Xenon Bulb Replacement Question

[Bill Valley]

Most knowledgeable and friendly fellow Xoutposters, I have an issue with my Xenon bulbs. I replaced the bulbs about a month ago. Prior to replacing, the driver's side beam was significantly lower than the passenger side. I figure this is to avoid blinding the cars travelling the other direction. Since replacing, the beams are at the same level. I had assumed the auto leveling would adjust, but it has not. Is there a trick to the driver's side install? I did the passenger side first which sat flush in the housing, but I think the driver's side bulb was installed at a slight angle. I say think because I could not get a good look at the bulb during the install. Is the bulb supposed to sit at an angle in the housing?

Thanks!

[X5SND]

Sounds like the bulb isn't seated correctly. It should sit straight (with reference to the bulb socket). There should be a notch on the bulb base to align it with the socket oftge projector.

[danielsan]

How much is it out of alignment? slightly or a long way?

[Bill Valley]

With the lights shining on my garage door at roughly 15' (approx 5m ), I would say the left is 6" (approx 15cm) higher than the left. It used to be 6"+ lower.

[X5SND]

If you remove the housing when changing a bulb and don't get it back to exactly the same place you can throw out the alignment of the beam.
Try the manual adjustment and see if that helps.... http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-thread.html

[danielsan]

That's a fair difference, but is the passenger side headlight at the correct hight?

[TwinsPoppa]

Look here for an idea of light pattern.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...ft-x5-e53.html

How did you replace the bulb? What I mean is, did you have to loosen/remove the headlights? If so you need to adjust your headlights by moving the whole assembly and/or using the 2 alignment adjusters on the headlights. If you have to move the headlight for bulb replacement, next time try and mark the original position with tape so you don't have alignment problems afterwards.

If not, double check that the bulb is sitting correctly. Its hard for that to happen as it only mounts one way because of the notches and the clips would probably not lock. I would also assume the igniter won't lock properly.

See the bulb/igniter pics in this thread for reference.

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

[Bill Valley]

Wow, according to the link, my headlights look like the right hand drive setup.

I loosened the whole assembly and slid out to access the screws on the cover. The odd thing is that the bulb that was in there was mounted at an angle and not flush with the housing. I installed the bulb flush with the housing.

The other thing I have noticed, which is not necessarily related to the bulb replacement but may be the source of my random battery drain, is that the bulbs no longer dip and level upon start up. Bad level sensor? I have been experiencing random electrical issues - blinking green led, miles to empty warning with full tanks, etc.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

Wow, according to the link, my headlights look like the right hand drive setup.

I loosened the whole assembly and slid out to access the screws on the cover. The odd thing is that the bulb that was in there was mounted at an angle and not flush with the housing. I installed the bulb flush with the housing.

The other thing I have noticed, which is not necessarily related to the bulb replacement but may be the source of my random battery drain, is that the bulbs no longer dip and level upon start up. Bad level sensor? I have been experiencing random electrical issues - blinking green led, miles to empty warning with full tanks, etc.

Sounds like you just need your headlights aimed properly as you didn't mark it prior to loosening them.

On the other things happening, sounds like your battery is bad or your alternator/regulator. Have the charging system checked out. When you have low voltage you'll get a lot of false errors/warning lights.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Sounds like you just need your headlights aimed properly as you didn't mark it prior to loosening them.

I second this as your best bet.