headlamp adjustment

[x5mad]

To owners without xenon headlamps, is there a way to adjust the headlamp throw? I find that the throw on my low beams seem to be quite short. I have adjusted the dial within the car but still seems very short. There is a white plastic dial behind the headlamp but that only seems to adjust the throw left and right. Any help much appreciated!

[Penguin]

With powerful lights that have sharp cutoffs, such as the BMW Xenons, one should not adjust the headlights without a proper alignment area/marks set out. Using a trial and error approach is not recommended since the error of blinding oncoming drivers is quite dangerous.

[ekvals]

I thought the white plastic screws where for adjusting the height as well ass sideway allignment.

I guess you can loosen the two 8mm screws which is holding the headlights. These are on top of the headlight screwed through the holding brackets.

You'll be able to move the light and adjust the height this way. Im not positive though, that this is the correct way.

But as penguin says, you'll have a hard time getting the correct allignment, and should maybe go to a shop and have them measure it with the appropriate measureing device..

Shouldnt take more then 15 min to have it done..

[pb48]

Originally Posted by Penguin

With powerful lights that have sharp cutoffs, such as the BMW Xenons, one should not adjust the headlights without a proper alignment area/marks set out. Using a trial and error approach is not recommended since the error of blinding oncoming drivers is quite dangerous.

The OP specifically says "for owners without xenon headlamps." But I do agree that you should be careful with the adjustments even with halogens. A small adjustment makes a big difference.

There are two white plastic screws. One is easily seen, direcly behind the low beam lamps. The other one is situated closer towards the back of the inner headlamps - easier to see it if you put your head down close near the top of the radiator and look sideways. It is quite hidden.

[Penguin]

> The OP specifically says "for owners without xenon headlamps."


My mistake for carelessly reading. Since US models only come with Xenon's, I must of mentally skimmed over that par.

[x5mad]

Originally Posted by pb48

The OP specifically says "for owners without xenon headlamps." But I do agree that you should be careful with the adjustments even with halogens. A small adjustment makes a big difference.

There are two white plastic screws. One is easily seen, direcly behind the low beam lamps. The other one is situated closer towards the back of the inner headlamps - easier to see it if you put your head down close near the top of the radiator and look sideways. It is quite hidden.

Found it! Thanks for your help. I only adjusted it a very small amount, enough so that it was not so dangerous driving it at night. The cut off is very clear to see and not high enough to blind others. Will get it fixed properly though when I get a chance.