this might be a noob question

[M5V8 337]

checking the high beam lights in my 2011 X5.

The smaller of the lights, which was traditionally the high beam on my old E39, doesn't seem to be doing anything.

Hit the high beam and the main lights seem to be doing that job.

If that's the case. What's the smaller lights for?

[gjm 3194]

I suspect it's a parking light.

[trottsky 24]

It's a similar set-up to the e92 coupe headlamp I think. Pretty sure they use a halogen bulb that sits in the inner lamp to optically light the Halo/Corona rings for both lamps in the headlight. Then some E60's an later F models use the inner lamp as a corner illumination lamp (similar to where you see Merc/vw front fogs coming on independently when cornering)

[M5V8 337]

you mean adaptive headlights?

yes it has that option. That's probably it.

cool.