Really newbie question so please try not to laugh to much.

I have got 545i with xenon headlights. Yesterday I have noticed (after having a car for 6 months ) that when turning on high beams the xenon lights go brighter instead of the inner lights what I assumed should happen. Can someone explain it? Does it mean those are bi-xenon's?

Now, what is the purpose of those inner lights? I do not know how to turn them on except for flashing. Is that the sole purpose of having them? To flash?

I believe I remember seeing bmw's (E46 & E60) with only inner lights on so I am confused a little...

Your input will be appreciated. Thank you!!

 

All E60 xenons are 'Bi-Xenon'

They do not get brighter on main bean, the angle of the beam is raised by a small shutter moving in the headlamp unit.

In some countries (inc North America) the inner light is a 'flash to pass' light only, in others it can also be an auxiliary main beam (Halogen)

 

They're also my DRLs ('07 550i)

 

You've got it in one - the sole purpose of the inner lights is 'flash to pass' only.
As Kaf said, the Xenon lights are changed by altering the filters and re-aligning the beam to give the full beam effect.
With Xenon lights, they take a few seconds to get to full brightness, so the inner 'flash' lights are halogens with a much quicker reaction time to give you an instant light.
It's more of a safety thing.
Don't worry about the delay in figuring this out - I remember a post of someone realising they had a heated steering wheel after almost 5 years of ownership!

 

Keep in mind that on LCI cars, the inner beams function as cornering lights only. The flash-to-pass function, on LCI cars, was moved to the main beams.

(Now let's see how long it takes for someone to ask what LCI means... )

 

Rudy - I have a 2008 LCI(528xi)and you are correct!!
It was funny that the dealer personnel including the SA didnt know that. LOL

 

Thank you guys for all the information!

 

Can u explain what is the purpose of cornering lights? First time I had heard of such lights. Thanks.

 

Cornering lights function at low speeds and project light directly to one side or the other to help illuminate the area you are turning toward.