[Gnet]

Since adaptive headlights only became legal in the US as of November 2021, do cars from 2020-2022 with the Matrix LED option have less functionality since they were outlawed then? If that is the case, is there a software update to enable full functionality?

Please chime in!

 

[KM992]

I had the same question as you and spent a reasonable amount of time researching it for my upcoming build. This is what the 2023 configurator still says:

Note: Full LED-Matrix functionality (individual operation of 84 LEDs) is limited for the canadian market. Individual LEDs are programmed to operate as a single light source to perform the functions listed above.

I read a number of articles and forum posts and have yet to find software updates. I’m sure someone more tech savvy than me will eventually find a way to unlock their potential but I don’t think it’s been done yet. It’s surprising that Porsche still aren’t enabling it on new builds.

 

[Gnet]

I had the same question as you and spent a reasonable amount of time researching it for my upcoming build. This is what the 2023 configurator still says:

Note: Full LED-Matrix functionality (individual operation of 84 LEDs) is limited for the canadian market. Individual LEDs are programmed to operate as a single light source to perform the functions listed above.

I read a number of articles and forum posts and have yet to find software updates. I’m sure someone more tech savvy than me will eventually find a way to unlock their potential but I don’t think it’s been done yet. It’s surprising that Porsche still aren’t enabling it on new builds.

I saw that too on the Porsche configurator. After doing further research, it appears that although US regulators have now finally approved the use of adaptive LEDs, manufacturers can't just use the EU approved versions but instead have to adapt it to US standards. 2024 seems hopeful for a full rollout...

The question now becomes, will the folks that spent the $3,300 for matrix LEDs get a free software/dealer upgrade since, theoretically at least, all of the hardware is already there? If I had to guess, Porsche never gives you anything for free, so I probably wouldn't hold my breath on that one. Still, it would be so nice to basically have your high beams on at all times when driving at night.

 

[Josh-PA]

My comment isn't really useful to this thread, but my 2019 X5 has the BMW matrix headlights. I got them coded to Euro settings with individual dimming and it is incredible. The improvement in headlight performance was significantly better than I could have imagined. It is neat seeing them dance around and selectively dim little black boxes around oncoming cars. All that is to say hopefully Porsche will enable them for the U.S. market now that they have been legalized... the technology is amazing.

I have the LED lights on my 991.2 and have been following the Rennlist threads on people trying to get them set up to Euro function, but as far as I know, people haven't figured it out yet. That's the one great thing about the BMW owners community. There is so much coding (and general DIY fixing) knowledge out there. Someone has figured out how to do pretty much everything and has written an easy step by step tutorial for everyone else.

 

[Gnet]

My comment isn't really useful to this thread, but my 2019 X5 has the BMW matrix headlights. I got them coded to Euro settings with individual dimming and it is incredible. The improvement in headlight performance was significantly better than I could have imagined. It is neat seeing them dance around and selectively dim little black boxes around oncoming cars. All that is to say hopefully Porsche will enable them for the U.S. market now that they have been legalized... the technology is amazing.

I have the LED lights on my 991.2 and have been following the Rennlist threads on people trying to get them set up to Euro function, but as far as I know, people haven't figured it out yet. That's the one great thing about the BMW owners community. There is so much coding (and general DIY fixing) knowledge out there. Someone has figured out how to do pretty much everything and has written an easy step by step tutorial for everyone else.

I think what you have is adaptive LED headlights, similar to PDLS+. Those lights can swivel as your turn, and automatically deactivate high beams when it detects incoming traffic. But that’s NOT the same as matrix LEDs, which are made of multiple pixels that can operate independently.

The one car I know that has the full matrix function right now here in the US is the 2023 Audi A8. Check it out, it’s quite impressive!

 

[Josh-PA]

I think what you have is adaptive LED headlights, similar to PDLS+. Those lights can swivel as your turn, and automatically deactivate high beams when it detects incoming traffic. But that’s NOT the same as matrix LEDs, which are made of multiple pixels that can operate independently.

The one car I know that has the full matrix function right now here in the US is the 2023 Audi A8. Check it out, it’s quite impressive!

No, I have BMW Laser Light Headlights with the full selectably dimmable LEDs:

You have to code the car to switch the Light module from US to EU in order to enable the selectable dimming "anti-dazzle" feature. If you're interested in the "how to" there is an 17 page thread over on Bimmerpost:

Anti-dazzle coding on Laser?

Anti-dazzle coding on Laser?

g20.bimmerpost.com

It is one of the better features I've ever had on a car. Literally it allows for high beam light on 75% of the roadway and a dark box surrounding the car in front of you. When the light module is set in U.S. coding, the feature is dumbed down to the way you describe, swivel and auto high beam because the selective dimability was not legal in the U.S. When the EU coding is activated (technically you de-activate the U.S. restrictions), they behave the same way as the Porsche Matrix headlights do in ROW.

 

[Als992]

No, I have BMW Laser Light Headlights with the full selectably dimmable LEDs:

You have to code the car to switch the Light module from US to EU in order to enable the selectable dimming "anti-dazzle" feature. If you're interested in the "how to" there is an 17 page thread over on Bimmerpost:

Anti-dazzle coding on Laser?

Anti-dazzle coding on Laser?

g20.bimmerpost.com

It is one of the better features I've ever had on a car. Literally it allows for high beam light on 75% of the roadway and a dark box surrounding the car in front of you. When the light module is set in U.S. coding, the feature is dumbed down to the way you describe, swivel and auto high beam because the selective dimability was not legal in the U.S. When the EU coding is activated (technically you de-activate the U.S. restrictions), they behave the same way as the Porsche Matrix headlights do in ROW.

Interesting. I never really put much thought into the headlight systems. Wouldn't have thought it would have made such a game changing difference. Having said that i'm sure Porsche will want their piece of the pie to re-program any future settings should they become available.

 

[LessKrazy1]

Very interesting, coming across this thread. I have these matrix LEDs. Dealer insisted for me to get them, as he swore for them being way superior to regular LEDs. Will follow with interest.

 

[LessKrazy1]

I googled it. You guys are so right. So, what js the difference between the euro lights and North American ones?

 

[Gnet]

Very interesting, coming across this thread. I have these matrix LEDs. Dealer insisted for me to get them, as he swore for them being way superior to regular LEDs. Will follow with interest.

The current matrix “design” LEDs are programmed as a single LED so they’re probably no better than the standard ones.

 

[Gnet]

Performance leap in light technology

The new high-resolution Porsche LED main headlights with HD matrix beam offer a high-resolution light distribution up to twice as bright than previous systems.

newsroom.porsche.com

Turns out, Porsche will be unveiling its new HD matrix headlights starting with the 2024 Cayenne. Each headlight will have about 16,000 (not a typo) individually controllable micro LED pixels the size of a human hair. This is a quantum leap over the current matrix “design” headlights with just 84 LEDs, so we can reasonably expect the new technology to trickle down, quite possibly, to the 2024 911.

Now I understand why the matrix design LED headlights were not a popular option, because in essence you’re just paying $3,300 for a different design with no added functionality. With the new lighting technology coming out, it appears unlikely Porsche will be offering an upgrade to enable full functionality to the 84-LED headlight system when they can push on you a new car with the newest lighting tech.

 

[CH61]

Performance leap in light technology

The new high-resolution Porsche LED main headlights with HD matrix beam offer a high-resolution light distribution up to twice as bright than previous systems.

newsroom.porsche.com

Turns out, Porsche will be unveiling its new HD matrix headlights starting with the 2024 Cayenne. Each headlight will have about 16,000 (not a typo) individually controllable micro LED pixels the size of a human hair. This is a quantum leap over the current matrix “design” headlights with just 84 LEDs, so we can reasonably expect the new technology to trickle down, quite possibly, to the 2024 911.

Now I understand why the matrix design LED headlights were not a popular option, because in essence you’re just paying $3,300 for a different design with no added functionality. With the new lighting technology coming out, it appears unlikely Porsche will be offering an upgrade to enable full functionality to the 84-LED headlight system when they can push on you a new car with the newest lighting tech.

Very interesting but curious to see how Porsche will handle two chips for each headlight when significant improvement in semiconductor supplies seems unlikely. Hope this tech will not become the next « Bose stop sale » saga. I know, I’m a pessimist. 🙄

 

[Gnet]

Very interesting but curious to see how Porsche will handle two chips for each headlight when significant improvement in semiconductor supplies seems unlikely. Hope this tech will not become the next « Bose stop sale » saga. I know, I’m a pessimist. 🙄

Since these headlights will be produced in relatively low volume, I don't think supply chain will be too much of an issue. Most customers will likely still opt for the standard LEDs. And if you look at the current configurator for the Cayenne, you can't even option the Matrix design LEDs until you get to the S. Might be the same formula for MY 2024.

 

[SwayFam]

I wonder where this leaves me on my 992 with the LED-Matrix Design Headlights Inc. PDLS+

 

[Gnet]

I wonder where this leaves me on my 992 with the LED-Matrix Design Headlights Inc. PDLS+

Please refer to post #11 above.

 

[Josh-PA]

Just to show the technology, I snapped this picture over the weekend because the snow accentuated the selective dimming. This is from my x5, my wife was driving. You can see how well lit the sides of the road are and the black "dark" box around the car in front. If we get close or further from the car, that box stays anchored on it. As cars come toward you, the light in the oncoming lane will dim where the approaching car is located while the right side remains bright.