The first BMW models to feature the company’s Adaptive Headlights technology were introduced in 2003. Since then, the German marque has made some notable updates to the feature, but its core utility remains the same — to improve visibility while going around a corner.
Since its debut two decades ago, Adaptive Headlights have been made available on nearly every BMW model as standard equipment or as an add-on feature. However, you should know that the system can sometimes be problematic and might fail you. This guide covers everything you should know about the Adaptive Headlight Malfunction BMW owners may face, what causes it, and how you can rectify it.
What Are Adaptive Headlights on a BMW?
BMW’s Adaptive Headlights are capable of multiple functions that help reduce driver input and increase visibility and safety. All iterations of the technology contain sensors that change the direction of the headlights in the direction of the steering wheel. This way, the apex, which is conventionally the least lit-up area in a corner, is illuminated significantly better.
Modern versions of Adaptive Headlights also turn on an auxiliary cornering light when it detects that you’re making a sharp turn, such as a slow-speed turn into a tight alleyway. BMW has also equipped several of its cars with an anti-dazzle feature, which essentially turns off the high beam if it detects oncoming traffic.
The system uses a front-mounted camera that’s constantly scanning the road ahead for vehicles. This camera also helps the Adaptive Headlights system adjust the brightness based on ambient illumination — if you’re driving down a dimly lit street, the system will automatically increase the brightness of the headlights for maximum illumination.
Similarly, if you’re driving down a city street with many streetlights, the system will automatically reduce the brightness of the LED headlights.
What Causes Headlight Malfunction?
As you can see from the above section, there are multiple aspects to the Adaptive Headlight systems on a BMW E90. That’s why an Adaptive Headlight Malfunction on BMW cars can stem from various components. The most common culprits include the Adaptive Headlight module, headlight seal, or stepper motor.
Faulty Adaptive Headlight Module (AHL)
The Adaptive Headlight module, also known as the Stepper Motor Controller (SMC) or Adaptive Headlight Drive Control Unit Lighting Module (ALC), is effectively the brain behind the Adaptive Headlights. Most Adaptive Headlight Malfunction BMW cars will experience stem from a faulty module.
The module is located under each headlight housing and is susceptible to water damage. So, if your headlight has a small crack or a gap in the seal, water can seep in when you drive in the rain or wash your can with a pressure washer.
Headlight Seal Leak
The headlight housing features a rear panel that gives you access to the bulb when you need to change it. This access door comes with a watertight seal that restricts the entry of water or moisture. If there’s a crack in the seal or the housing is not shut properly after a headlight bulb swap, it can allow moisture to enter and cause damage to the module or the stepper motor.
If you notice condensation forming in your headlights, double-check the seal or inspect for cracks in the headlight cover before more expensive parts of the system are damaged.
Stepper Motor
The stepper motor, controlled via the Adaptive Headlight module, is the component that actuates the headlight bulbs when you turn the steering wheel. While the motor itself can fail over time, some instances of Adaptive Headlight malfunction BMW owners have faced have stemmed from a failure of the connection between the motor and the bulb.
How to Check If Your Adaptive Headlights Are Faulty
Issues with the BMW Adaptive Headlights can easily be spotted. Once your car’s headlights are set to ‘Auto’ mode, turn the steering wheel from side to side and see if the light follows the direction you’re turning the wheel. If not, there’s something wrong with the system. Another Adaptive Headlight malfunction BMW owners face is the loss of the anti-dazzle feature. Again, the system could be faulty if the high beam doesn’t automatically deactivate when there’s oncoming traffic.
Any issues with the Adaptive Headlights should also trigger a warning message on the instrument cluster or iDrive. The most common messages include:
- Adaptive headlight malfunction
- Daytime/Parking lamp malfunction
- Headlamp vertical aim control malfunction
You should check the headlights if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Adaptive Headlight Malfunction BMW Error Codes
If you plug an OBD-II reader into your car, you should be able to scan for codes related to the Adaptive Headlights. In case there is an issue, some of the codes you might see are:
- Code BMW 9CBD: Disturbed communication links with StepperMotorBox / Short circuit or interruption of the contacts on the back door
- Code BMW 9CC0: Communication with Step Motor Controller on the Right Disrupted for both the Footwell Module and Footwell Module2
How to fix BMW Adaptive Headlight Malfunction
The E90 Series BMW Adaptive Headlight system will require some technical expertise to fix. If you’re unfamiliar with the system, it’s best to have the issue rectified by a trained professional. Else, you run the risk of damaging other components during the process. Accessing the module or the stepper motor will require you to remove the front bumper and the headlight housing altogether. You’ll need a new module like the one we offer made by VEMO.
With the cost of spares, resolving a BMW Adaptive Headlight Malfunction can cost around $2,000, depending on what needs to be replaced.
If you want to avoid spending that much money on genuine parts, you can use more affordable aftermarket alternatives. However, you should get one from a reputed brand. Some owners that used cheaper alternatives have reported it resolved the issue with their headlights, but the error code continued to display on the iDrive, accompanied by a constant warning beep.
If you have access to diagnostic software like BMW ISTA-P or NCSExpert, you can use a laptop to code out the Adaptive Headlights from the car entirely and use the headlights manually. That said, we strongly advise against doing so as this could cause other issues in the vehicle.
Get Replacement BMW Adaptive Headlight Parts Now
The BMW Adaptive Headlights are an excellent bit of technology that significantly reduces driver input while improving visibility and safety. When it’s working right, it’s fantastic to have. However, if one of its core components fails, it can be time-consuming and expensive to fix. If you know how to work on the system or trust a local technician who does, you can order the parts you need from Bimmers.com. Since the Bimmers catalog contains everything you’ll need, from the stepper motor to individual bulbs, you can order your parts in just a few clicks and get your car running as soon as possible.
