[marinmcgreevy]

All

While checking my headlights I noticed that the HID bulb is used for both hi and low beam. The H7 Halogen is not on at any time. When I pull the light stalk in to flash to pass, the HIDs flash. I have verified the H7s do work. All these years and I have never noticed this.

Is this a coding thing? Why put a halogen bulb in a headlight if it is never used?

Does anyone have a e90 335 with xenons that both headlight bulbs come on at the same time?

[e90yyc]

This was likely coded, yes. By default the H7’s should come on when you pull the stalk.

Do you know the build date on your car?

[Group27]

When you put the headlight switch into the "A" position, the halogen lamps act as cornering lamps. They come on when you use the directional signals, turn the wheel right or left or shift into reverse (only at night). They do not come on when you pull the stalk. BMW in their stupidity flash the demons, which is stupid.

[marinmcgreevy]

My cars build date is June 2007.

[marinmcgreevy]

Also, the H-7s do come on when the car is running and I pull the stalk to signal a car in front. I will see if they come on when the turn signals are activated.

My car has never been coded. I have owned it since new. I took delivery with 27 miles on the car.

[e90yyc]

Flash the demons?

In the case of OP’s pre-LCI, these are not cornering lights. They are activated with flash-to-pass, and are also run at reduced voltage as DRL’s in jurisdictions where this is required (Canada, for instance).

This behaviour can be changed with coding. Unless you have examined how your FRM module is configured or have owned your car since new, it’s entirely possible options have been changed by the previous owner. This seems to be the case with OP.

OP: turn your headlight switch off. Try flashing your high beams. Do the xenon bulbs ignite or do you simply hear the shade solenoid?

[e90yyc]

Seems like both you guys have FRM2.

OP: your build date would indicate that. Group27 has a 2008 which should definitely have FRM2.

I’m confused though: you said the bi-xenons are used when you pull the stalk, but your latest post said the H7’s are used.

Does this depend on whether your low beams—and therefore, the xenons—are already on?

I have an 07 with FRM1, so these behaviours may be different, but my xenon high beams are active only when I push the stalk. Otherwise the H7’s are used for flash-to-pass regardless of whether the low beams are already on or not.

Hope this is making sense

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by marinmcgreevy

All

While checking my headlights I noticed that the HID bulb is used for both hi and low beam. The H7 Halogen is not on at any time. When I pull the light stalk in to flash to pass, the HIDs flash. I have verified the H7s do work. All these years and I have never noticed this.

Is this a coding thing? Why put a halogen bulb in a headlight if it is never used?

Does anyone have a e90 335 with xenons that both headlight bulbs come on at the same time?

My LCI, '09 335i does the same thing. I'm convinced the only purpose for the inboard halogens is for illumination when making a low speed turn with the indicator on...

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

My LCI, '09 335i does the same thing. I'm convinced the only purpose for the inboard halogens is for illumination when making a low speed turn with the indicator on...

That's correct. Flash to pass is done with xenons for some reason on the E90.