BMW's high beam assistant(HBA): Difference between revisions
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[[BMW]] has created a subscription model for their auto-dimming headlights.<ref>https://www.bmw.ie/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_ie</ref> Auto-dimming headlights have been a vehicle feature since 1952.<ref>https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a9816/carchaeology-1952-oldsmobile-and-the-first-headlight-dimmer-16301766/</ref> | '''[[BMW]]''' has created a subscription model for their auto-dimming headlights.<ref>[https://www.bmw.ie/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_ie High Beam Assistant]</ref> Auto-dimming headlights have been a vehicle feature since 1952.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Del-Colle |first=Andrew |date=23 Dec 2013 |title=Carchaeology: 1952 Oldsmobile and the First Headlight Dimmer |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a9816/carchaeology-1952-oldsmobile-and-the-first-headlight-dimmer-16301766/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2024 |website=Popular Mechanics}}</ref> | ||
==High beam assistant subscription== | ==High beam assistant subscription== | ||
While some car manufacturers have included auto-dimming headlamps in their vehicles as standard, BMW has charged for this feature since 2005. [[Media:Night_Vision_highbeam.doc.doc]] | While some car manufacturers have included auto-dimming headlamps in their vehicles as standard, BMW has charged for this feature since 2005. [[Media:Night_Vision_highbeam.doc.doc]] | ||
When first introduced BMW's HBA required specific hardware components for its operation. The system utilized a sensor at the front of the car to detect oncoming light sources, which was integrated into the rearview mirror housing.<ref> | When first introduced BMW's HBA required specific hardware components for its operation. The system utilized a sensor at the front of the car to detect oncoming light sources, which was integrated into the rearview mirror housing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Jul 2005 |title=BMW announces Night Vision and High-Beam Assistant |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0013219EN_GB/bmw-announces-night-vision-and-high-beam-assistant?language=en_GB&utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=[[BMW]]}}</ref> | ||
Additionally, retrofitting guides for models like the BMW E90 indicate that installing the HBA involves hardware modifications, such as replacing the rearview mirror with one equipped with the necessary sensor and connecting it to the vehicle's electrical system.<ref> | Additionally, retrofitting guides for models like the BMW E90 indicate that installing the HBA involves hardware modifications, such as replacing the rearview mirror with one equipped with the necessary sensor and connecting it to the vehicle's electrical system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Apr 2016 |title=Retrofit FLA ( High Beam Assist ) |url=https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1252416&utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=e90post.com}}</ref> | ||
These sources confirm that the original implementation of the High-Beam Assistant required additional hardware installations, justifying its status as an optional feature at an extra cost.[[File:High Beam Assistant Fee.png|thumb|Photo from OzJedi in a Bimmerpost forum discussion in 2019.<ref> | These sources confirm that the original implementation of the High-Beam Assistant required additional hardware installations, justifying its status as an optional feature at an extra cost.[[File:High Beam Assistant Fee.png|thumb|Photo from OzJedi in a Bimmerpost forum discussion in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2019 |title=Get ready to pay for High Beam Assistant!!! |url=https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1672824&utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Bimmeropost}}</ref>]]In 2019<sup>[citation needed]</sup> BMW started charging a subscription for their High Beam Assistant(HBA). This was originally a one time additional add-on for ~€115. Pricing for the subscription is as follows: | ||
* 1 month €15 | *1 month €15 | ||
* 1 year €150 | *1 year €150 | ||
* 3 years €200 | *3 years €200 | ||
* unlimited €250 | *unlimited €250 | ||
[[File:BMW's HBA Pricing Model.png|thumb|BMW's High Beam Assistant Pricing model, taken from bmw.co.uk.<ref>https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_gb</ref>]] | [[File:BMW's HBA Pricing Model.png|thumb|BMW's High Beam Assistant Pricing model, taken from bmw.co.uk.<ref>[https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_gb High Beam Assistant]</ref>]] | ||
The problem lies with the components needed for this feature already being installed in the car at purchase, rather than installed after an additional fee.<ref name=":0"> | The problem lies with the components needed for this feature already being installed in the car at purchase, rather than installed after an additional fee.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Groves |first=Jake |date=26 Mar 2021 |title=‘The uncomfortable future of in-car upgrades has begun’ |url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/opinion/jake-groves/in-car-upgrades/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=carmagazine}}</ref> | ||
===BMW's response=== | ===BMW's response=== | ||
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==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
Many people who have purchased a newer BMW are shocked to find out that the HBA requires an activation fee, and have looked for ways around it believing it should come standard.<ref> | Many people who have purchased a newer BMW are shocked to find out that the HBA requires an activation fee, and have looked for ways around it believing it should come standard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Is there a proven way around paying £200 to activate high beam assist? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/1b2d99v/is_there_a_proven_way_around_paying_200_to/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2024 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Nov 2022 |title=Just picked-up a demo G30 545e Xdrive. It has the high-beam assist hardware and BMW want €225 to turn it on. Anyone know whether Bimmercode could throw the switch on this for me and get it working? |url=https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1971756 |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Bimmerpost}}</ref> Others wonder if the purchase price is simply worth it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Sep 2022 |title=High Beam Assist. |url=https://www.babybmw.net/threads/high-beam-assist.147073 |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=babybmw}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:BMW]] | |||