The adaptive light control option is not available with the black headlights.

I never had any issues with seeing around corners before but the feature sounds pretty cool.

Is it worth it to those that have them? Do you notice a huge difference? Also would like to know if there are any issues with changing the bulbs, if its somehow different from the standard xenons.

 

I have it on my 2012 MCS.

It works really well, and is very noticable in action. A real blessing on curved, tree-lined secondary roads in particular.

I didn't need the aesthetics of black headlamps with my Ice Blue color. If I was going for a menacing black JCW coupe or something, I'd probably choose the black headlamps over the adaptive lighting to complete the look. That's no knock on the feature, and partly because 95% of my driving isn't in places where you really appreciate the moving headlights trying to help you.

Don't know on the bulb replacement thing...yet.

 

Thanks, perfect info. i do very very little driving on 2 lane tree lined roads at night so , not sure i would get the benefit, the cool factor yes.

I think it will come down to flipping a coin

 

Is this something that can be easily retrofit? I do live in the country and wouldn't mind having it.

 

They were introduced in the 2011 model refresh and probably can be retrofitted, but not sure about earlier years (software and wiring would have to be compatible). However, the parts catalog lists the headlights alone at over $900 each. It may also need a different wiring harness for the motor and control. Even standard xenons have a list price of over $700 each.

 

I love love love mine, it's actually shocking to drive cars without them now.

 

I have the xenons on my car already and I was hoping this was an easy upgrade. After your post, I rather think it's not. Thanks for the info.

 

We have them on the X5. I notice them working at slow spreads on tight bends...I.e. at speeds I don't really need them. They were In a package but I personally wouldn't order them separately on a car. Xenons are a must but adaptive lights are not for me.

 

One of the best features on my MCS. Not sure what the adaptive feature costs today, but in 2011 it was a $100 upgrade - a "no brainer" in my mind. The upcharge for adaptive lights on most other vehicles (Porsche, Audi, BMW, etc) is significantly more $$. I am not a huge fan of the blacked out headlight buckets - in my mind its a fad that will look dated in a few years, just like the gold trim look does now. I can remember when the blacked out trim was popular on Porsches and other brands in the late 70's and early 80's. In fact, once purchased an older 911 that had the trim blacked out with electrical tape. That said, I have been around long enough to see the heavy chrome look come and go a few times also.

 

very cool feauture the adaptive xenons..
Highlander love your mini

 

Haven't had them in just shy of a half century, didn't feel the need when I ordered. Just another thing to break. I'm not all that sure that they would keep up on The Dragon during a night run.

 

OK, not to hijack the post...

The Xenons... do they have the adaptive added automatically, or is it another upgrade? I know my Xenons dip when I jump on the throttle, but I hadn't noticed them swiveling through the corners...
E

 

The adaptive feature is another option in addition to the xenons. What you are noticing is the auto leveling (up and down leveling) that comes with the xenons to keep the headlights lighting the roadway and not pointing too high up and blinding oncoming traffic. The adaptive option will allow them to swivel left and right when the wheel is turned. Also for some reason, if you have the black headlight housings, you can't get the adaptive light option.

 

I always viewed them as a complex mechanical assembly that would be expensive to deal with and repair - especially if they froze while "adapting" to a corner.

 

Actually, I just tried it during a night run at MSSD and they perform quite well. I had my doubts but it keeps up with the turns and was very helpful.