BMW 5 Series to feature variable light distribution technology as from the autumn of 2007.

Munich. Since the BMW 5 Series' market launch in 2003, it has been possible to
fit it with the adaptive headlights system. Starting autumn 2005, the high-beam
assist became available, followed by BMW Night Vision in 2006 and, from early
2007, the cornering light system featured on the revised model.
Now variable light distribution technology is also available for the BMW 5
Series.

Perfect light, intelligently controlled.

Innovative driver assistance systems offer the possibility of exceptionally
intelligent control of the optionally available Bi-Xenon headlights.
Variable light distribution technology, which was first introduced for the
current BMW 6 Series, optimises visibility, also when driving straight ahead.
Operating as a function dependant on road speed, this innovative control system
automatically enlarges the driver's field of visibility by broadening the light
beam, the "footprint" of light, as it were. In a typical city light situation
at speeds below 50 km/h or 31 mph, this ensures broader distribution of light
making it easier to recognise objects on the opposite, oncoming side of the
road. In the motorway mode, on the other hand, the driver's field of vision is
extended by giving the light beam a longer range and again offering greater
illumination on the left-hand side with oncoming traffic. Activation of the fog
lamps at speeds of up to 70 km/h or 50 mph, in turn, generates broader light
distribution and brightens up the area close to the car. And finally, at higher
speeds, the headlight range is also extended over and above the broader
distribution of light
In addition, the adaptive headlights system included in the package comprising
the variable light distribution unit guarantees road surface illumination that
follows the course of the road. The pivot direction of the headlights is
dependant on each steering angle, the yaw rate and the vehicle's speed.
A function offered in combination with adaptive headlights is the cornering
light function. This is activated at speeds between 22 and 40mph when the
driver operates the direction indicators or turns the steering wheel to a
particularly sharp angle. When taking bends at higher speeds of up to 70 km/h
or 43 mph, the cornering light function is activated in narrow curve radiuses,
supplementing the illumination from the adaptive headlights system. The
advantage in this case is optimum illumination of the road ahead when
manoeuvring or on serpentine roads.
The automatic headlight control function, which comes as standard, renders
driving in varying weather conditions even safer. With this function the
onboard electronics system checks the prevailing light conditions via two
sensors in the windscreen and automatically switches on the low beam as soon as
this becomes necessary - for example when driving through a tunnel or with
conditions becoming darker at dusk. The rain sensor also featured as standard
is an ideal supplement to the headlight control function, conducting optical
measurements to automatically determine the onset and degree of precipitation.
When required, it automatically activates the windscreen wipers and adapts
their wipe rate to rainfall intensity.

See and recognise more: High-beam assist, BMW Night Vision.

The BMW 5 Series can be equipped with the optionally available high-beam
assist. This intelligent unit switches off the high beam automatically as soon
as the car encounters oncoming traffic or another vehicle ahead comes into
sight or if the road ahead - for example in town or a built-up area - is
adequately illuminated.
Switching from low beam to high beam is also effected automatically. The system
is controlled via a camera which is integrated into the interior mirror and
which monitors brightness and road traffic.
BMW Night Vision, available as an option, offers an even higher standard of
safety when driving at night. The "heart" of this unique system is a thermal
imaging camera able to detect people, animals and objects emitting heat at a
distance of up to 300 metres or almost 1,000 feet also next to the road, then
transmitting a high-contrast image to the central Control Display also used by
the navigation system. As a result, the driver is informed of any potential
danger he is unable to recognise with the naked eye.