Headlight adjustment for France on X5

Hey,

I'm not familiar with the Bi-Xenon Setup, but on the E39 Halogen and Xenon units, there is a circular cap on the top of each light unit which you can twist and lift off to reveal a lever within the light unit. If you move the lever to the other side (it will only move one way for you), it will flatten the cut off line of the lights - so it will be suitable for driving on the continent. I imagine the X5 shouldn't be much different.

Post some photos when you figure it out - might be of use to others here!

Enjoy the trip!

blaze wrote: I may just get some stickers. Might be easier. I see halfords sell then at a tenner. Saves having to re fix them too when I get back.

If the lights on the X5 are any way similar to the E39, it's a one minute job... and it's free!


Edited by denishogan

AFAIK there are some issues with discolouration on xenon lights when the patches are used due to the heat generated under the patch.

Just to add to beemerchris' concerns; I used Halfords beam-
benders for my non-Xenon lights last summer and have a
partial circular line consistent with the circumference of
the stickers, etched into the glass of both my headlight;
will not be using again!

I also seem to have a memory of reading somewhere that
beam-benders were unsuitable for Xenons.

I don't plan to do any night driving it more just to prove I've conformed with the regulations. Also I assume its only an issue if I use full beams which again is even less likely.

denishogan wrote: Halogens run noticeably hotter than Xenons, which may account for the lines on your headlight. Have you tried using a bit of petrol/solvent to see if you can get rid of the lines? (be careful if the lens is plastic not glass)

I have tried polishing the glass but there is actually nothing on the surface. Having thought some more about it, I think the glass might be cracked; it looks like it's cracked. I run my car with Osram Nightbreaker bulbs and while they are 55watt like standard they do run hotter. Interestingly, it is the same in both headlights.

I might try to take a picture and post it.

denishogan - I tried to photograph it but it is very
difficult due to a combination of bright sun (not
complaining!) and the pitting, crud and insects.

I have angled the shot so as to put the mark just below
the reflector. It is actually not cracked but marked, in
the polycarbonate.

The mark scribes the exact position of the beam-bender.

Right lens

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr/3328/3657037436_4322b
c8a72.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr/3376/3657038190_e0bb5
d5d50.jpg[/IMG]

Left lens
[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr/3379/3656244675_96a2c
f076a.jpg[/IMG]

Might try again later, in different lighting conditions.

Edited by larzyh

whats the flickr gallery address?