BMW530

Oops. Just realised I wasn't logged in while posting my last message.

Thanks for the replies.

tdocz

I think it always came intalled in the US.

BMW530

Yes BFD was activated on the US cars but cars for the UK and other EU countries the system was de-activated. This was due to EU laws preventing them to be used initially but this has now be passed; which is why new UK spec cars have them activated in the factory.

Ed520

a pity LED lights not used, they light up much faster than normal bulbs. i have seen them at work while travelling behind a 3!

BMW530

Yes. I've seen them behind the 7 too. The 3 series coupe has LED indicator lights at the back and they flash so quickly as well. Again I don't know why they didn't add it to the 5. It makes sense especially to rival the E-class as some of the higher spec E-classes have LED brake lights too.

paasan

And they were present on the E39..

I'd guess it wasn't included at first due to a lack of supply or something?
Aren't LEDs included from late '03 E60s?


-paasan

browellm

The manual states that my 04/04 E60 has them.

stu

Am I being thick - but the only way to see if it's activated is to have a mate follow whilst you hit the brakes? Might be an expensive exercise with my mates!!

BMW530

browellm,

Could it be talking about the centre brake light?
If not then you're lucky getting a newer version. I was planning to get a new one too but couldn't resist the offer I had on the one I have now.

stu,
good point. Another way would be to park in front of a shop window and brake hard!!!

Rudy

When you say "them" are you referring to the LED's or the adaptive brake lights?

My understanding is that, at least in the US, E60's come with adaptive brake lights but do not use LED's. The system has two stages and under heavy braking, an additional set of incandescent bulbs light up in the tail lights.