Headlight Trouble
 

Hey guys,

I"m needing some help here.

First off, when my auto-sensing light indicator goes off, as soon as i turn my steering wheel right and then return back straight, the green indicator light begins flashing. Right off I can see that my passenger headlight isn't aiming straight again, it's off to the right. So, it's obvious I need a new headlight(s).
On startup, the auto level still works, but it won't go side-to-side basically.

So, can anyone tell me where I can get a new headlight assembly? Or what it is that I need to do? :dunno:

I don't know much about the facelift adaptive headlights but before you go for a new headlight which is probably very expensive I'm assuming maybe to check the operation of the leveling motor, or maybe the sensor on the passenger side under the car to see if its busted first?

if the light on the switch (S8) is blinking, it might indicate the problem with the LWR unit not working properly and not controlling the headlight properly, or the headlight that is not working properly and reporting trouble back to the switch via the LWR module... So, the problem could be inside the headlight or in the control module... swapping part to test the either theory can be expensive adventure.

Yes, that's what I'm trying to avoid. I find all these headlights online, but none of them are "Adaptive Headlight" compatible

sound like bad auto levling sensor.

Thanks, do you know where I can get one of those?

check out your headlight diagram on RealOEM and get the part number and order from your favorite online vendor or parts dept of dealership!

chris,

the adaptive lights are working independent from each other, they go up and down and left and right individually, like eyes on a chameleon... when the engine starts, the car systems do a check of the functions, for the headlights it means that they go up/down, and left/right. you said, that they do go up/down, but do they go left/right? also, while the engine is running and you are statioanry, when you turn the steering wheel to the right, does the light turn? both? only one? none? when you turn the steering to the left, the lights will center but will not turn to the left, so, you need to turn the wheel to the right to see if the lights move.

lets try to troubleshoot the problem before throwing money into it...

Yes, that's what I meant. I start up. They go auto adjust, up and down and the auto on headlight indicator is a solid green.
I put it in gear, start moving forward and turn right to leave my place. Indicator is still solid.
As soon as I rotate my steering wheel to straighten out, the indicator starts blinking.
Now, in the past, when I'm still and my headlights are facing a solid object, I could turn my steering wheel and the headlights would move right to left. Now, the passenger light doesn't move at all and it almost seems it's misaligned to the right a bit.

Man, I'm really stumped as to what it could be. The guy on bavauto.com said one headlight was about $1400.00 :wow:

i will be home in a few hours, and i can check the WDS blueprints. your issue can be mechanical, stripped teeth on motor gear, or electronic. if you have time, stand by and we will try to narrow problem down.once more, since i am retarded, and need info repeated several times, - the right "eye" does not move left/right. what about the left "eye"? can you check to see if left "eye moves or makes an attempt to move left/right?

Lol, it's ok. I'll repeat it as many times as necessary to make sure I can get the right part.
The right eye will move the one time to the right but will not return to it's original position. If I make all left hand turns, the indicator noes not blink, it will remain a steady green.
Left eye moves I am sure, but not certain.

so looks like left eye is functional completely, right eye is upon startup but does not go back to default position?

:thumbup: That is correct sir!

what year/month is your car? do you have only rear air or all 4 corners air suspension (EHC or EHC2?)

when the right "eye" moves to the right upon initial check-up sequence, at which moment does it go back to center position? because at the next start-up sequesnce, the light moves to the right again, right? otherwise, the light would have spun around and shone inside... lol...

Blinking light at the switch means the adaptive function is not working.

Can you actually see the headlight aim/moving right? Then when you center the steering wheel it stays pointed to the right?


If so, then I believe its probably not a bad stepper motor inside the headlight. I'm not sure if the stepper motor controls vertical movement but I know it controls horizontal movement.

Maybe your projector is loose and is not mounted all the way?
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/32782-xenon-headlight-problem.html


There are also headlight aiming adjusting knobs for vertical & horizontal adjustment. Maybe the horizontal is just adjusted out of range?

while you are at this, also check fuses 6 and 15 in glove compartment - make sure they are good...

Also, i will stand corrected, the LWR module is only up/down controller, you have AHL module, which is the up/down, and left/right controller... anyways, we need to see if your issue is mechanical, as Twins mentioned, and the blinking light reports inability of electronics to control the stepper motor (it gets the info back on the motor position), or the AHL module is corrupted...

to check the mechanicals of the light, you might need to remove the headlight and check the stepping motor. there are three torx screws holding the cover... the motor is probably available from ECS, if THE motor is the problem... 67168352206... i am checking to see if this motor controls both, the vertical and lateral movements... there might be TWO motors inside the housing...

Yes, I can see the headlight move to the right and then it doesn't re-align

Ok, just checked fuses 6 & 15. Both are good.

No, projector is mounted right. I checked the other headlight, it looks the same.

Okay, if this is the case, what happens the next time you get in the X? Does it reset to aiming straight somehow?!

Or are you saying this happened one time (pointing to the right) and now its just stuck pointing to the right (passenger only headlight). So, now its always pointing to the right?

No, it realigns itself each time.
I park in backwards all the time, so I'm facing a wooden gate. Every time I startup, they will auto adjust up-down and be good to go. When I turn right, the headlight will somehow stick to the right.

Forgive me, I'm kinda slow so please put up with my questions. :D

After it sticks to the right, when/how does it realign then?

do you have a second pair of eyes? can you have somebody sit at the helm, while you put your ear to the headlight to listen for mechanical clicks? have one person turn on the engine, monitor the light to see if it resets itself, then turn the wheels to the right and left... when the wheels are turned to right and lights are shining to the right, have the person put gears into R - the lights should come back into center... put in Drive - lights should go to the right - do not move wheels, they should continue to point to the right...

this operation should allow you to move lights center-right-center-right withoout the steering input - just do R-D-R-D... this exercise should emphacise the mechanics of the light... i suspect that the gears are either stripped or disengaged...

twins, you changed the avatar? cool..

do you think it is sticking gears? or AHL is gone AWOL? I would have pulled the module and would have swapped the 2 left terminals for the 2 right terminals, to see if the problem stays with the headlight or moves with the switch...
Chris, are you capable of pin switching? i can provide you with the pinout... only if you are capable, otherwise it would not make sense...

I'm assuming when I shut off and start up again.

Ok, you have me lost there. What is Pin Switching.

and no, currently I don't have a second pair of eyes/ears to help me out.

the "eye" movement is regulated by dedicated pair of wires coming from control module - one pair is going to the left and the other pair is going to right "eye"... if you switch the pairs, and send "left" signal to the right "eye" and the "right" signal to the left "eye", you can test the system: if the problem moves to the left "eye", it means that the signal is corrupted and module needs to be replaced, if the problem remains with headlight, it means that a known good signal did not rectify the issue of the broken headlight.

this way you know what to repair/replace...

Ok, I tried the D,R,D,R mode and I turned my wheel, and now it seems like BOTH lights don't turn.

Yup. Missing her but I'll have my boys back soon in my avatar.:cool:

You know I'm still confused. Apparently, its fine at startup and only screws up when he turns right. He says it resets sometime between when he turns the X off and when he next turns it on.

I would be curious what results he gets from your changing gears idea. I think its a good one. Basically, we want to see if it will reset itself if you go from D to R and back.

Yea, I tried changing the gears thing. No dice.
The light stayed steady for a split second, then started blinking again.

So, they both are straight and wont TURN to the right?


Or you mean, they both TURNED to the right but now BOTH won't realign back to straight? So, now you have the original problem with both headlights?


This is getting crazy! :rofl:

No, the driver side just won't turn at all. It will stay straight
The passenger will aim slightly right.

no, no... Chris, you referring to the S8 switch inside the cabin... i wanted to see if you can hear attempts of the little motor to engage - you can't do it alone... the S8 blinking light will report to you that there is a trouble and we already know there is trouble. we are trying to get to the root of the trouble without spending crazy money at dealership...

when you change gears, D-R-D-R, and the front wheels all the way to the right, can you see the light pattern in front of the car from the cabin? can you notice any "jerking" of the right "eye"?

Let me go check again.

Okay, its getting late and my head is about to explode. I need to take a break. I will think on this more tomorrow.

Terminator, carry on! :D

chris, we are not abandoning you - let me think about this more, reread this thread again... see if there are more ideas popping up...

Ok. Double checked again.

Turned car on. Headlights Auto adjust up-down.

Slowly turned wheel to right, there is a slight jerking of the passenger light when it aims right.
Driver light does move also.
Reverse - Driver light re-aligns. Passenger doesn't.
Drive - Driver light turns. Passenger stays aiming right.
Reverse - Driver light aims straight. Passenger stays same still

I know guys, It's getting late for me too.

Thank you guys sooo much for helping me diagnose this issue. It means a lot that you're helping me!!

Here is some info I dug up on the AHL module:

System functions

The adaptive headlights system adjusts the horizontal aim of the headlights (i.e. from side to side) in order to illuminate the inside of a bend when cornering.
The following functions of the adaptive headlights system are described below:
- System activation and automatic calibration
- Activation of stepper motor controller (SMC)
- Speed-dependent analysis of input variables
- Adjustment of headlight horizontal aim
- Deactivation of adaptive headlights function under extreme handling conditions
- Deactivation of adaptive headlights function in response to system faults
- Setting headlights to parked position
- Activation of automatic headlight-range adjustment by the AHL control unit
- Adaptive headlights in conjunction with automatic headlights

System activation and automatic calibration
Whenever the car is started, the headlights always perform an automatic calibration sequence even if the lights are not switched on. The AHL control unit activates the stepper motor controllers (SMC, control unit for headlight stepper motors).
The stepper motor controllers have the headlight positioner modules perform a calibration sequence as follows:
The headlights are moved slightly to the left, slightly upwards and then come to rest in the straight-ahead position.
There are 2 preconditions for activating the calibration sequence:
· If the dipped beam headlights are not switched on: the calibration sequence is carried out as soon as the engine is running.
· If the dipped beam headlights are switched on or the light switch is set to (A) for automatic: the calibration sequence is carried out if Terminal 15 is on.
Following the calibration sequence, the system is ready for operation.
If reverse gear is engaged, the adaptive headlights function is deactivated.

Activation of stepper motor controller (SMC)
The AHL control unit activates the stepper motor controller on the basis of the following input variables:
· Vehicle road speed
· Steering angle (at speeds up to 50 km/h, dependent on programming)
· Yaw rate (at speeds upwards of 50 km/h).

Speed-dependent analysis of input variables
Depending on the road speed of the vehicle, the adaptive headlights function is controlled on the basis of the signals from either the steering angle sensor or the yaw rate sensor (in the DSC sensor).
The programming determines at which speeds which sensor signals are given what priority.

Adjustment of headlight horizontal aim
Horizontal adjustment range of headlights
· Inwards (towards vehicle centre line): approx. 7-8 Deg
· Outwards: 15 Deg
The headlight on the outside of the bend must reach its limit of movement at the same time as the headlight on the inside so that illumination is constant and even.

Deactivation of adaptive headlights function under extreme handling conditions
If the vehicle drifts, skids or loses sideways grip, the adaptive headlights function is deactivated as follows:
- The headlights are returned to the straight-ahead position.
- The lights remain on. The headlights no longer adjust to the direction of the vehicle, however.

Deactivation of adaptive headlights function in response to system faults
If a system fault occurs, the indicator lamp flashes. The adaptive headlights function is deactivated as follows:
· If the stepper motors are still functional, the headlights are returned to the straight-ahead position.
· If one of the headlights has jammed in a position in which it could dazzle oncoming vehicles, the headlight concerned is switched off as soon as the vehicle is stationary. The front fog lamps are switched on in order to ensure a minimum level of illumination. The headlight is not switched off while the vehicle is in motion.

Setting headlights to parked position
The headlights are set to the parked position when Terminal R is switched off.
When Terminal R is switched off, the headlights move to the parked position as follows: The headlights move slightly to the right and downwards to the parked position.

Activation of automatic headlight-range adjustment by the AHL control unit
The automatic headlight-range adjustment moves the headlights up or down to compensate for differences in headlight range caused by changes in the before/aft inclination of the vehicle (e.g. due to differences in payload or extreme braking or acceleration).
If the (Adaptive headlights) option is fitted, the signals from the ride-height sensors and the brake light switch are read by the adaptive headlights control unit (AHL control unit).
The AHL control unit thus also controls the automatic headlight-range adjustment as follows:
· The ride height sensors on the front and rear suspension provide the AHL control unit with the input data for the headlight-range adjustment function. From the various input data received, the AHL control unit calculates the vehicle inclination (along the longitudinal axis, relative to the road surface).
Using the stepper motors for adjusting the vertical aim of the headlights, the headlight beam height is adjusted automatically and dynamically. The headlight beam height is adjusted so that the actual headlight range conforms to the legally required headlight range as follows:
· If vehicle rear is lower than front:
The actual headlight range will be longer than the legally stipulated range. The headlight beam height is lowered to reduce the headlight range to match the legal requirement.
· If the vehicle is horizontal:
The actual headlight range will be the same as the legally stipulated range.
· If vehicle front is lower than rear:
The actual headlight range will be shorter than the legally stipulated range. The headlight beam height is raised to increase the headlight range to match the legal requirement.

Adaptive headlights in conjunction with automatic headlights
The automatic headlights function switches on the dipped beam headlights in response to the ambient light conditions.
· The automatic headlights option must have been programmed (Car & Key Memory).
The light switch must be set to the automatic headlights position.
· The rain-light sensor detects the ambient light conditions and from the readings calculates whether or not the dipped beam headlights are required. If the light conditions are poor (e.g. at dawn/dusk or at night, in an underground car park or tunnel, in heavy rain), the rain-light sensor sends a (Switch on dipped beam headlights) request to the light module.
If there is sufficient ambient light, the rain-light sensor sends a (Switch off dipped beam headlights) request to the light module.
· The side lights and dipped beam headlights are automatically switched on under the following conditions: dawn/dusk, total darkness, entry into an underground car park, entry into a tunnel, rain (once the wiper frequency reaches a predetermined level) and snow (once the wiper frequency reaches a predetermined level, except on E46).
· If only the side lights are to be switched on, the light switch must be set to side lights (Position 1).
When the light switch is set to the (Automatic headlights) position (A), the AHL control unit is also activated as follows:
When the automatic headlights function switches on the dipped beam headlights, the adaptive headlights function is activated at the same time. The light module sends the message (Dipped beam headlights switched on) to the AHL control unit. The AHL control unit also takes account of the signals from the rain-light sensor.
The message (Dipped beam headlights switched on) is generated separately for each headlight unit.
If one of the headlights fails, the adaptive headlights function is deactivated.
The front fog lights are switched on in order to ensure a minimum level of illumination.

so the stepper motors only control up/down functions, not left right? am i reading this right?

And there is an AHL module which controls the lights correct? If chris can put his ears to the headlight and hear if there is any clicking or stripping of teeth in the motor that would help. If he hears nothing we may have a module problem?

Deactivation of adaptive headlights function in response to system faults
If a system fault occurs, the indicator lamp flashes. The adaptive headlights function is deactivated as follows:
· If the stepper motors are still functional, the headlights are returned to the straight-ahead position.
· If one of the headlights has jammed in a position in which it could dazzle oncoming vehicles, the headlight concerned is switched off as soon as the vehicle is stationary. The front fog lamps are switched on in order to ensure a minimum level of illumination. The headlight is not switched off while the vehicle is in motion.

Interesting... chris, is it safe to assume that this is not happening in your case? when you are driving, and the light is stuck in right position, the light does not shut off when you come to a stop at stop sign or traffic light? and, if you had the fog lights off, the fog light does not come on automatically, does it?...

If the xenon light remains on, the fog light is not coming on, it indicates that the vertical stepping motor is working fine (no blinding of the oncoming traffic)...
Since the headlight is not returning to the "park" position, it might be the stepper motor for horisontal adjustment is malfunctioning...

This brings us back to the mechanical issue...

There are several possible issues with the mechanical malfunction:

1. the stepper motor is defective - replace motor
2. the gears are disengaged, and need to be re-engaged - it could be that the manual adjustment of the headlight is adjusted outside of the mechanical limits of reach of the motor gears, like someone turned the adjustment knob too far and the gear fell off the worm drive
3. the gears outside of the moter are actually broken, and will need to be replaced - chances are, the headlight would ned to be opened in order to fix/replace the worm drive and the gears...

To get started on this, the headlight will need to come off the car...

do you know how to do this?

I need to comb through the recent headlight posts and see what had been done there in reference to the lights...

I think one of our Premier members had opened the permasealed units - was it X5SSND? I need to ask him about the stepper motor, if there are two of them or just one - according to the WDS, there are TWO motors in the headlight... but the WDS has already let me down and lead me in a tail chases before... :bustingup

Yes, you are correct. The Xenon light stays on and stuck in the "right" position. Fog lights do not come on automatically.

No, I do not know how to take the headlight off the car.

so the stepper motors only control up/down functions, not left right? am i reading this right?

And there is an AHL module which controls the lights correct? If chris can put his ears to the headlight and hear if there is any clicking or stripping of teeth in the motor that would help. If he hears nothing we may have a module problem?

I asked for help from X5SND, he had installed AE into the facelifted headlights, and knows how to remove the headlight and what is inside those headlights...

Let hope that he will answer the call...

The original thread for his AE retrofit is here: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...you-say-7.html

Chris,

do you have headlight washers? I think for facelift cars you need to drop the front bumper to remove the headlights but I could be wrong, start wrenching!

TX5, do you think if Chris pops the hood and looks behind his headlight and maybe pops the back covers off he could see if there are 1 or two motors controlling the up/down and left/right functions? and maybe he could see/hear their operation better if the back panels are off (assuming he doesnt know how to take the front bumper/headlights off)?

in EU cars with xenons must have headlight washers and manual or automatic level adjustment (vertical control), so chances are, he has the washer nozzles...

On mine, the access to the back of the headlight is very limited, the left one is almost impossible to stick a hand in, the right one is a bit better but still, very tight...

For the purpose of just looking/listening, maybe it would be sufficient but for the actual repair/replace - the light needs to be out, otherwise, in addition to bloody knuckles he will end up with half of his toolbox dropped into the engine bay!!!.. lol... :rofl:

LOL, No, I don't have the washer nozzles on my model.

I can access the back of my headlight easily. I know how after replacing the factory HID's back when I first bought it.

no headlight washers, ehh..? interesting... what are the last 7 of your VIN?


you might be able to pull the headlight out without dropping the front bumper - I have not done that on the facelifted E53s, so I don't want to tell you something that I am not familiar with first hand... technically speaking, there should not be any big issues, you remove 4 screws holding the headlight to the body, pull the headlight out, disconnect the wires and voila!!, you got the light in your hands... but... as the expericence has shown, things are not that easy half of the times... you should mark the position of the screws, so when you reinstall the lights, you will have minimal adjustment needed to be done... there might be some grounding wires that might need to be disconnected... I wish X5SND had come across this and the other thread - he should know the internal guts of these lights...

Last 7 of VIN: LY39445

You probably have more room than a cramped 4.8is engine bay so if you can either drop the bumper and remove the headlights (should be screws/bolts at the bottom of the bumper connecting to the skid plate, and about 4 screws on each side fender liner near the bottom, as well as some screws near the middle of the bumper/license plate area.

Again i am not familiar with removing the facelift bumper, on my pre-facelift i had a total of 19 fasteners on the bumper, plus 4 bolts on each headlight to remove.

if you can remove the backs of the headlights and see the internals, i would recommend someone sitting in the car and doing the tests you were trying earlier and see if you hear any stripped teeth of a gear or any unusual noises coming from the right headlight that is in question.

VIN 5UXFA13596LY39445
Type code FA13
Type X5 3.0I (USA)
E series E53 ()
Series X
Type GEFZG
Steering LL
Doors 5
Engine M54
Displacement 3.00
Power 170
Drive ALLR
Transmission AUT
Colour ALPINWEISS 3 (300)
Upholstery LEDER DAKOTA/SCHWARZ (LCSW)
Prod.date 2006-03-30



S1CAA SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S205A AUTOMATIC GETRIEBE Automatic transmission
S321A EXTERIEURUMFAENGE IN WAGENFARBE Exterior parts in vehicle color
S386A DACHRELING Roof railing
S402A PANORAMA GLASDACH Electric panoramic roof
S417A SONNENSCHUTZROLLO HINTERE TUERSCH. Roller sun vizor, rear door
S438A EDELHOLZAUSFUEHRUNG Fine wood trim
S441A RAUCHERPAKET Smoker package
S442A GETRAENKEHALTER Cup holder
S459A SITZVERSTELLUNG, ELEKTR.MIT MEMORY Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S461A SITZLEHNENVERSTELLUNG IM FOND,ELEK. Electric seat backrest adjustment, rear
S488A LORDOSENSTUETZE FAHRER/BEIFAHRER Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S508A PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC) Park Distance Control (PDC)
S521A REGENSENSOR Rain sensor

S522A XENON-LICHT Xenon Light


S524A ADAPTIVES KURVENLICHT Adaptive Headlights
S533A FOND-KLIMATISIERUNG Air conditioning, rear
S534A KLIMAAUTOMATIK Automatic air conditioning
S555A BORDCOMPUTER On-board computer V with remote control
S639A KOMPLETTVORB. HANDY USA/CDN Preparation f mobile phone cpl. USA/CDN
S650A CD-LAUFWERK CD player
S676A HIFI LAUTSPRECHERSYSTEM HiFi speaker system
S761A INDIVIDUAL SONNENSCHUTZVERGLASUNG Individual sunshade glazing
S8SPA COP STEUERUNG Control unit COP
S926A ERSATZRAD Spare wheel
S945A BERUECKSICHTIGUNG PREISABHAENGK. Dummy-SALAPA


S249A MULITFUNKTION FUER LENKRAD Multifunction f steering wheel
S2KBA LM RAEDER V-SPEICHE 130 BMW LA wheel, V spoke 130
S302A ALARMANLAGE Alarm system
S354A GRUENKEIL-FRONTSCHEIBE Green windscreen, green shade band
S645A RADIO-STEUERUNG US BMW US Radio
S661A RADIO BMW BUSINESS Radio BMW Business (C43)
S692A CD WECHSLER I-BUS VORBEREITUNG Preparation, BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S785A WEISSE BLINKLEUCHTEN White direction indicator lights
S845A AKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNG Acoustic belt warning
S853A SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH Language version English
S876A FUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZ Radio frequency 315 MHz
S992A STEUERUNG KENNZEICHENBEFESTIGUNG Control of number-plate attachment

interesting, the xenon lights without the washer nozzles for the headlights... learn something new every day!!!

I think here's the deal.

If you have normal xenon headlights (non-adaptive) there is only one stepper motor to control vertical aim.

If you have ADAPTIVE xenon headlights, there is another one that controls horizontal aiming.

Terminator, this may be why the wiring got you confused. It depends on if you're looking at an adaptive headlight wiring diagram or not.

WOW! That's a lot of info on my car!:wow:

I was looking at module A214, the adaptive headlight module.. the diagram shows 2 motors per each headlight... when i pull the RealOEM, it only talks about vertical motor... maybe the part is same for both applications...
thinking from operational point of view, you need something to adjust the lights sideways - i just was not sure if it was 2 motors or one motor operating on 2 axis somehow...
that is why i wanted to hear from somebody who saw the insides...;)

Just giving this more thought.

Adjustment of headlight horizontal aim
Horizontal adjustment range of headlights
· Inwards (towards vehicle centre line): approx. 7-8 Deg
· Outwards: 15 Deg
The headlight on the outside of the bend must reach its limit of movement at the same time as the headlight on the inside so that illumination is constant and even.

Maybe all he needs is some type of calibration (mechanical or software)?

Chris, why don't you try adjusting the manual horizontal adjuster on the passenger headlight to aim more left. Count how many turns you do so that you can return it to the same position later if you have to.

Then see if you have the same problem. Pretty simple check.

Seems to me mechanically all things are working. It aims/moves right, it just gets stuck. It resets to the center so it can move/aim back into position.

Oh, sorry I didn't pay attention that you found 2 motors and that the problem was realoem. :rofl:

I think the horizontal stepper motor is part of a module that may NOT be called stepper motor.

this is a good idea to try, only calls for philips screwdriver and attention during adjustment...

worth trying:thumbup:

Sounds good. Where is this located? Does anyone know? I'm at work now. I'll try to post a pic of the insides when I get home.

See the white knobs at the top of the headlight? I can't remember which one is for horizontal adjustment. Disregard the red arrows.

http://thumbnails18.imagebam.com/379...c137943037.gif

I dont know which is which, but see if you can turn the right headlight to the left more, like Twins said, almost sounds like the right headlight turns to far out of range.

Im still trying to work this one through, but it sounds to me like you have one of two (maybe both) things going on. Either you have a bad horizontal aim motor or something is jamming/getting caught. The fact that you state there's a jerky motion of the light is a good indication you've got something out of alignment.

Before we go any further, just to be sure, take a look at the pic below. Look closely at the top of the highbeams....see how they're nice and level?
Yours should be (more or less) the same from about 25ft, and as you back up should stay aimed straight ahead.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...psd3d3e08b.jpg

Look closely at the shroud of the low beam (the chrome piece around the glass eye)....if someone who didn't know what they were doing previously adjusted it, it can cause the projector shroud to jam up against the outer shroud. If it looks like you have decent clearance around the shroud get someone to turn the key on and watch when it moves side to side. If it checks out the next step would be to try your motor. They can be interchanged between sides but I'm not sure if the horizontal and vertical aim motors are the same. You should be able to easily swap them once you remove the housings from the vehicle.

Seeing as you don't have the headlamp washers, removing the housings is a simple task. Just remove the the 4 screws on the housing (theres 2 black ones right up front on the top, and 2 silverish looking ones on "ears/wings" at the lower back of the housing.

More to come as I'm still digesting this thread...

Thanks guys!! Will try out all of this helpful info when I get home!

Unless I'm mistaken, he can only move his headlight forward even w/o the washers. He can't completely remove them without loosening/removing the front bumper.

The ballast under the headlight will hit the bumper.

Seeing as checking alignment is the easiest thing to check here's a bit more info:

Many people misunderstand a projector headlight as having the same aiming requirements as headlights and will (more often than not) aim them incorrectly.

In addition to the picture above, here's what you should see from your low beams when pointed at a wall:

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps9295b329.jpg

From what I understand, the adaptive feature doesn't work in reverse...so to test the alignment of your lights here's what I'd do:

Drive about 25ft from the wall, and put in park.
Turn X off
Make sure headlamp switch is on Auto.
Start engine - allowing lights to level/center
Select reverse and back STRAIGHT up slowly watching the cutoffs closely.

As per my previous post, this pic shows the areas that you should watch closely for contact. The reflector (the inner one) has a lip that extends about 3/16" behind the stationary piece...so while it's possible to have contact there and not see it......as long as your clearances are Ok on the projector side, it's unlikely.

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps252f8c49.jpg

If this all checks out, from here I'd remove the backing plates on the housings and check everything inside before swapping motors.

Doh! Yes you are correct!

...Forgot about that, as my ballasts now reside INSIDE my housings. Oops!

Edit: Excuse my brain fart.....yes the bumper does need to be removed to get the headlamp housings out.

Ok, sun is setting so it's still early to tell, but when I went and just fiddled with the passenger light adjustment (white knob).

First I adjusted it back and forth to get somewhat a good positioning (like I said, sun is setting, still too early to tell)

BUT, when I went and turned the ignition on and put in drive and turned wheels L2R and back again, the green indicator light stayed constant, didn't start blinking indicating the adaptive failure. I'll try again when it gets dark to make sure.

ooooh!!! are we getting somewhere??? ;)

I friggin hope so! :D

Ok, I'm in the process of uploading a youtube video to show exactly what the beam does.

Ok guys here it is. From startup to right turn to return straight. Right before the blue car passes in front, you can see the passenger beam "drop" as I turn the wheel back straight.

X5 Headlights - YouTube

Just uploaded. Give it a few minutes...

is it working??? is it??? c'mon!!! is it working??? is it??!! :)

i think it is mechanical issue and not the controller issue...

guys - your opinion???

No, it's still doing the same thing. Even after I adjusted the "white knob" :(

chris, since we don't have previous point of reference, just this video after your correction of the manual adjustment - can you tell us, how much this behaviour in this video any better than what it used to be prior to your manual adjustment?

ahh... you answer before i even have a chance to type up a question!!!! lol...

The manual adjustment didn't help any. This is basically what I have been dealing with the entire time.

i still suspect mechanical issue - could be motor itself...

to completely rule out the issue with the controller, we can try the swap of the pins - send the left signal (known good signal) to the right headlight and right signal to left headlight (known good headlight)...

Do you think you can do this? I will guide you as much as it is possible remotely, but you will be the one doing the work - so, it is your call...

Just tell me where they are located, what to look for and such.

Interesting.....:confused:

Initially I was going to say motor issue, because it look like it doesn't "know" where its going....but yet it centers itself on the next key cycle right? I don't have that much experience when it comes to these kinds of motors---T, is it possible that the motor can tell where it's start/end points are, but gets confused anywhere in between?

Yes, you turn off, re-arm, disarm and restart and it'll re-center itself.

i am reading up about it on the russian sites - they have much more info, and i am still digesting it...
it seems that if there is a mechanical malfunction, the system will try to bring the light into "park" position, and upon failure of doing so, will point the light down... that is what we see... however, on the power recycle, the light is starting out from the initial parked position... i did not come up to this symptom yet... there are also the dates, when certain modules were integrated into each other, and when behaviour was changed - so much to digest...

also, the WDS does not list location for the AHL module - i would think it will be in the glove compartment but I don't want to send Chris on a wild geese chase to change the pins...

It might be the control unit mounted under the headlight next to the ballast.

Number 5

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/k/m/196.png

Awww Hell.......And there's probably no easy way to get to it either?

here is a similar post on the motor failure in the headlight... i think your motor is still good but you may have a nick or broken tooth on the worm drive or the gear...

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

the AHL module is behind the glove compartment - I could not pin point it, if it is actually behind the compartment or next to the LCM on the passenger side A-pillar... in either case, if we need to dig into the AHL module, the glove compartment will need to come off in order to gain access to the modules...

Can you look up the instructions for the glove compartment removal?
the AHL module part # 61356934837

should you find the AHL on your own, while i am still researching the issue, the module has only one 18-pin plug. to make a swap, you will need to remove the pin 2 and insert it into slot for pin 3, and remove pin 3 and insert it into the slot for pin 2.
Also, you will need to remove the pin 17 and insert it into slot for pin 18 and remove pin 18 and insert it into slot for pin 17. thus, the two pairs can be switched... this is rough info, you probably will ned details on how to remove the pins, how to take the plug apart...

I still think, the problem is inside the headlight, with the motor or the gearing...
i am still reasearching this...

Too fast for me. I found this LOL

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

Can the adaptive start-up procedure be done without starting the car....by turning the key to pos 2?

Reason I ask, (RB also asked this earlier but seems to have been missed) is if you can hear any growling (or something like gears getting stuck) coming from the front.

Try this:

Roll down drivers window, get out & close door.
Standing outside the X, turn the key to pos 2 (the position the key returns to after cranking), and then listen carefully to the sound the lights make. You should be able to hear the motors when they move (a slight hum). It also helps to turn off the HVAC and radio as well....of course if you HAVE to start the truck this isn't going to work. But, any growling usually indicates either the motor is toast or something is getting hung up/jammed.

hahaha
bingo - location of the AHL module!!!

Let me take a look at the gearing from the link to the thread that you gave me. Maybe I can see something going on there....

the headlights go through POST (power on self test) regardless of the lights on or off, upon the key in pos 2... to repeat the POST, the car needs to be turned off for at least 15 seconds, then POST repeats again with key in pos 2.

I figured that would be the case, as that test I mentioned works on mine in pos 2. Can I just say that while adaptive lights are neat....it's silly things like this that make me glad I don't have them. :rofl:

this thread is moving in waves - no posts and then everyone start to type at the same time, so i have to go back several times to get the whole picture of what is being said...
the light assemblies have a sensor that indicates position of the pivoting projector in relation to the stationary housing, the AHL is being programmed to recognize that location as "zero" at the end of the assembly line (i guess when the car is being calibrated for the wholesale delivery to a dealer) and not entire physical range of the headlight is being used for the entire motion of the projector...

so, yes, the system knows where the starting point is - that brings us to GT1 tool... GT1 supposedly is capable of testing each projector individually... I don't think Chris has a GT1 laying aroung his garage... :(

Ok, I can see gears, but they all look like they're in proper position.

And sadly, no, I don't have a GT1 laying around....:(

Ugh, this is very frustrating when you have to do this (physically) by yourself....
:pullhair:

Any progress? :)

Nope, none yet. :damn:

i am at work, and only have phone access to the site... if the gears are good (tell us how you saw the gears, you pulled the light out?), then we need to swap signals, to follow the problem. can someone help chris with glove compartment removal? i cant search site on the phone to post instructions...

Open glove box, 4 Phillips screws up top. Use straight screw driver to pop out pin for damper, push side of glovebox in to open further. Two more screws are towards the back front corners. Then underneath there are two twist plugs, just turn 90*. Should wiggle out after that....don't forget the wires for the glovebox light and flashlight terminal.

....I've had it out a few times. :p

Lol, gotcha.

I'm at work as well. I'll have to try this when I get home.

chris,
have you had a chance to get the glove compartment out? once you have it out the way, look inthere and try to find this AHL module - look at the part number and picture from earlier in this thread to identify the module...
once you have the module in your hands, disconnect the plug, take it apart (do you know how?), pull the pins (do you know how to?), and swapthem, as per the earlier instructions...

You will need couple small flat head screwdrivers to take the plug apart, and a small pick or a needle to push on the tiny tab on the pin to move it out...

Ok, I don't know how to do all that, but it sounds simple enough.

I'll let you guys know if I run into any problems.

any news?

:popcorn:
I could make a fortune on this thread as the official popcorn seller , anyone , get your popcorn here , this may take some time to resolve .

can i have some popcorn, please? pleeeease?.... is there a beer vendor around here?

I sent him my GT1. I hope it will be a simple diagnosis but you never know. Better hand me some of that popcorn too! :D :rofl:

:popcorn: Here is your popcorn bud, enjoy .
:popcorn:Enjoy, twinspoppa .
I`ll get some beer in a while when I go to the wholesalers for more popcorn .
Cheers the noo .

Just make sure to say no to the kool-aid ;)

Not sure if this is relevant , but while driving my headlights keep adjusting them selves up and down for no reason. Even if i am driving down a perfectly level road the headlights keep going up and down .... any ideas?

^^ Auto-leveling......;)

what do i need to replace? Sensor?

have you recently jacked you car up? Good chance the front sensor arm rectracted/bent/angled the wrong way.

First can you elaborate on that motion of the lights? They will normally self adjust....even on smooth roads. They dip down when accelerating and up when braking.

Like the poster stated if you recently jacked the vehicle up, the arm may have swung the wrong way when lowering it. The same goes for the rear passenger side sensor. Also check to make sure that the joints in the links actually pivot freely. The old style links looked like a sway bar link (rubber boot and grease inside) that do become dry and seized --- the new style ones are a simply plastic link with an aluminum ball/threaded stud. If all checks out you may have a sensor or something larger causing you troubles.

Listen to reckless, especially if you've had recent service.

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