Member Since: 07 May 2007
Location: South East Essex
Posts: 2858
I've noticed my factory fit xenon lights (on dipped) are not set to the same level - tested on a white wall about 5 metres away.
should they be identically level ???
The right hand lamp is higher than the left i.e. the 'flat top' of the lights
Is this a dealer issue to get them set correctly ?
or if not, should I attempt this myself ? if so ..
cotefarmboy wrote:
There are some beam adjuster nuts on the back of the units, white plastic surround and I think an 8 or 9mm nut.
are you able to do this with the lights in-situ?
TIA
6th Jan 2008 9:25 am
Fish
Member Since: 21 Oct 2007
Location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Posts: 78
It's easier to release the catchs and hold in place, take out a little adjust and push back in, etc etc till it is right... No need to unplug etc and you can use the home light on the remote to switch the lights on each time to check how it is going.
The tops of the beams should be different (slightly) due to the beam pattern pointing slightly to the right hand side of the road and lighting the kerb not into the face of traffic. hence the left right adjustment for continental driving.
Not saying yours didn't need adjusting - just in answer to later post, they should not be "flat-topped"."To finish first, one first has to finish ...."
6th Jan 2008 9:23 pm
TazDaz
Member Since: 07 May 2007
Location: South East Essex
Posts: 2858
OK so I have no idea what is the correct setting - this is what my light pattern looks like now
I fitted Xenons as replacements for halogen headlights, and I'm pretty sure the beam is too low on dipped beam as the light pattern stops about 20 metres in front of the vehicle. As you know, with Xenons the edge of the light pattern is very defined in low beam, so beyond 20 metres I can't see the road at all at night, which can make driving on Dartmoor against oncoming traffic quite exciting at night . The nearside beam is even lower than the offside. Does anyone have any advice on how to set them correctly? I'm happy with the location of the adjuster screws, but not sure if theres a good way to visually set the beam heights other than trial and error. How far ahead should the low beam pattern reach on a flat and level road? Should both beams be level with each other, or 1 higher than the other? Any useful advice appreciated Previously:
2005 D3 2.7 TDV6 S
1984 90 2.25 Petrol CSW
1992 90 200TDi Hard Top
1995 Discovery ES 300TDi
2003 90 TD5 Truck Cab
10th Jan 2009 3:50 pm
London Lad
Member Since: 27 May 2008
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 505
Here's an interesting point. I have had adaptive xenons on 3 cars now, two x5s and the current D3.
All 3 cars were UK main dealer supplied from new.
On the x5s to convert for use on the continent you had to move two levers just like the D3, this placed shutters in front on the beam and cut some of it off.
On the D3 when the levers are in the UK mode (up) the shutters are in place in front of the beam. When you put them into 'Continental' mode the shutters are removed from the beam!
Now I have never thought the D3 headlamps were very good on dipped beam, could it be that we all have 'continental' headlamps with the shutters down??.
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You should never argue with idiots because they will just drag you down to their level....then beat you with experience !
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. The nearside beam is even lower than the offside. Does anyone have any advice on how to set them correctly? I'm happy with the location of the adjuster screws, but not sure if theres a good way to visually set the beam heights other than trial and error. How far ahead should the low beam pattern reach on a flat and level road? Should both beams be level with each other, or 1 higher than the other? Any useful advice appreciated 
