Exterior lighting for front and rear lamps perfected by HELLA accentuates the sporty look and creates a spectacular lighting signature
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the BMW 3 series, HELLA, the lighting and electronics specialist, is now equipping this, the most manufactured BMW series, with optional dynamic LED headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, interior lighting and also with a variety of energy-efficient and safety-enhancing electronic components.
For the sixth generation of the sport sedan, HELLA has come up with a total of three headlamp variations: the halogen headlamp with LED daytime running light, which is supplied as a standard, and also two full LED headlamps. Not surprisingly, in the variations boasting LED equipment all the functional lights operate on LED technology. These radiate an exceptionally bright light while at the same time consuming an amazingly low amount of energy. Another bonus in the LED headlamps is the presence of the striking corona rings, which play their part in generating position lights and the daytime running lights. With their sporty look and flair and the typical BMW design, these lights make sure that the vehicle has a high recognition value both during the day and at night.
What’s more, the most sophisticated version of the equipment boasts adaptive, light-based driver assistance systems. Thanks to adaptive bend lighting with variable town and highway light distribution and with the aid of the glare-free high-beam assistant, these systems provide the driver with additional support. The glare-free high beam enables night-time driving to be more pleasant and safer for the driver because it provides optimal visibility even in the dark without dazzling other drivers. The system recognizes other road users and, with exact precision, masks out just these from the field of high beam light distribution. A lighting range stretching over 400 meters ensures a timely recognition of any form of danger. It also provides improved lane guidance.
On the technology side, these headlamps stand out from the crowd as a result of their first-time use of sheet metal cooling elements. These weigh considerably less than the aluminum cooling elements that have been used up to now. They thus contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. In order to achieve the exact setting for light distribution during manufacturing, HELLA has developed a fully automated process to this end. The procedure checks the light distribution throughout the production process by means of a camera and, if necessary, readjusts it correctly using the LED position data. Now, on the occasion of this anniversary celebration, HELLA has made available an exploded-view sample of the adaptive LED headlamp, which is to be showcased in the BMW World.
In addition HELLA has also supplied the rear combination lamps, positioned on the outer edges of the vehicle, in LED technology. While the direction indicator is brought about by means of a flat light guide which creates the illusion of a light curtain, the tail light is designed as a three-dimensional glowing body in a striking L shape. The stop light situated behind the tail light exhibits a particularly swift response as a result of its LED technology and therefore ramps up the safety factor.
When it comes to the vehicle interior, HELLA is there with its reading lamps for the front and back of the car, door mirror lighting and also optional ambient lighting, which literally highlights the splendid quality of the vehicle interior. One striking feature is particularly the light guide encircling the center console, which shines out in a cold white light or in an orange tone, depending on the decor.
Furthermore, the automotive supplier HELLA can also offer the BMW 3 series the company’s competence in the field of electronics, experience that stretches over many years. One example of this is radar sensors. The tried-and-tested 24 gigahertz radar technology is essential for putting into operation functions such as the lane change warning. In such cases, sensors are able to register and monitor vehicles which are located in the blind spot. The system warns the driver of a hazard by activating a flashing symbol in the side mirror and by causing a slight vibration of the steering wheel. Moreover, HELLA provides the rain/light sensors supplied as standard, a bonus which improves drivers’ vision optimally by automatically activating the windshield wipers and the front lights at the onset of rain. And to round off its electronics package, HELLA supplies components tailor-made for fuel-saving vehicle functions, such as the intelligent battery sensor.
