height sensor arm position

[forwheeler]

I don't have self leveling suspension but I have the adaptive headlights.
I had the oil pan gasket replaced and when the put the ride height sensor back on they mounted the bracket wrong when they tightened the large bolt.

I remounted the sensor itself in the correct position but I am not sure if I got the arm mounted correctly.

Does anyone have a picture of the proper orientation of the arm?

[tecboy99]

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eadlights.html

[forwheeler]

Originally Posted by tecboy99

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eadlights.html

Thanks. The picture doesn't show the arm very well so I can't tell if I have it correct.

This is the way mine is currently.

[forwheeler]

I should also say that in this position the headlights will move up and down without the car moving. It is as if the computer is confused by the sensor position.

[bcredliner]

E53 headlights are technically self leveling rather than adaptive.

The arm should be pointing in the direction of the wheel. It is in the correct position. The arm is secured at a particular location so the headlights level as intended. It appears there is a lighter area outbound from where the arm is currently secured. That may be where the connection should be located.

It is normal that the lights move up and down when the key is first turned on. There is just the one sensor so both headlight adjust in unison.

I suggest you add year and model of your X5 in your signature. It is important to getting the correct input.

[forwheeler]

I might be mistaken on the adaptive then. I know they move up and down based on load and also turn left and right when you turn the wheel.

They move up and down when I start the car as they always have.

When driving last night I was behind another vehicle at a stop light and I saw the lights go up and down without my car moving.
I wonder since the arm may not be in the same position as before if there is some calibration that needs to be done.

Yes I can move the arm more outboard to the area you suggested.

[Awntchi]

I think the sensor body is a bit too high on yours. It should look more level so that the arms make a 7 type of look.

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

[forwheeler]

Last night I remounted the arm bracket on the suspension so the ball joint is on the top of the arm instead of the bottom so it makes a 7 or about 90 degree turn.

Does the system self calibrate on startup or do I need to connect a programmer?

[Awntchi]

It will recalibrate itself....mine did after I noticed it had come off. You should be good to go.

[4.8isX5]

http://imgur.com/FcAnhZ7


Theres a bunch of things wrong how this is mounted... If you can follow what im saying it'll be fixed.

First you need to flip that metal bracket around circled in red 180 degrees and mount it where the circle in peach color is, thats the designated spot.

Next the black arm with the balljoints on it (green line) should be in a position where its almost straight up and down.

Third the arm coming off the sensor (blue) shouldnt be at that much of an angle, it should all align right if you manuever it and mount it how i described in first step.