BMW 320D (2010/E90) erratic automatic lights warning

John_Mc

Hi,

Every so often I get a warning on my dashboard which stays on until I shutdown and restart the car. I took a picture last time it happened and have attached.

I can't find any explanation for it in the manual but it looks like it's got to do with automatic lights. The lights still work though?

Any help would be appreciated!

colm_mcm

Is that a high beam assist warning light? As opposed to an auto lights warning

bazz26

Yep, that's the high beam assist symbol - i.e. automatic switching on/off of main beam headlights.

Was the windscreen replaced recently by any chance? The High beam assist IR camera/sensor should be located behind the interior rear view mirror where it is attached to your windscreen, just below where the sensor for the automatic wipers is located. It could be faulty or wasn't replaced if a new windscreen was recently fitted.

BTW your normal headlight switch needs to be set to "Auto" for the high beam assist feature to work too.

John_Mc

bazz26 wrote: »

Yep, that's the high beam assist symbol - i.e. automatic switching on/off of main beam headlights.

Was the windscreen replaced recently by any chance? The High beam assist IR camera/sensor should be located behind the interior rear view mirror where it is attached to your windscreen, just below where the sensor for the automatic wipers is located. It could be faulty or wasn't replaced if a new windscreen was recently fitted.

BTW your normal headlight switch needs to be set to "Auto" for the high beam assist feature to work too.

I have had the car 3 years now and the windscreen hasn't been replaced during that time. Not sure about before hand though.

The lights would always been in Auto mode.

So what does this mean exactly then? I rarely use the auto-dip feature as it's a bit slow to react to oncoming traffic or traffic in front. Is that what it controls?

bazz26

Yes, that's its function.

Could be a few things, the sensor could have dirt surrounding it which interferes with its function. It could also be that the sensor is knackered or a wire/connection running to it could be damaged or frayed. You might get some fault codes from a diagnostic scan that could point you to the issue.

Either take it to a BMW specialist or if non are near you then a main dealer diagnostic while not cheap, can be the quickest way to get to the bottom of the problem.

John_Mc

bazz26 wrote: »

Yes, that's its function.

Could be a few things, the sensor could have dirt surrounding it which interferes with its function. It could also be that the sensor is knackered or a wire/connection running to it could be damaged or frayed. You might get some fault codes from a diagnostic scan that could point you to the issue.

Either take it to a BMW specialist or if non are near you then a main dealer diagnostic while not cheap, can be the quickest way to get to the bottom of the problem.

Ok thanks for the information, very helpful. I'll give it a clean and try to get the error code if it happens again.

Just had it in with a servicing so will avoid another trip if I can for the meantime as it's not serious.

Thanks very much