Table of Contents

E46 Lighting Systems

Subject Page

E46 Lighting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
LSZ Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
LSZ Switch (Headlight Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
High Beam/Turn Signal Stalk Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Brake Light Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Hazard Warning Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Fog Light Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Rain and Light Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Tail Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Brake Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
E46 Convertible Third Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Advantages of Neon Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Principle of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Lamp Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Emergency (Failsafe Lighting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Home Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Redundant Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Crash Control Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Dimmer Circuit (KL58g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Indicator Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Rain/Driving-Light Sensor (RLS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Xenon Headlight Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

LWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Version Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Headlight Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Xenon High Intensity Discharge Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Phases of Bulb Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Initial Print Date: 12/04 Revision Date:

Subject Page
Xenon Bulb Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Xenon Headlight Assembly Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Bi-Xenon Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Bi-Xenon Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Electrical control facility for bi-xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Xenon Headlight Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Xenon Headlight SI/TRI Bulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Adaptive Headlights (AHL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

E46 Lighting Systems

Model: E46

Production: From Start of Production

After completion of this module you will be able to:

• Understand the lighting systems used on E46

• Identify and locate lighting system components

• Diagnose lighting system concerns

3
E46 Lighting Systems
E46 Lighting Systems
The E46 lighting system consists of a Light Switch Center (LSZ) module which controls
all exterior lighting. In addition to the electronic control and monitoring system for the
external vehicle lights, the LSZ contains the switch for parking lights/low beam, the push
buttons for fog lights as well as the potentiometers for instrument lighting.
The LSZ provides the functions of the LCM including:
• Hot and cold monitoring of the exterior lights.
• Emergency lighting function
• Short circuit protection
• Redundant storage of mileage and SI data

LSZ

BULB MONITORING BULB ACTIVATION

80 3 4
60 100
100
120 140
160
2 1/min
x1000
5
80 180 120
40
12 60 200 1 6

K-BUS 11 40 220
0
140

GM V
20 20 240
UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY 0 50 30 20 15 7
km/h 12
MPH

DATA LINK
AGS

T0198U08.ai

4
E46 Lighting Systems
System Components
The lighting system components on the E46 include:
• LSZ control module
• LSZ switch assembly
• High-low beam/turn signal switch
• Brake light switch
• Hazard warning light switch
• Fog light relay
• Exterior lights
• Dash/LCD lighting
• RLS (if equipped from 2002)

LSZ Control Module

The LSZ control module contains the electronics for the control and monitoring of the
exterior lighting. The LSZ module is mounted behind the headlight switch to the left side
of the steering wheel.
There is a single connector on the module for all inputs and outputs.
From 2002, there some changes to the LSZ module. These include a modified PWM
signal for lighting control (freq 80hz), there a additional outputs circuits added for rear
brake lights and bi-xenon systems and a new headlight switch to accommodate RLS.
LSZ Module

Headlight Switch

5
E46 Lighting Systems
LSZ Switch (Headlight Switch)
The headlight switch is mounted on the front of the LSZ and is connected via a ribbon
cable. The headlight switch provides inputs to the LSZ for the operation of the parking
lights, headlights and the instrument panel dimming.
The switch is a separate component from the LSZ and can replaced as a separate part.
There is also a phototransistor located on the face of the headlight switch which provides
ambient light signals. The LSZ uses these signals to adjust the instrument cluster
illumination during varying ambient light conditions (i.e. entering a tunnel etc.).
There are two variations of the headlight switch, the original version contains the
headlight on/off switch, the dimmer thumb wheel fog light switch (if equipped) and the
phototransistor, the updated version includes an additional switch position for the RLS
functions.

Headlight Switch (from start of production) Headlight Switch (with RLS function)

High Beam/Turn Signal Stalk Switch

The high beam/turn signal switch is located on the left side of the steering column.
The switch provides a coded ground input to the LSZ to activate the turn signals. The
switch also provides input for the high beam and “flash to pass” functions.

6
E46 Lighting Systems
Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch provides input to the LSZ for brake light control. The switch
provides a B+ signal when the brakes are applied. The switch is also monitored by the
LSZ for faults.
The brake light switch provides a low voltage digital signal to the LSZ when the brake
lights are not actuated. If this signal is interrupted the LSZ interprets this as a faulty brake
light switch and initiates emergency mode.

Hazard Warning Switch

The hazard warning switch is located in the center console and provides a ground input
to the LSZ module.

7
E46 Lighting Systems
Fog Light Relay
The fog light relay (if equipped) is located behind the glove box. It is controlled as a direct
output of the LSZ.

Rain and Light Sensor

Beginning in 2002, the Rain Sensor was replaced by the new Rain and Light Sensor
(RLS). The RLS is connected to the K-Bus and provides the LSZ (and other modules)
with information regarding ambient light conditions.
With the headlight switch set to “A” position, the headlights will automatically be switched
on when the ambient light conditions are reduced.
The rain sensing electronics of the RLS only pertain to wiper operation. The operation of
the headlights are not affected.

8
E46 Lighting Systems
Exterior Lighting

Headlights
From start of production the E46 was available with conventional halogen headlights as in
the past. The headlights are arranged in the familiar 4 headlamp configuration.
As an option, Xenon headlamps became available from the start of production in 1999.
The Xenon system is use at that time was manufactured by Bosch. This system
remained in use until the 2002 model year when the Bi-Xenon lights came into use.

Tail Lights
The Tail lights is use from the start of production (99 model year) are conventional
filament type (incandescent) bulbs. These bulbs are replaceable and are controlled by
the LSZ using pulse width modulated signals.

9
E46 Lighting Systems
Brake Lights
The brake lights used on the E46 are conventional filament type bulbs. This includes the
third (center) brake light.

E46 Convertible Third Brake Light

The E46iC from 2002, uses Neon technology for the third brake light which is mounted
in the trunk lid. The remainder of the exterior lighting circuits carry over from the E46
Sedan and Coupes. The Electronic brake light switch is the input to the LSZ for brake
light activation. The LSZ, as an output, provides power to the Neon light module for
activation of the light. The light module consists of the ignitor, and Neon tube.

Advantages of Neon Technology

The use of Neon lighting in an automotive applications provides the following
advantages:
• Light failures caused by shock and vibration are reduced due to the lack of a filament
in the Neon bulb.
• The average bulb life is improved
• The design of the Neon bulb housing allows for more flexibility in styling. The Neon
tube can conform to the contour of the vehicle.
• Amber Neon allows the use of clear lenses (for vehicle color schemes)
• Neon technology enhances safety because of the extremely fast ignition time which
allows the other driver’s more time to react.

10
E46 Lighting Systems
Principle of Operation

Lamp Monitoring
Lamps monitoring on the E46 is a function of the LSZ module. The module report bulb
status to the instrument cluster via the K-bus to allow the display of faulted bulbs to be
represented in the LED pictogram.
The lamps are monitored in OFF and ON status, this is referred to as Hot and Cold
monitoring.
Cold monitoring in the OFF status takes place by briefly sending a low voltage pulse
through the lamp filament. The voltage pulse, which is in the millivolt range, does not
supply enough current to illuminate the lamp filament. But the voltage pulse is sufficient
enough to allow the circuitry of the LSZ to measure voltage drop.
Therefore the lamp filament can be monitored in the OFF status. This allows to driver to
be warned before the lamp is needed. This of course enhances the safety of the driver
and other road users.
Hot Monitoring, as it suggests, allows for the monitoring of the lamp filament when active.
The LSZ measures the voltage drop of the circuit and compares it to stored values. The
appropriate check control pictogram is illuminated when a faulty lamp is detected.

Note: Due to the Hot and Cold monitoring capabilities, it is very important to
use the specified lamps with the correct wattage rating. Using substan-
dard or incorrectly rated lamps could affect the lamp monitoring and
cause erroneous check control messages. Also, if the battery voltage
drops below approx. 9.5 V, the lamp status can no longer be monitored or
output.

11
E46 Lighting Systems
Emergency (Failsafe Lighting)
The LSZ provides emergency lighting in the event of a control module failure. If the
processor of the LSZ control module fails, back up hardware will allow the following
lighting circuits to function:
• Low Beam headlights
• Tail lights
• Parking Lights
• Brake Lights
The headlights and tail lights will come on as soon as KL 15 is switched on, the brake
will operate when the brake pedal is pressed.
Direction indicators, hazard warning lights, high beam, headlight flasher, fog lights and
rear fog lights cannot be switched on.
Diagnosis is not possible and if in emergency mode, the light switching center must be
replaced.

12
E46 Lighting Systems
Home Lighting
This convenience feature provides lighting for the driver and passengers to leave the
vehicle and enter their house.
The feature is switched on by activating the headlight flasher switch after the lights and
ignition are switched off.
The feature is switched off after the coded time delay or by switching the ignition switch
to ON.

Redundant Storage
The LSZ serves as the redundant storage module in parallel with the instrument cluster.
This includes all data used for vehicle identification which is encoded on the assembly
line. In addition the total mileage and SI data are also stored in the LSZ.
If either the Cluster or LSZ has to be replaced, the data is taken from the remaining mod-
ule and transferred to the replacement unit. This can only occur ONCE the VIN has been
entered into the replacement unit. Once the VIN is entered, the module becomes part of
the vehicle and can not be interchanged with another vehicle.

VIN VIN

TOTAL MILEAGE TOTAL MILEAGE

SERVICE INTERVAL SERVICE INTERVAL

INFORMATION INFORMATION

80 3 4
60 100
100
120 140
160
2 1/min
x1000
5
80 180 120
40
6
K-BUS 1
60 200
12
11 40 220
0
20 20 240 140
UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY 0 50 30 20 15 7
km/h 12
MPH

LSZ

MANIPULATION DOT

13
E46 Lighting Systems
Crash Control Activation
During an impact which involves the deployment of the airbags, the MRS module will
send a “crash telegram” message over the K-Bus. The ZKE system will respond by
unlocking the doors (if locked) and turn on the interior lights.
The LSZ will respond by activating the hazard flashers as well.

Fog Lights
The LSZ is also for switching on the control circuit of the fog light relay. The fog light
switch is integrated into the LSZ control switch. As per safety and governmental regula-
tions, the fog lights can only be switched on when the parking or headlights are on.

Dimmer Circuit (KL58g)

The LSZ controls the external KL58g circuit via pulse width modulation. The intensity of
the illumination is controlled my modulating the pulse width which in turn increases or
decreases circuit current.
The KL58g circuit is an output of the LSZ and includes the illumination circuit control for
the IHKA module, ashtray/lighter, and the switches for power windows, sunroof and LSZ
switch etc.
Other circuits are controlled by a “KL58g” telegram message over the K-Bus, these
include the instrument cluster and MFL illumination.
In addition to the “thumb wheel” control of the dimmer circuit, the illumination is also
influenced by the phototransistor in the LSZ switch.

Indicator Lamps
The LSZ also controls the various indicator lamps via the K-bus. The indicators for the
directionals, fog lights, high beams and the LED’s in the pictogram are also triggered
based on K-Bus telegrams from the LSZ.

14
E46 Lighting Systems
Rain/Driving-Light Sensor (RLS)
The new RLS replaces the familiar Rain
Sensor already in use. The RLS now has the
added functions of monitoring ambient light
conditions to influence the operation of the
headlights.
The driving lights (headlights) are turned on
and off automatically based on input from the
RLS depending upon ambient light conditions.
The new RLS contains two additional optical
sensors have been integrated in the
sensor housing. The RLS continues to use the
same rain sensing electronics as used on the
previous AIC system. The two additional light
sensors are used for headlight operation.
The two sensors have the following function:
• Sensor number 1 is a surrounding-light sensor that records the light intensity in a
wide angle above the vehicle.
• Sensor number 2 is a frontal-light sensor that records the light intensity in a narrow
angle in in front of the vehicle. A processor measures and determines which sensor
is switched on.
The following conditions are monitored by the (RLS):
• Dawn/dusk
• Darkness
• Driving through a tunnel
• Precipitation such as rain or snow
Note: When the wiper switch is in the intermittent position, The RLS knows the switch is
on by the frequency of the windshield wipers. ( The frequency for the intermittent wipers
is 15 wiping cycles per minute. If the wiper switch is in position I or II the RLS knows the
wipers are switched on permanently.
If wiper switch condition is on, The RLS in the E46 transmits the information thru the
K-bus to the central light switch. (LSZ).
If the RLS switch position(“A”) on the LSZ has been selected, the exterior and instru-
ment lights are activated by the LSZ under the following conditions:
• One of the above RLS conditions is satisfied.
• The front fog lights are switched on.

15
E46 Lighting Systems
1. Sensor #1
Light switch on LSZ
2. Sensor #2 (shown in “A” position)

Note: If the LSZ front fog light is switched on and one of the above mentioned
RLS conditions is satisfied, the exterior lights will only go out after the
front fog lights have been turned off.

In addition, the lights are switched on in the event of the following malfunctions.
• The RLS has detected a sensor fault.
• Communication between the RLS and the LSZ is disturbed.
The following lights are switched by the LSZ:
• Terminal R turns on the parking light, the low beam headlight, the license plate light
and the instrument lights.
• Terminal 15 turns on the parking light, the low beam headlights, the license plate
light. In order to switch the parking light on the LSZ switch must be set to parking
light position on.
• With the ignition switch in the “0” position, the exterior and instrument lights are
switched off.
The sensitivity of the RLS can be adjusted by means of the car memory function.
During bad weather and fog the driver must switch on the
Safety Notice!!! fog lights manually. The automatic driving-light control
will not turn the fog lights on during bad weather
conditions.

16
E46 Lighting Systems
Xenon Headlight Systems
In order to improve night time driving visibility, Xenon
headlight systems were developed for the automotive
industry. Xenon technology is also referred to as High
Intensity Discharge lighting or HID.
For BMW vehicle Xenon technology was first intro-
duced to the US market in 1993 on the E32 750iL.
Since this time Xenon technology has evolved and
spread throughout the model lineup.
The first thing noticed about Xenon lamps is the
blue/white appearance of the headlights.
There are numerous benefits to Xenon headlights and these include:
• Longer bulb life - typically the xenon bulbs will last from 3 to 5 times longer than
conventional halogen bulbs.
• Increased light output - Xenon headlights produce 2.5 to 3 times more light (lumens)
than halogen headlights.
• Blue/white light - The blue/white light emitted from Xenon headlights simulates a
natural daylight appearance as opposed to the yellowish light from halogen bulbs.
The light color of a light source is measured in color temperature (do not confuse
with thermal temperature). Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K). The
higher the number, the whiter the light appears to be.
- Natural daylight = 4,500 to 5000 K
- Xenon headlights = 4,000 to 4,500 K
- Halogen headlights = 3,200 K (yellow)
• Better driving visibility - the combination of higher lumens and color temperature
provides a superior lighting source. The beam is wider and brighter in front of the
vehicle than conventional halogen bulbs improving safety and driver comfort.

17
E46 Lighting Systems
LWR
On vehicles equipped with Xenon headlights systems, it is necessary to prevent the light
beam from affecting oncoming traffic. The Headlight Beam Throw Control (LWR) system
is used to adjust the headlights horizontally (on a vertical plane). The is accomplished by
using stepper motors in the headlight assembly.
The stepper motors are controlled by the LWR control module based on inputs from front
and rear mounted ride level sensors.
As the vehicle suspension is loaded by driving or by passengers and cargo, the LWR
module corrects the headlight position. This ensures the optimum headlight adjustment.

Version Identification
Xenon systems on BMW vehicles are supplied by two manufacturers - Bosch and Hella.
These systems vary between models.
The first version system on the E38 is referred to as Generation 2.1 an can be identified
by the flat bottom edge on the headlight housing.
The Generation 3 system has been introduced on the 1999 model year E38 and can be
identified by the rounded (scalloped) edge of the headlight assembly.

Headlight Replacement Parts

In previous model years, individual replacement parts were not available for headlight
assemblies. This was due to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) relat-
ing to the pitting or corrosion of the reflector components in non-sealed beam headlight
assemblies.
BMW has submitted corrosion test data for headlight components which have passed the
FMVSS providing the availability of headlight assembly spare parts. This approval has
been given for all Bosch headlight assemblies (including halogen).
Individual
Vehicle Model LWR
Manufacturer/Version replacement
Model Year (Yes/No) parts availability

Hella (Light & Control module)

E32 (750iL) 93-94 No No
Generation 1

Bosch (Light & Control module)

E38 (750iL) 95-98 No Yes
Generation 2.1

Bosch (light) and Hella (control module)

E38 (All) 99-01 Yes Yes
Generation 3

Hella
E39 (All) 99-02 Yes No
Generation 3

E46 99- Bosch Light and Control Module Yes Yes

18
E46 Lighting Systems
Xenon High Intensity Discharge Bulbs
Xenon bulbs are identified as D2-S. Xenon bulbs illuminate when an arc of electrical
current is established between two electrodes in the bulb. The xenon gas sealed in
the bulb reacts to the electrical excitation and head generated by the current flow.
The distinct blue/white light is the result of the xenon gas reacting to the controlled
current flow.

Phases of Bulb Operation

• Starting phase - the bulb requires an initial high voltage pulse of 18-25kV to estab-
lish the arc.
• Warm up phase - Once the arc is established, the power supply to the bulb is regu-
lated to 2.6 amps generating a lamp output of 75 watts. This is the period of
operation where the xenon gas begins to brightly illuminate. The warm up phase
stabilizes the environment in the bulb ensuring continual current flow across the two
electrodes.
• Continual phase - once the warm up phase is completed, the system switches to a
continuous mode of operation. The supply voltage for the bulb is reduced and the
operation power required for continual bulb illumination is reduced to 35 watts which
is less than a conventional halogen bulb.

Functional Description
To regulate the power supply to the bulbs, additional components are required. The
xenon control modules (1 per light) receive operating power from the lighting control
module ( LSZ E46) when the headlights are switched on.
The xenon control modules provide the regulated power supply to illuminate the bulbs
through their phases of operation. The igniters establish the electric arcs. Integral coils
generate the initial high voltage starting pulses from the control module provided starting
voltage. Thereafter they provide a closed circuit for the regulated power output from the
control modules.

19
E46 Lighting Systems
Xenon Bulb Monitoring
Xenon bulb function is monitored by the LSZ. The bulbs are only “hot” monitored. Cold
monitoring is not possible since the lighting control module is not in direct control of the
xenon bulb. For this reason cold monitoring for low beam headlights is encoded off in the
lighting control module for Xenon headlight equipped vehicle.
The lighting control module detects xenon bulb failure via a reduction in current flow to
the xenon control module. When a bulb fails, the xenon control module’s current con-
sumption drops to 60mA indicating unsuccessful xenon bulb illumination. The lighting
control module then posts the appropriate matrix display message or LED illumination in
the Check Control Pictogram display of the E46 and E39 Low Instrument Clusters.

Xenon Headlight Assembly Components

Xenon Control Module Cover H-7 Bulb (halogen high beam

Rubber boot cover

Xenon Control Module

LWR Stepper motor

Ignites
Gasket Seal

D-2S Xenon Bulb (low beam

Light frame assembly

Replaceable lens cover

20
E46 Lighting Systems
Bi-Xenon Headlights
At BMW, the bi-xenon light now replaces the conventional headlight with H1 lamp bulb.
In contrast to the previous Xenon headlamp design, the new Bi-Xenon headlight allows for
low beam and high beam operation from the same lamp.
The previous system only used a conventional halogen bulb for the high beam. The
Bi-Xenon system still utilizes the halogen high beam, but only for “flash-to-pass”.
The bi-Xenon consists of a new D2S/R lamp. An electromagnetic shutter is used to
direct the light beam in either “low beam” or “high beam” mode. During low beam
operation, the shutter covers a part of the reflector assembly which reduces the light
intensity and re-directs the beam to a lower angle to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
In the case of high beam, the halogen lamps are supplemented by an enlargement of the
focus angle of the xenon driving light. To create the high beam distribution, the shutter
again re-directs the beam to a higher angle.
As mentioned previously, the headlight flasher (flash to pass) still uses the halogen bulbs.
The bi-xenon light does not have self-diagnosis capabilities. In automatically running test
modules, the functionality of the components is tested. In the event of a fault, fault codes
are stored in the fault memory. Status inquiries on the individual functions can be
activated in the control-module functions.

21
E46 Lighting Systems
Components
Relevant safety and accident prevention regulations must be observed when conducting
all tests and work on the xenon light system. The xenon light headlight system carries
dangerous high voltages!

Bi-Xenon Headlight
Bi-xenon headlights consist of headlights with D2S/R bulbs (bulb with a xenon gas
charge) an electronic control facility (ignition device and control module)

Low Beam shutter vertical High Beam shutter opened

Electromagnet
for shutter drive

Electrical control facility for bi-xenon headlights

The electronic control facilities consist of bi-xenon control module and bi-xenon ignition
device. The ignition unit generates the high voltage to initiate the arc needed to ignite the
D2S/R bulb.

22
E46 Lighting Systems
Diagnosis
Xenon control modules are not connected to the diagnostic link. However, the vehicle
specific Lighting Control Module (E38/E39 - LCM or E46 - LSZ) does incorporate xenon
headlight specific diagnosis up to the xenon control module.

Xenon Headlight Testing

Warning: Xenon headlight control systems generate high output voltage. Prior to headlight
removal or testing observe the vehicle warning labels and be cautious by following safe-
guards to prevent accidental injury.
All xenon headlight systems (control module, Ignites and bulb) can be tested with Special
Test Adapter (P/N 90 88 6 631 000) in conjunction with the DIS Measurement System
only.
Refer to SI 04 33 96 for detailed adapter introductory information.
The DIS Measuring System includes all of the cable connection information and test
procedures in the “Xenon Preset Measurement”.
The test provides an automatic oscilloscope setup and provides conclusive “defective/not
defective” test results.

Xenon Headlight SI/TRI Bulletin

• SI 6308 98: Xenon Headlamp Reduced Service Life - 1999 740iL. This bulletin
address a small group of possibly defective xenon control modules. This bulletin
uses the special test adapter and specific oscilloscope setup procedures to check
the xenon control module output.
• SI 63 02 98: E39 Headlight Alignment Procedure
• SI 63 02 93: Xenon Headlights - Color, Fuses, Warranty
• TRI 63 01 92: Gas Discharge Xenon Low Beam Headlights.

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E46 Lighting Systems
Adaptive Headlights (AHL)
The AHL system also referred to as Adaptive Light Control (ALC) is available on the E46
from 2003. This system is only available with the optional Bi-Xenon headlights.
The AHL system allows the headlight to move in a vertical plane which follows the move-
ment of the vehicle. In a turn, the roadway is illuminated completely. This improves visi-
bility in turns and allows for increased safety.
The AHL system also takes over the functions of LWR by adjusting the headlights in a
horizontal plane. This prevents the Xenon lights from blinding oncoming traffic.

Index Explanation Index Explanation

1 Ride level sensor (fr/rr) 7 RLS

2 Instrument cluster 8 LSZ

3 DISplus 9 AHL control unit

4 Brake light switch 10 Stepper motor for Vertical movement R/S

5 DSC 11 Stepper motor for Vertical movement L/S

6 Steering angle sensor

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E46 Lighting Systems
The AHL system adjust the headlights up to 15 degrees for the light on the outside of
the turn and 7 degrees for the light on the inside of the turn. These adjustments are
based on input from the steering angle sensor, the road speed (from DSC) and the yaw
rate input (also from DSC).

Each headlight assembly contains 2 stepper motors for headlight movement. One
stepper motor is responsible for vertical movement for the LWS functions. The other is
for the horizontal movement for the AHL functions.
The Stepper Motor Controller, located in each headlight assembly, is responsible for the
stepper motor functions.
The AHL module is located in the control module carrier behind the glovebox.

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E46 Lighting Systems
 Workshop Exercise - Diagnosis

Using an instructor designated vehicle, diagnose the concern listed below.

Complete this worksheet using the “Complaint, Cause and Correction” format.

Vehicle: Chassis #: Production Date:

Complaint:

Cause:

Correction:

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E46 Lighting Systems
 Classroom Exercise - Review Questions
1. What is different regarding the LSZ in 2002?

2. Explain the difference between “Hot” and “Cold” monitoring:

3. What are some of the advantages of Neon technology?

4. What are the differences/advantages of Bi-xenon headlights as compared to the

previous Xenon technology?

5. What occurs when the LSZ is in “Emergency Mode” (failsafe)?

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E46 Lighting Systems
 Classroom Exercise - Review Questions
6. Explain the “Home Lighting” feature:

7. What is the purpose of LWR?

8. What influence does the RLS have on headlight operation?

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E46 Lighting Systems