[biomed27]

Looking for some objective data whether it's true that adaptive headlights are brighter. It seems like they should be given the higher wattage rating, but every thread I've read turns into LED vs Xenon with no clear evidence that adaptive LEDs are brighter than standard. If anyone has any experience, let me know. I'd like to make sure before I make the jump. Thank you

[swissarmyknife]

Originally Posted by biomed27

Looking for some objective data whether it's true that adaptive headlights are brighter. It seems like they should be given the higher wattage rating, but every thread I've read turns into LED vs Xenon with no clear evidence that adaptive LEDs are brighter than standard. If anyone has any experience, let me know. I'd like to make sure before I make the jump. Thank you

Can you elaborate a bit more. My understanding of AHL are that they use extra hardware that allows them for example to turn the beam into the direction you are turning or switch on/off high beams automatically. This to me has no direct correlation to brightness compared to standard HL.

Then you also mention adaptive LEDs which I have not heard off, so if you have a link of a product or an article that explains their advantages, then we maybe can offer more insight.

[swissarmyknife]

This vid from Headlight revolution is giving some insight to different LED types.

Part of the issue is that based on the type of headlight housing you have, it is very critical that you pick the right type of LED bulb for it. If the HL was OEM and was originally equipped with halogen then switching to LED can either make it much better or much worse and that all comes down to the LED design not necessarily on their light output. Brighter in this case doesn't always relate to better visibility (light is more scattered). This is also why in most cases LEDs work better in projector headlights where the light is much more focused.

[biomed27]

Im talking about OEM LED headlights. Not sure what I'm saying that is unclear.

[biomed27]

Anybody?

[jnj2455]

i've been berated by people on here before for defending the non-adaptive LED lights (which I have) because evidently the Adaptive units are better. Then they use the IIHS rating that only gave the F30 a top safety pick when equipped with the Adaptive LEDs but not with the projector non-adaptive type.

[biomed27]

I was hoping to find some objective data proving that indeed adaptive led headlights are brighter before making the purchase. If anybody upgraded, please let me know if it was worth it. Thank you

[biomed27]

Anybody that's upgraded to adaptive?

[CajunBMW]

I'm guessing a lot may not have upgraded. My 2018 340 came with adaptive LEDs. As I understand your question there are two elements involved. The adaptive feature is what makes the headlights move and I have to admit I like that feature when driving on rural unlit roads. None of my other cars have this feature.

As far as a quantitative measurement of "brightness" I can only tell you they are the brightest of the lights on any of my vehicles. Brighter than my 2016 X1 and a 2020 van. I realize that brightness per se is based on lumens output and the kelvin temperature. I unfortunately don't have that info.

My guess is you will like the adaptive LEDs. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Techno 9000]

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1230507