Headlamp adjustment

[awj85]

My x5 has been in for its mot today.  Failed on headlamps.  Apparently they were pointing in all directions.  From me visually looking at the headlamps with the bonnet up i can see no way of adjusting them.  So I took my HIDs out and fitted the standard bulbs and its now passed. 

Anyone kindly post a photo of where the adjustments are made?
Thank u

[Sanj]

White plastic phillips screw head (without checking).

Check the HID bulbs are also inserted the correct way round. When on, the light on the lens should be a 'u' shape, not an 'n'.

[Ubatoid]

I may be wrong but if you have standard HIDs the adjustment is from the top via a black hex socket but if standard halogens then they are adjusted from the back of the light as Sanj says - white cross head screw

[Sanj]

I've assumed this is an aftermarket kit fitted.

White as Ubatoid has advised - cheers buddy.

[awj85]

thanks for that, i have fitted this HID kit http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h1-55w-new ... -kit-slim/ i dont think the headlights fitted are the original genuine. im still not able to see thou exactly where they are adjusted from and the MOT tester didn't bother to offer to adjust them so i simply put the original bulbs back in.

[X5Sport]

No those don't appear to be the pre(or post) facelift OEM light units, which may well explain the beam pattern issues.  The OEM pre-facelift lights have orange indicator lenses.

Is there any indication on the bulbs themselves as to whether they are type 'R' or 'S'?  As those lights appear to have projectors the bulbs should be a type 'S'.  The 'R' type being for reflector units and have a different focal point and an area masked off to control stray light. 

Similarly if the H1 emission capsule (where the arc 'burns) is in the wrong place compared to the filament of a conventional H1 bulb, then the beam will not stay in limits.  The MOT rules around aftermarket HIDs changed at the beginning of 2012 especially when used with non-OEM light units due to excessive glare and strange light 'hot spots'.  Might be a simple fix though..like fitting normal bulbs for the MOT....

Richard

[awj85]

lol yep thats what i did richard.  thing is, they are so much brighter than the original bulbs i dont want to blind other road users.  i need to get them sorted really.  i will have the bulbs out tomorrow and see if there is any markings on them which indicate whether theyare S or R.

[Raj]

As Rich has said they are definitely aftermarket lights as they projectors for both beams.

Hopefully not too expensive to get the hid kit working correctly. Does sound like the bulbs are incorrect for the particular headlights you now have.

[awj85]

Ah bugger nothing is ever simple.  What to u think I'd need to get the kit working correctly?  Cannot see any idication on the bulb as to whether they are S or R ?

Might just sell the HIDs and put some brighter H1 bulbs in.  O:-)

[X5Sport]

H1R bulbs look like this with a screen around part of the bulb.  No screen and it's an 'S' bulb.

I suspect the lamp unit was designed for filament bulbs and getting it to produce the acceptable beam pattern with HIDs may be a challenge.  The two bulb families have different designs and need specifically shaped light chambers to cope in a lot of cases.  Unless marked ECE R98 (the HID approval regulation number) then fitting of HIDs may not work - which I feel may be what you have just discovered....

The rules were tightened in 2012 and HIDs are now covered whereas previously it was a grey area.  If you still want HIDs, you can always try sourcing a pair of light units from a second hand parts supplier?

Richard

[awj85]

tbh i cannot be bothered with them anymore, hence they are for sale. i will go back to the orginal cheapo bulbs.  having said that, if i can lay my hands on some genuine lights which will fit and and suitable with hids i wouldnt say no.  )

[pvr]

Wow Richard, another source of useful info  )

Your 9 months laying on your back - been studying a lot?  ::)

[X5Sport]

[quote="pvr"]
Wow Richard, another source of useful info  )

Your 9 months laying on your back - been studying a lot?  ::)
[/quote]
I left out the bit about the orientation of the light source.......   :sorry:

Given the state of the IT Industry (well the bit I'm in), I actually am looking for a new job.  Technical Manager for BMW perhaps?.. :type:

[Sanj]

[quote="awj85"]if i can lay my hands on some genuine lights which will fit and and suitable with hids i wouldnt say no.  )
[/quote]

Drop Lezmtaylor a PM and you might be lucky!