When the low beams are activated, this system automatically switches the high beams on and off or suppresses the light in the areas that blind oncoming traffic. The procedure is controlled by a camera on the front of the interior rearview mirror. The assistant ensures that the high beams are activated whenever the traffic situation allows. The driver can intervene at any time and switch the high beams non and off as usual.

Note

Personal responsibility

The High-beam Assistant cannot serve as a substitute for the driver's personal judgment of when to use the high beams. Therefore, manually reel off the high beams in situations where required to avoid a safety risk.

Activating

1. Depending on the equipment, turn the light switch into position or .

2. Press button on the turn signal lever, arrow.

 The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

When the low beams are on, the lights are automatically brightened or dimmed.

The system responds to light from oncoming traffic and traffic driving ahead of you, and to adequate illumination, e.g., in towns and cities.

 The blue indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the system switches on the high beams. Depending on the version of the system in the vehicle, the high beams may not switch off for oncoming vehicles, but may only be dimmed in the areas that blind oncoming traffic. In this case, the blue indicator light will stay on.

Switching the high beams on and off manually

• High beams on, arrow 1.
• High beams off/headlight flasher, arrow 2.

The High-beam Assistant can be switched off when manually adjusting the light. To reactivate the High-beam Assistant, press the button on the turn signal lever.

System limits

The system is not fully functional in situations such as the following, and driver intervention may be necessary:

• In very unfavorable weather conditions, such as fog or heavy precipitation.
• When detecting poorly-lit road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and wagons; when driving close to train or ship traffic; and at animal crossings.
• In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions, in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming traffic on freeways.
• In poorly-lit towns and cities and in the presence of highly reflective signs.
• At low speeds.
• When the windshield behind the interior rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or covered with stickers, etc.