Facelift Matrix headlights, front facing camera

[Mylossh]

Hello everyone,

In November 2023. I've sold my 2008 A3 8P and switched to 2019 A3 8V.
In comparison with previous car which was a base model, this one has quite a lot additional equipment.
Full S-line, matrix, DSG, virtual, Bang&Olufsen, heated seats, Apple carplay (USB) LEDs under legs, LED cupholder...
I might create a separate topic whereI would write about all the maintance and retrofits because there's
always something to add, right?

Back to the title. I did some research about matrix headlights, but I'm still not completely sure. From what
I understood, my headlights doesn't really move and adjust beam because I'm missing the front facing
camera in the rear view mirror? What is the point of having matrix headlights without them being able
to move? High beam is really good, but it's being switched manually like with normal headlights.

I'm also missing front dynamic turn indicators, only having them on the rear end.

Let me know if you have suggestions for some interesting retrofits, currently on my mind I have a
rear parking camera, folding side mirrors and side assist on the mirrors.

Thanks for the reply guys!

 

[JohnM100]

Matrix headlights don’t move - adaptive lights do.
Matrix headlights dim parts of the matrix on full beam to make a ‘hole’ with less light where there is an oncoming car or to block out the car in front to not dazzle them.

This requires a front facing camera in the rear view mirror housing, and calibrated to the car.

When you go from dipped headlights to full/high beam - what happens? Does it just light everything or does extended beam start in the centre and expand to both sides like curtains opening?

If you don’t have a front facing camera in your rear view mirror housing then it sounds more like a botched retrofit or someone has been messing with extras.

Front sweeping indicators are for matrix headlights only. From what you describe, It does sound as though you have normal LED headlights, not matrix LED headlights.

Matrix headlights have only recently been approved in USA so likely those cars were limited by delays to government approvals. EU / EEA approval was late 2016 I think.

 

[q2us3r]

From your photos they don't look like matrix headlights, they look like nornal LED headlights which would explain why the fronts don't have sweeping indicators or why you don't have a front facing camera.... I imagine it doesn't have adaptive cruise control either then.

 

[Mylossh]

Is there a certain way to indentify if it's LED or Matrix? When a take a look inside a headlight, there are definetely "separated LED zones" looking
like some kind of grid, which would explain individualy diming to create a wholes for coming car.
I'm based in EU and car has been manufactured in 06 2019 so they definetely have been aproved then.

Can you guys please send me a picture how front facing camera in the rear view mirror looks?

 

[DJAlix]

you don't have matrix lights. matrix lights have all of the following:

1) three inner sections, you have 2.
2) have sweeping turn signals
3) have a triangle shaped camera above the rear view mirror or a round camera lens (in a square cutout) in the trim which covers where the mirror mounts to the wind screen.

you have standard full LED lights.

 

[Mylossh]

@DJAlix Thank you very much for the feedback!
Honestly, I'm very dissapointed and frustated right now, sales house wrote that it has matrix.
But it's definitely my mistake that I haven't done further check and research on the topic.

Is there at least some chance to retrofit a high beam assist to these full LED headlights?
I'm still very happy with the quality of the high beam, but I hate the fact that I have to turn
them manualy each time.

Thank you guys for the help!

 

[DJAlix]

Welcome.

Totally possible to retrofit High Beam Assist. I would seek out a local VAG specialist for the job as they will have the coding tools needed to complete the works. To see what's involved I would search this forum as some has posted a guide.