Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Lights and windshield wipers

Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus

In this manual: Lights and windshield wipers
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~4min read

The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus in the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) automatically adjusts the lighting to the traffic situation. It switches between low beam, partial high beam and high beam without dazzling other road users. The system improves visibility and increases safety, but still requires the driver's attention.

General Notes

Allgemeine Hinweise

The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus can automatically switch between low beam, partial high beam and high beam.

Partial high beam is a lighting mode in which the high beam is directed past other road users. These road users are excluded from the high beam, which prevents glare. For example, when a vehicle is ahead, the high beam illuminates the area to the right and left of it, while the vehicle ahead is within the low beam range.

The system automatically adjusts the light range of the low beam to the distance of other vehicles. If the system does not detect another vehicle, it switches the high beam on again.

If the reflection from road signs caused by the high beam or partial high beam becomes too strong, the light is automatically dimmed and the driver is protected from glare caused by the reflections.

The optical sensor for the system is located behind the windshield, in the area of the roof control panel.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus does not respond to road users that:

  • have no lighting, e.g. pedestrians
  • have weak lighting, e.g. cyclists
  • have their lighting obscured, e.g. by a guardrail.

In very rare cases, the Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus does not respond, or does not respond in time, to other road users with their own lighting. As a result, the automatic high beam is not deactivated, or is activated anyway, in these or similar situations. There is a risk of an accident!

Always watch the traffic situation carefully and switch off the high beam in good time.

The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus cannot take into account road and weather conditions or the traffic situation. The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus is only an aid. You are responsible for correct vehicle lighting in accordance with the prevailing light and visibility conditions and the traffic situation.

Detection may be limited in particular in the following cases:
  • poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or snow
  • dirty or covered sensors.

Switching the Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus on and off

Adaptiven Fernlicht-Assistenten Plus ein- und ausschalten
High beam
Right turn signal
Headlight Flash
Left turn signal
Switching on: Turn the light switch toturn.Push the combination switch in the direction of the arrowpast the pressure point.
  • When the light sensor switches on the low beam in darkness, the indicator lampin the multifunction display lights up.

    If you drive faster than approx. 25 km/h:

    The light range is controlled automatically depending on the distance to other road users.

    If you drive faster than approx. 30 km/h and no other road users are detected:

    The high beam switches on automatically. The indicator lampin the instrument cluster also lights up.

    If you drive faster than approx. 45 km/h and other road users are detected:

    The partial high beam switches on automatically. The indicator lampin the instrument cluster also lights up.

    If you drive slower than approx. 40 km/h:

    The partial high beam switches off automatically. If no other road users are detected, the high beam is switched on.

    If you drive slower than approx. 25 km/h or the roads are sufficiently illuminated:

    The high beam switches off automatically. The indicator lampin the instrument cluster goes out. The indicator lampin the multifunction display stays on.

    To switch off: pull the combination switch back to its initial position or turn the light switch to another position.
  • The indicator lampin the multifunction display goes out.

    Condensation inside headlamps

    Under certain climatic and physical conditions, moisture can form inside the headlamp. This moisture does not affect the function of the headlamp.

    The Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) ensures optimal illumination of the road without dazzling other road users. The system automatically switches between low beam, partial high beam and high beam and adapts to the traffic conditions.

    This intelligent technology increases safety when driving at night and reduces glare from reflective signs.

    Question: What does the Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus not reliably respond to?

    Answer: Road users that are unlit or poorly lit, such as pedestrians or cyclists.

    Question: What should the driver observe despite the Adaptive High Beam Assist?

    Answer: Watch the traffic situation carefully and switch off the high beam manually when necessary.

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