mikael Posted May 4, 2009 Report Share Posted May 4, 2009 As many here will know, Audi now offer "Highbeam Assist" on the latest A6's, introduced as part of the recent facelift. This device automatically dips headlamps for any oncoming vehicles, then switches high beam back on. It does not seem to be a very epensive option when new, and was wondering if anyone here knows if it could be retrofitted to an older pre-facelift A6? Or even retrofitted to an A8? If so, what components would be needed to do it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted May 4, 2009 Report Share Posted May 4, 2009 Looking at ETKA, is that high beam range control? if so it seems to susggest that it's a new set of headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikael Posted May 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 You may be right about what is it called. The name range control to me sounds like the xenon headlamp levelling system, but high beam range control could well be the name for this new feature. Sounds expensive to retrofit if it needs new headlamps though. Does ETKA show if there is a switch for the driver to turn the feature on/off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 I only looked at the head lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj84 Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 I think Craig is correct... I am potentially looking at replacing mine with the new ones providing the fitment is correct : on further research, this highbeam assist was built into the unit too although my thoughts are that if you have bi-xenons...you have dip capabilities anyway so ... I'm not fussed at all who I blind so I'll do without Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mross Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I think that it is ONLY matter of different J431 or J519 unit (maybe the same, but with different programm) - which potentially reacts with lowering line of light or just with closing bixenon blend (that same headlamp with bixenon unit) on "light signal" received from light sensor. Price of that "assist" is so low that it is impossible that it is matter of different headlamps. I'll bet - it is easy and in some time we will be able to retrofit it in our cars... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 The price of options is very low when compared with a retrofit. Think about it, if I want TV in my car from the factory then the right antennas are fitted at build time , along with the TV tuner module and the HU controller with FBAS. So the only extra cost really is the TV tuner and cables. But as a retrofit I would need new antennas, throw away the old ones, a new controller with FBAS, again throw away the old one, a TV tuner and cables. So it nearly triples the price of the factory option as i have to replace parts that I already have. The same would be true of high beam assist, my lights don't have it, so I would need new headlights to get that function along with the right controller if it is not supported by the existing one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mross Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 ... my lights don't have it, so I would need new headlights to get that function along with the right controller if it is not supported by the existing one. I'm sure - your headlamps have that... and I'm sure ours controllers - not. Long/short beam in headlights are in the same "compound" ... moved down/up by the same motors ("bixenon"). If u filter CAN signals in our cars - u will find "light signal" from light sensor. I'm sure it is only matter of J431. And I bet that "high beam assist" lowers high beam using existing motors in headlamps... Time will show us a solution... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikael Posted May 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 I guess the key to all this is what sensor is used to dip the high beam? If the headlamps have a sensor integrated into them, then I guess new headlamps will be needed as Craig suggested. However, if an upgraded light sensor, or some other sensor mounted somewhere is used, I suppose it may be possible to undertake an upgrade without changing the entire headlamp units. I have not seen how it works myself, perhaps someone else has? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabazmo Posted October 2, 2011 Report Share Posted October 2, 2011 Interesting debate. I though high beam assist was an automatic switching between full beam and dipped beam. i.e. making the indicator swirch act automatically between full beam and dip beam. So all should be needed is, I think a camera that can detect a cars headlight and perhaps a contro, box that can operate the switching. I think Craigyb is referring to ada[tive headlamps which vary the range of headlamps and would ofcourse require special headlamps. Craigyb, if you have an update, i would value your opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hashluck Posted October 2, 2011 Report Share Posted October 2, 2011 Camera definitely required but the key here may be that the light output is 'continuously varied' suggesting more than a straight switch between main and dipped beam and that different headlamp assemblies may be required (albeit they do not cost any more than the normal ones they may still be different). High-beam assist variable headlight range control featuring a camera on the interior mirror which registers sources of light from other road users. The range and width of the headlight beam are continuously varied between dipped and main beam to suit ambient conditions, ensuring that the headlights provide good visibility without dazzling other road users Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabazmo Posted October 2, 2011 Report Share Posted October 2, 2011 (edited) Thanks for that. I thought it was less complicated. A quote from the study guide says the following but it does mention adaptive headlamps. It does go on and say that the headlamp illuminants are the same but other mechanisms are different. Not sure what that means. Must load that parts catalogue, I got from Neil. Bi-xenon headlights with adaptive light and "intelligent light system" The design and component parts are identical to those of the bi-xenon headlights with adaptive light. The "intelligent light system" function also requires the camera Bi-xenon headlights are available in three versions: • Version A = bi-xenon • Version B = bi-xenon with adaptive light (AFS) • Version C = bi-xenon with adaptive light (AFS) and "intelligent light system" Another coding version also exists on account of the fact that the "intelligent light system" function is not permitted in some countries (e.g. USA). Version B is installed on models for these countries, but the intelligent headlight range adjustment actuator is used here only for switching between dipped beam and main beam. All bi-xenon headlights use identical illuminants. However, the light functions, activation mechanisms and headlight range adjustment confi gurations diff er. control unit J852 in order to monitor the actual traffic situation, i.e. oncoming vehicles, vehicles ahead and built-up areas. This enables the headlights to switch dynamically between dipped beam and main beam by continuous adjustment of the sheet metal profiles depending entirely on how fast the vehicle is travelling Edited October 3, 2011 by Shabazmo sspelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted October 3, 2011 Report Share Posted October 3, 2011 I've got it on my 3 series and it isn't all that good and not something I'd spec. Maybe the Audi version is better but on the BM it doesn't seem very effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubapro27 Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 No Its crap on Audi's as well Andrew. I had it on my S4, its too slow to react, after blinding people accidently a few times I never used it Its a selfish and useless option, complete waste of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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