Help! Headlights drop while driving
 

sorry to add another thread, but I can't find anything on this...

I have a 2005 4.4. While driving at night the headlights will just drop down, point low. Sometimes it my be a bump that causes it and then bump might level them out. Both sides do this and they continue to follow the steering direction (left/right). Any ideas? I thought it might be the motor, but then why would both be doing the same thing? Has to be a controller or CPU thing, yes?

thanks
Kevin

I'm assuming you have adaptive headlights? Sounds like they are operating as intended (they are supposed to point into turns), and self leveling is a feature of the headlights too.

Ricky Bobby, yes they are adaptive. I'm aware of the left/right, but until recently they haven't dropped down during driving. I can be on level ground and then they point down, sometimes come right back to normal position. It's almost like they are going to the home position?? take it to the dealer? I don't have any warning lights, but not sure this would throw one.

thanks

Unfortunately I don't have much knowledge on the adaptive headlights, it sounds to me like you are having a problem with leveling but i'm not sure why, it could be the motor in the headlight, it could be the auto-level sensor on the control arm is loose, not really sure.

do you have access to GT1/DIS to do some diagnostics of the headlight?

I have the package from Shawn at bimmerfest which includes INPA, NCS Expert, Tool32, WinKFP, but I just received it and having trouble getting it to talk to my vehicles. Do you use GT1/DIS? Can you point me in the direction to get and use it?

I believe the auto-leveling sensor may be the problem. I'll see if I can find it on the diagrams.
thanks

I would do a scan on DIS it should bring any faults up, including faults in the lighting module. If you do a full scan of the X show us some screen shots of the errors that are logged, if there are leveling errors they should be posted.

I'm not sure why I didn't think of this earlier...guess I didn't realize how everything is tied together. I recently replaced the boots on the front axles. There is a level sensor on the axle. Maybe I did not put it back exactly the way it came off. I'll check that in the next day or two and reply.
The left/right sensor is on the steering
The up/down sensor is on the suspension

Thanks for the suggestions.
Kevin

:iagree:. This sensor which is mounted to the front suspension may be loose.

Ditto Quicksilver. The HID's vertical aim sensor is usually the issue when the headlights droop downward.

The video below is of an e39...but the e38, e39 & e53 HID headlamp levelers are similar (except for the adaptive left/right movement found on some e53s)...the video goes underneath to show how the leveler is attached.

I've also seen some e53 DIYs where the arm has gone in the wrong direction when the suspension was lifted...and the leveler connection just needed to be corrected back to the right direction of movement...click this link to a thread that discusses this issue: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-problems.html


Click this link to watch video: Xenon Headlight Leveling Connection-rod BMW 525 E39 - YouTube

Thanks all! I just took a quick look and the arm is pointing down, not horizontal. When I get it home I'll jack it up and adjust it.
thanks again!

Here's another view showing some additional issues to be aware of. I believe my sensor could use some additional
adjustment as the headlights don't really adjust up and down while driving like the CEO's 5 series. Perhaps there have
been factory installation positions over the years that are a bit different.
What happens is suspension work is done and while the sensor is put back and installed in the same position perhaps it's
not quite as it should be. Maybe the linkage where it's attached to the tie rod may require moving away from the sensor.

At any rate it's something i've thinking of tackling because my lights don't operate the way i believe they should.

Maybe someone could take a picture of a 2005 4.4 Non sports model sensor and I can compare it.
While my sensor is in the right place (forward) it's doesn't look exactly as it does in the reference photo with the red arrow.
My sensor arm is very high and the linkage arm is vertical. :dunno:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eadlights.html

I jacked it up and adjusted it. I've driven it so far it seems to have fixed it.

Thanks for all the suggestions and links.

KEvin

Great job guys! That's what this forum is for!

the lights were operating as designed, as RB mentioned - these lights are designed with FailSafe feature, when a controlled component fails, the lights will point downward in order to NOT blind the incoming traffic... same with a fog light coming on when the regular lowbeam is burnt out... or, at least so they say... lol...

:thumbup: Thanks for the update/resolution. :)