BMW 5 Series Hybrid: Headlight Control System Issues

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW 7 Series Hybrid last year (I've got some experience working on cars, but nothing too fancy). The symptoms were exactly like what you're describing. After the warning lights showed up, the headlights started acting weird, sometimes too high, sometimes too low. Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed a faulty servomotor in the headlight adjustment system. The repair wasn't cheap, set me back about 1040 Euro, but it fixed the problem completely. They had to replace the entire servomotor unit. Just to help you better, could you share if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, does the issue happen with both headlights or just one? This would help determine if you're facing the same problem I had. Sometimes these BMW headlight systems can be tricky, but they usually follow similar patterns. The good news is that if it's the same issue, it's totally fixable, though not exactly budget-friendly.

Thanks for the detailed response! I've got 98126 KM on mine now, and just had the dealer service it last month. Both headlights are acting up, and I'm getting error code E0746 on the display. Good to know about the servomotor, that's actually cheaper than what I was worried it might be. Did you notice if the problem got worse over time before you got it fixed? Mine seems to be getting more frequent, especially during night driving. Really appreciate the help here.

Hey again! Yeah, I remember dealing with this exact same headlight issue, and that error code E0746 is definitely familiar! To answer your question about it getting worse: absolutely yes. When it first started on my 7 Series, it was just occasional glitches, but it definitely became more frequent, especially during night drives (just like you're experiencing). Actually, looking back, I probably should have fixed it sooner. The night driving thing got pretty annoying, kept getting flashed by other drivers when the beams would suddenly point too high. In my case, it took about three weeks from the first warning light until I couldn't really ignore it anymore. The servomotor repair on mine took about 4 hours at the workshop. If you're seeing the same progression I did, I'd suggest getting it sorted sooner rather than later. The price I mentioned earlier included labor and parts, but prices might have changed since then. Just a heads up, make sure they check the wiring harness too while they're at it. In my case, they found some slight corrosion in the connectors, which they cleaned up during the repair. Might save you from future problems. Let me know how it goes if you get it fixed!

Thanks so much for all this information, it's super helpful! You've basically described exactly what I'm going through, especially with other drivers flashing their lights at me. I'll definitely take your advice and get it fixed soon rather than waiting. Really good tip about checking the wiring harness too, I'll make sure to mention that when I take it in. I've already called my regular mechanic and booked it in for next week. They quoted me pretty close to what you paid, which makes me feel better about the whole thing. Funny how these BMW issues seem to follow the same patterns! I'll update the thread once it's fixed in case anyone else runs into the same problem with their 5 Series. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, definitely helped me understand what I'm dealing with here. Nothing worse than going in blind with car repairs!