The headlamp units are primarily made of plastic and make use of free-form reflectors in order to optimize light distribution.
The transparent plastic cover is made of polycarbonate, and it is surface-hardened to protect it against scratches and cracks.
In the event of damage to the cover the entire headlamp unit needs to be replaced.
The turn signal lamps and side lights are also integrated in the headlamp unit.
The headlamps can be adapted to different traffic requirements in different countries (e.g. driving on the left/right) by applying pre-cut adhesive template strips to specific areas of the headlamps.
All conventional headlamps use 12 V bulbs with a spiral-wound filament.
NOTE: Certain safety measures need to be followed, as the circuits of the gas discharge headlamps may carry voltages of up to 30 kV.
High intensity discharge headlamps are optionally available.
A single xenon lamp located in the inner reflector generates a light beam which is used for both the dipped beam and the main beam.
In order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic while driving with dipped beam, the light beam is modified by a masking screen which is inserted into the beam. An additional reflector is provided for the main beam, which is generated using a conventional bulb with a spiral-wound filament. This bulb is switched on when the headlamps are switched to main beam and when the headlamp flasher is operated.
The headlamp flasher operates as follows:
The headlamps can be adapted to different traffic requirements in different countries (e.g. driving on the left/right) by applying pre-cut adhesive template strips to specific areas of the headlamps
The turn signal lamps and side lights are the same as in conventional headlamps.
Vehicles with conventional headlamps are equipped with a manual headlamp leveling system.
An automatic headlamp leveling system is a legal requirement for vehicles with gas discharge headlamps.
The automatic headlamp levelling system is a dynamic system which provides additional benefits for the driver in terms of improved illumination of the road due to improved control over the headlamp beam.
In a static system, the vehicle is only considered as a stationary object, whereas a dynamic system also takes into account the dynamic changes to the inclination of the vehicle whilst driving.
In order to prevent unnecessary changes in the height of the headlamp beam, the system filters out surface irregularities and any pitching of the vehicle under braking and acceleration.
The system is designed to respond to changes in the inclination of the vehicle caused by load changes or long-term effects of aerodynamic forces acting on the vehicle (e.g. due to continuous driving at high speeds).
Accordingly, the system needs to be set up with the aid of WDS (Worldwide Diagnostic System) after any components are replaced or any other repairs are carried out.