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      12-02-2020, 05:12 PM   #1
ZGM3
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Are Laser Lights worth the price in the US?

What is the consensus on Laser Lights for the G80/G82?

Anything that helps with vision is big plus in my book but it looks like the only way to get them is with the $2800 Executive Package which has NOTHING in it I like except the upgraded lighting package.
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      12-02-2020, 07:09 PM   #2
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Completley agree. As time advances, I'm hoping it will be a stand alone option.
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      12-02-2020, 08:05 PM   #3
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Sadly, they are not the same laser lights that Europe gets. The BMW rep at M Track days was saying that they put some blue plastic in them to make them look like the Euro ones, but while they are brighter than the current lights, they aren't as good as what's allowed in Europe. Stupid US government and all it's regulations...
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      12-03-2020, 08:59 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGM3 View Post
What is the consensus on Laser Lights for the G80/G82?

Anything that helps with vision is big plus in my book but it looks like the only way to get them is with the $2800 Executive Package which has NOTHING in it I like except the upgraded lighting package.
I've seen this here years back when standard lights were HID and LED were optional in a pricier package. Many people that initially saved money getting HID were looking at thousands later to upgrade to LED and it's typical to get envy down the road when you start seeing other owners post pictures of their new vehicles that aesthetically superior headlights compared to yours. $2800 isn't bad when you consider what it would cost to retrofit and you get the extra options in there that you may not want today but you may come to like in the future. If you are on the fence then get the laser as down the road as there's no turning back from this decision as it's just too expensive to retrofit.
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      12-03-2020, 10:18 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snareman View Post
Sadly, they are not the same laser lights that Europe gets. The BMW rep at M Track days was saying that they put some blue plastic in them to make them look like the Euro ones, but while they are brighter than the current lights, they aren't as good as what's allowed in Europe. Stupid US government and all it's regulations...
Actually I believe they are the same physical lighting units as the European version but are "detuned" in USA to produce the strongest light beam permissible here (which I've read is HALF as bright as the maximum allowed in Europe).

When new US regulations are passed to allow full strength brightness, manufacturers will be able to recode laser lights to full strength.
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      12-03-2020, 10:24 AM   #6
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This (from BMWUSA.com) seems to imply that the current laser light option may be adjustable for the future if US output regulations change.
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      12-03-2020, 10:29 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGM3 View Post
What is the consensus on Laser Lights for the G80/G82?

Anything that helps with vision is big plus in my book but it looks like the only way to get them is with the $2800 Executive Package which has NOTHING in it I like except the upgraded lighting package.
If there's NOTHING in the Executive Package that you like other than laser lights then I wouldn't spend $2800.

In my case I like the laser lights, HUD, heated steering wheel & remote start. I don't care about gesture control and wireless charging but I think I might eventually use them. I don't give a crap about power tailgate and wifi hotspot. So the Executive Package makes sense for me at $2,800.
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      12-03-2020, 10:30 AM   #8
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I drove an M340i with the standard headlights before I ordered my M440i with Laser Lights. There is a significant difference and I think the Laser Light package is pretty good in U.S. form. Worth the price? Depends on how much you want to spend I guess. I debated the cost of them on the G22 but I’m glad I ordered the package. Worth it to me now that I have them.
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      12-03-2020, 10:38 AM   #9
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGM3 View Post
What is the consensus on Laser Lights for the G80/G82?

Anything that helps with vision is big plus in my book but it looks like the only way to get them is with the $2800 Executive Package which has NOTHING in it I like except the upgraded lighting package.
If there's NOTHING in the Executive Package that you like other than laser lights then I wouldn't spend $2800.

In my case I like the laser lights, HUD, heated steering wheel & remote start. I don't care about gesture control and wireless charging but I think I might eventually use them. I don't give a crap about power tailgate and wifi hotspot. So the Executive Package makes sense for me at $2,800.
HUD is the greatest invention since the printing press.
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      12-03-2020, 11:12 AM   #10
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I went back and forth on this as well. I even sent my initial build in without it, but when I decided to change my exterior and interior colors I took the opportunity to add the Executive package as well. From what I researched, everyone loved HUD, which adds to the package.
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      12-03-2020, 11:40 AM   #11
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The Laser Light package isn't worth it. In the US, it's only active when high beams are ON and the vehicle is moving. If you don't use high beams frequently, you're not going to benefit.
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      12-03-2020, 01:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGM3 View Post
What is the consensus on Laser Lights for the G80/G82?

Anything that helps with vision is big plus in my book but it looks like the only way to get them is with the $2800 Executive Package which has NOTHING in it I like except the upgraded lighting package.
Laser lights have the better DRLs too, if appearance is important I would factor that in.
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      12-04-2020, 07:19 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by weingarm View Post
Actually I believe they are the same physical lighting units as the European version but are "detuned" in USA to produce the strongest light beam permissible here (which I've read is HALF as bright as the maximum allowed in Europe).

When new US regulations are passed to allow full strength brightness, manufacturers will be able to recode laser lights to full strength.
It's not only a question of btightness, it's also a question of variable light distribution, which the DOT prohibits.

European manufacturers have significantly evolved headlight technology while US manufacturers have not. In a few articles I've read, it is rumored that the DOT is holding back in allowing the new tech to avoid giving an "advantage" to imports. Transport Canada, which usual mirrors the DOT, swayed away a few years ago permitting variable light distribution, but sadly most manufacturers only give us the US lights.
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      12-04-2020, 08:51 AM   #14
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I had laser lights on my G05. First they are fantastic with significantly farther throw than the standard LED's which are also really, really good.

The downside is that they are completely useless in urban areas. If you drive backroads regularly then they are worth every dollar. Just keep that in mind when looking at the option. For me personally, I will get them whenever they are available on a vehicle I purchase going forward.
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      12-04-2020, 10:15 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by weingarm View Post
This (from BMWUSA.com) seems to imply that the current laser light option may be adjustable for the future if US output regulations change.
Adaptive just means it has auto-high beam.
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      12-04-2020, 10:49 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by kyleb350 View Post
Adaptive just means it has auto-high beam.
I dont believe that’s the meaning. IMO “adaptive” for the US market means that the headlights swivel with the steering wheel. You can have adaptive lights without HBA.

“Adaptive” in the rest of the world means variable distribution low beams and variable pattern for “glare free high beams”.
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      12-04-2020, 12:11 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
HUD is the greatest invention since the printing press.
HUD has spoiled me. I could never go back as driving without it now is weird having to look down into the cockpit to see speed or RPM.
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      12-04-2020, 12:12 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heavyD^2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
HUD is the greatest invention since the printing press.
HUD has spoiled me. I could never go back as driving without it now is weird having to look down into the cockpit to see speed or RPM.
Especially driving manual. I gotta be honest, I don't think I would go with a 911 until they started offering one.
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      12-04-2020, 12:19 PM   #19
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They are absolutely worth it if you use coDe for VLD and take roads trips and/or live woody areas. I pick up deer frequently. They have to be used responsibly b/c I would say at least half of the drivers on US roads don’t adjust their side view mirrors properly. That and truck drivers with all of their mirrors can get blinded easily if they are not being passed a at high enough rate of speed imho. I have them in my x7.
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      02-03-2021, 10:03 PM   #20
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Quote:
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They are absolutely worth it if you use coDe for VLD and take roads trips and/or live woody areas. I pick up deer frequently. They have to be used responsibly b/c I would say at least half of the drivers on US roads don’t adjust their side view mirrors properly. That and truck drivers with all of their mirrors can get blinded easily if they are not being passed a at high enough rate of speed imho. I have them in my x7.
Do you have more info on the coding? I have them in my X5 and they are worthless as is.
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      02-03-2021, 10:25 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by heavyD^2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
HUD is the greatest invention since the printing press.
HUD has spoiled me. I could never go back as driving without it now is weird having to look down into the cockpit to see speed or RPM.
Especially driving manual. I gotta be honest, I don't think I would go with a 911 until they started offering one.
This g80 will be my first car with a HUD so looking forward to seeing how my driving experience with the 6-speed will be.

Definitely hoping Porsche goes this route in a few years when I'm seriously on the hunt for one as well
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      02-03-2021, 10:33 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by weingarm View Post
Actually I believe they are the same physical lighting units as the European version but are "detuned" in USA to produce the strongest light beam permissible here (which I've read is HALF as bright as the maximum allowed in Europe).

When new US regulations are passed to allow full strength brightness, manufacturers will be able to recode laser lights to full strength.
Is this coding that we can do ourselves with the coding software?
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