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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) Local Forums UK Adaptive LED and HBA - do they beam form?

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      02-04-2022, 02:14 PM   #1
siwatkins
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Adaptive LED and HBA - do they beam form?

Quick question:

Two different dealers persuaded me the £1500 laser lights were quite an an expensive option relative to the difference they made over the already good Adaptive LEDs on the M440i I've ordered and that they wouldn't bother. It's the only expensive tech option on it I've not ticked.

I'm also aware HBA in partnership with Adaptive LED used to do beam forming magic. But HBA is now a further option that can be added later.

My question is, does the HBA work in conjunction with the Adaptive LED to do beam forming when added later? Or just do auto dip/bright?

I have HBA on my current non-adaptive LEDs on my 2018 435D - the lights are really good, but the HBA has been a bit of a gimmick, often a touch lazy vs human action, getting caught out with cars coming at you from around a bend, dazzling the other driver briefly. So I tend to leave it off, as I end up hovering on the stalk in case it gets it wrong.

However, if HBA adds Beam Forming to the Adaptive LEDs, I'd probably try that and see if it's improved from my 2018 implementation and for the Beam Forming. Otherwise I might, maybe, revisit the Laser Lights decision.
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      02-04-2022, 04:12 PM   #2
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As far as I know you would need the lasers. They are an expensive option but far better than standard HBA and glad I have them.

I have never had any problems where they get it wrong and never been flashed by anyone. I leave them on all the time, so much brighter and very clever how they avoid the car in front and dance around switching off one side if someone comes the other way.

I would like to be in front of a car with lasers to see how they work, I often wonder if the car in front wonders what the hell is going on with his lights behind lol

On saying that, if you don't do a lot of night driving then not really worth it although on my G20 the DRLs are far better with lasers.
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      02-04-2022, 04:20 PM   #3
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The standard adaptive lights do not do the beam forming regardless of having HBA enabled. You need the laser light “Visability Package” for those which is exactly why it’s a £1500 option. The adaptive element of the standard issue lights are cornering lights at slow speeds when turning.

BMW are very crafty with the word “adaptive” in their lighting options.
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      02-04-2022, 04:30 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by siwatkins View Post
However, if HBA adds Beam Forming to the Adaptive LEDs, I'd probably try that and see if it's improved from my 2018 implementation and for the Beam Forming. Otherwise I might, maybe, revisit the Laser Lights decision.
If you want the selective beam function - which I assume is what you mean by beam forming - I think you need laserlights. My understanding is the HBA option in conjunction with the LED's only only dips the headlights or puts them up to main beam.
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      02-04-2022, 05:02 PM   #5
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The frickin lasers are awesome. Well worth it if you drive on anything other than motorways.
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      02-04-2022, 05:07 PM   #6
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Thanks all - I definitely recall a video demonstrating the HBA with selective beam and adaptive led when I bought my 2018 model - at least I think I’m definite! ��. Perhaps slightly annoying that it’s now a £1500 option on top of the adaptive led for the laser option to get beam shaping if they had it before - seems a bit regressive but maybe it wasn’t reliable. Ok I may tick that box on top - what’s another £1500, �� I’m going to keep the car for a while so I’m a little conflicted given their cost if they go wrong later, plus the fact that you get nothing back in part ex if I don’t keep it. Will procrastinate for a while longer! Cheers, S
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      02-04-2022, 05:30 PM   #7
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I think this was the video I saw showing HBA assistant and selective beam with adaptive led.


I think I’d be happy with this but I’m not clear if this is still available without the lasers?
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      02-04-2022, 07:16 PM   #8
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I had it on my M340i, didn’t spec it on the M440i, and can’t say I miss it.

Lights were a bit better, but not £1500 better.

I spent the £1500 on a sunroof and carbon fibre interior trim, but each to their own I suppose.
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      02-04-2022, 07:39 PM   #9
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Interesting article in the latest Which? magazine saying these new LED/laser headlights blind cyclists and cause them to end up in ditches.

Win win
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      02-05-2022, 01:20 AM   #10
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If you plan to keep your car beyond it's warranty, Laser lights are very expensive to replace if they go wrong. If on a lease or switching within warranty, not a problem.
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      02-05-2022, 01:59 AM   #11
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Adaptive used to mean beam-forming (aka dancing lights) on the original adaptive xenon and led lights but you categorically only get the selective beam with laser lights now. HBA simply switches main beam on or off. I’d go for the laser if you can - the drl looks better and the lights themselves are awesome. Standard LED “adaptive” are a bit meh….
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      02-05-2022, 02:38 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by siwatkins View Post
I think this was the video I saw showing HBA assistant and selective beam with adaptive led.


I think I’d be happy with this but I’m not clear if this is still available without the lasers?
It used to be on f series. Now with G20s you need laser lights to have this feature.

G20 adaptive headlights are now just steering.
HBA just turns on and off your high beam automatically when it spots another car.
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      02-05-2022, 04:52 AM   #13
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Thanks all - it’s one of those things that is really hard to gauge with seeing for yourself I guess. The dealers I spoke to were of the mind they were good but not £1500 good as the adaptive leds are already excellent. I have standard leds on my current car and I don’t find them wanting so I’ll get a ‘free improvement’ as is. I don’t mind the appearance of the Drls on one vs the other so I think for me, I’ll leave it. I may still change my mind but yes the out of warranty costs scare me!
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      02-05-2022, 05:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by siwatkins View Post
Thanks all - it's one of those things that is really hard to gauge with seeing for yourself I guess. The dealers I spoke to were of the mind they were good but not £1500 good as the adaptive leds are already excellent. I have standard leds on my current car and I don't find them wanting so I'll get a 'free improvement' as is. I don't mind the appearance of the Drls on one vs the other so I think for me, I'll leave it. I may still change my mind but yes the out of warranty costs scare me!
They are undoubtedly very clever and very good, however for me it worked out about £40 extra a month over the PCP term. For the amount I drive in the dark on un-lit roads, it just wasnt worth it. My commute is from town to town via a motorway.

Dont think I could give less of a t0ss about how good the DRLs look.

So, really all depends on how much you think you'll be using them, and how long you intend to keep the car. And how risk adverse you are with regards the replacement costs should they go wrong out of warranty.
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      02-05-2022, 06:19 AM   #15
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Yes it depends on your driving profile - if you rarely drive on country roads at night then it’s probably not worth it. I wouldn’t describe the standard LEDs as excellent though, they’re so-so at best.
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      02-05-2022, 08:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4monks View Post
If you plan to keep your car beyond it's warranty, Laser lights are very expensive to replace if they go wrong. If on a lease or switching within warranty, not a problem.
Can't say I've heard of any problems but is there a reliability issue with laser lights?
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      02-05-2022, 08:12 AM   #17
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No but they’re bastard expensive if they go wrong.
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      02-05-2022, 08:14 AM   #18
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I love my laser lights and would definitely spec them again. A lot of money, sure, but so is every option on a Beemer!
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      02-05-2022, 08:34 AM   #19
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I’ve always specified the visibility pack living out in the sticks but I didn’t this time as I thought the adaptive LEDs as standard would be good. I regret not specifying laser now.
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      02-05-2022, 08:59 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xenon View Post
I’ve always specified the visibility pack living out in the sticks but I didn’t this time as I thought the adaptive LEDs as standard would be good. I regret not specifying laser now.
With a handle of Xenon, I'm not surprised you miss the best lighting option...
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      02-05-2022, 09:03 AM   #21
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I know. Big mistake.
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      02-05-2022, 09:05 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulockenden View Post
I love my laser lights and would definitely spec them again. A lot of money, sure, but so is every option on a Beemer!
Everyone who gets in my car at night, comments on how good the lights are.
I had adaptive xenons back in my 2015 F30, then Std LEDs on my 2018 F36, now have the dancing lasers in my 2021 G20.
BMW Std lights are OK, but personally for the sake of £1500 over 3-4 years, I'd say the upgrade is well worth it.
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