HELLA's adaptive bend lighting, which is currently only available in Europe, offers variable town-and-highway light distribution and a glare-free high-beam assistant that provides optimal visibility without blinding other drivers. (HELLA/LEDinside)

HELLA, the lighting and electronics specialist, is equipping the BMW 3-Series with optional dynamic LED headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, interior lighting and a variety of energy-efficient and safety-enhancing electronic components.

HELLA has come up with a total of three headlamp variations for the sixth generation of the popular sports sedan's 40th anniversary. Halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights are standard equipment, along with two options with full LED headlamps.

In the models boasting LED equipment, all functional lights operate on LED technology. The headlamps provide exceptionally bright light and use an amazingly low amount of energy.

Corona rings, which provide both position lights and daytime running lights, are another bonus of HELLA's LED headlamps. With their sporty look and the distinctive BMW design, these lights ensure that the vehicle has a high recognition value both day and night.

The most sophisticated version of the BMW lighting package boasts adaptive, light-based driver-assistance systems. HELLA's adaptive bend lighting, which is currently only available in Europe, offers variable town-and-highway light distribution and a glare-free high-beam assistant that provides optimal visibility without blinding other drivers. The system recognizes other vehicles with exact precision and masks them from the BMW's high-beam light distribution. The lighting range stretches more than 400 meters and ensures timely recognition of road hazards and also provides improved lane guidance.

The headlamps also stand out from the crowd with the first-time use of sheet-metal cooling elements, which weigh considerably less than aluminum cooling elements that have been used up to now.

Using sheet-metal elements contributes 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 that checks light distribution throughout the production process with a camera and, if necessary, readjusts it using LED position data.

HELLA also supplies LED rear combination lamps on the 3-Series that are positioned on the outer edges of the vehicle. Turn indicators feature a flat light guide that creates the illusion of a light curtain. The tail-light design is a three-dimensional glowing body in a striking L shape. The LED technology in the brake lights, situated behind the tail lights, provide exceptionally quick response, enhancing the safety factor.

Inside the vehicle, HELLA provides reading lamps for front and rear passengers along with door-mirror lighting and optional ambient lighting. The light guide encircling the center console is particularly striking and displays cold white light or an orange tone, depending on the vehicle decor.

HELLA also offers its electronics expertise in the BMW 3-Series with a number of other features, including its radar sensors. HELLA's tried-and-tested 24 gigahertz radar technology is an essential component of the vehicle's lane-change warning system, which monitors vehicles located in the driver's blind spot. The driver receives a warning from a flashing symbol in the side mirror coupled with a slight vibration of the steering wheel.

In addition, HELLA provides standard rain/light sensors that automatically activate the car's windshield wipers and headlights at the onset of rain. To round off its electronics package, HELLA supplies components tailor-made for fuel-saving vehicle functions, such as an intelligent battery sensor.