BMW and MINI require OEM headlamp, windshield replacements for proper ADAS function

BMW has published new position statements outlining the use of headlamp and windshield repair and replacement parts on BMW and MINI vehicles.

Specifically, the statements address potential risks and operational challenges associated with installing used or aftermarket headlamps and windshields.

They state that to meet the repair standards required of BMW Certified Collision Repair Centers, repairers must only use new OEM brand-specific, either BMW or MINI, headlamp components and windshields during collision repairs.

Regarding windshields, the statements for each vehicle brand state that it’s important to use new OEM glass and follow BMW- or MINI-specific procedures “to ensure performance and functionality of advanced vehicle technologies.”

BMW says for its brand vehicles and MINI vehicles, it doesn’t approve the use of aftermarket or salvage windshields.

“Aftermarket glass can compromise structural integrity and overall vehicle performance,” the statements say. “It cannot be confirmed that salvage parts have not been subjected to prior crash impact loads, previous repair work, weathering and/or exposure to additional elements such as fire, smoke/heat damage or flooding.”

The statements add that new OEM BMW and MINI windshields are essential for maintaining the functionality of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and head-up displays (HUDs) and “ensure proper fit, structural rigidity, ocular clarity, and integration with vehicle technologies.”

They are also the only windshields BMW and MINI test to ensure ADAS functionality.

“ADAS relies on optical clarity and precise camera and sensor placements which aftermarket glass may not support,” the statements say. “This can lead to malfunctions in systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and collision mitigation.”

Other ADAS affected include:

• • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking

The windshield statements also state that calibration of safety systems is mandatory after windshield replacement. This includes using only BMW or MINI ISTA software to ensure all systems operate correctly. In addition, diagnostic testing must be performed according to BMW and MINI repair procedures to ensure proper functionality of all safety systems.

Regarding headlamps, the statements for BMW and MINI vehicles say that installing a used or aftermarket headlamp results in an incorrect module set.

“While the headlamp may be ‘Plug & Play,’ it introduces significant limitations: customers will be unable to perform remote software updates, and dealers cannot manually update the vehicle’s software,” the statements add.

“If another module experiences a critical failure (e.g., crashes, bricking), diagnosis and repairs cannot proceed until new original MINI headlamp modules are installed and programmed. The necessity for replacing headlight components or the entire headlamp unit, along with associated labor and diagnostic costs after first attempting to install used or aftermarket headlamps, places an undue financial burden on customers and insurance companies.”

The statements also note that vehicles’ module systems are designed to recognize the original headlamp module, and if it can’t locate it, the ability to update or program the vehicle effectively will be hindered.

“In cases where a software update is attempted, the system may partially update but subsequently disable the replaced headlamp module due to perceived issues, leading to potential hazards with inoperable headlamps,” the statements say.

The headlamp statements say each headlamp module a vehicle is equipped with is one of multiple potential headlamp modules for that vehicle, each with specific part numbers tailored to optional ADAS and other options the vehicle is equipped with.

According to the statements, “installing a used or aftermarket headlamp with an incorrect control module, as identified by the part number, can trigger a cascade of failures across multiple vehicle systems.”

Images

Featured image credit: schulzie/iStock