JQP-MB

Is this new technology worth the wait? I ordered an E500 for February production with March delivery. From what I understand, this technology will be available around spring time.

Is it standard equipment or an option? If optional, how much does it cost?

jposhea3

it's supposed to be in the wagon first (or that's the first press release I've seen that concretely talks about it)

sounds pretty cool to me - there must be gimbal limits on it so it doesn't get 'stuck' pointing off to the side with a big dead dark spot in the front when it breaks.

jim256

I'll bet it's quite a while until the US approves this type of lighting. I don't think it's legal now in the US, and in fact there are some groups trying to reverse the approval of xenons because they "glare" too much. If you are not in the US, you might have a chance to try it and let us know.

JQP-MB

It will first appear in the wagon then filter to the sedans...ultimately becoming available in the other lines.

Since it is speed and steering angle sensitive, I wonder if its necessary for regular, sane driving. I have been quite satisfied with bi-xenon on my BMW thus far. Would this be another feature like parktronic...nice to have but not necessary?

etenn

Doesn't Cadillac have something like that now? Seems I have seen TV advertisements with some kind of cornering headlights.

Of course I have been in Europe on Holiday for six months and may have seen the ads there.

Ed

MKW

No, the US car " cornering lights" have been around for three decades - it's a bright front side light that only turns on with the turn signal for completing a turn into a driveway or around a street corner.
The MBZ active cornering lights will actually following curvy roads at high speeds .
BMW is working on headlights using hundreds of beams that will be full time high beams but so focused that it doesn't dazzle oncoming traffic. They will not only follow the road but combined with GPS, will use some of these beams to " paint " turn arrows on the road to guide you to your desination .
What's next ? You e-mail written on the road ?

etenn

I have a sudden vision of an electronic glitch "painting" a left turn arrow when a right turn was needed..at night..and driving into a swamp

Ed

bmms8

wait, what do you mean, you thought you saw a left arrow in the road, or you imagined it, and did you really drive it into a swamp! sorry to hear that man

jim256

If you want to read a good detailed article on all the things that must be considered to make these headlights work, take a look at this article prepared by Audi:
http://www.audinews.info/engines/lights.htm

etenn

bmms:

You must have missed the post above by MKW.....check it out.
Nobody drove into a swamp (yet)

bmms8

lol, mb, i see

marksatex

Say ETENN.... I just ordered a E500 Obsidian Black with Charcoal... Can you tell me how the car is in terms of heat buildup? Does the Obsidian Black Show swirls? I hear it does not show swirls much, your opinion?

bmms8

it wont show them like black shows them, but tiny swirls will build up, i use zaino, and even though i take good care of it, i have scratches, get obs blk, its for free, and it is metallic

etenn

I have obsidian black...so far no swirls at all. Few scratches except for a damn cat. I also am using Zaino to help keep the scratches and swirls away. Don't let anyone else detail or wash the car and use the methods in the detailing forum to wash and Zaino.

I truly hate to wash or detail cars but am doing it and it is working so far.

Also...check with the dealer on how they prep the cars..a lot of scratches and swirls are put on by the dealer. Look at some they have in inventory and look for swirls/scratches. If they are there tell them not to prep the exterior.

Be a great idea to order the Zaino products now so you will have them on hand when you get your car.

Ed

marksatex

Thanks- How is the heat build up on a sunny day?

bmms8

mark, i also suggest putting zaino on your rims, on our chromes they are the best i have ever seen, and that is with only 3 coata, and when they gwt dirty, i dont even need to wash them, a quick cleaning with a cotton towel is enough. zaino wont depreciate because of the heat, the heat actually makes it feel smoother i believe

etenn

If you are talking about the interior of the car heating up on a hot suuny day....I wouldn't have a clue...Haven't seen much heat or sun since I picked up my car in November:p

I have had many black cars and it is my opinion that they do not get any hotter than lighter colors. In many very warm climates the local people wear black or dark colors to reflect the sun's rays.

Just my humble opinion, of course. I am sure someone will jump in to take exception.

Ed