Auto-levelling headlights
Auto-levelling headlights
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Discussion

AB

Original Poster:

20,461 posts

224 months

Friday 18th March 2011
quotequote all
Has anyone had theirs play up?

I noticed yesterday as I left a lit road onto a country road that I could see absolutely feck all and that the headlights just seemed to be pointing at the road.

I pulled over, turned the lights and engine off, and then turned them back on again and it auto-levelled! I could then see where I was going.

It happened again on the way home. For some reason they seem a bit temperamental.

I don't even know where to start with this one! Could be sensors, knackered motor maybe?

I've also noticed that the bulbs seem to be getting a bit dimmer. Any idea on cost of replacing 2x BMW xenon bulbs and whether it's a DIY job for someone with a lesser ability in the 'hands on' department?


AndytS6

18 posts

186 months

Friday 18th March 2011
quotequote all
it's going to be pricey! eek

ensignia

946 posts

264 months

Friday 18th March 2011
quotequote all
Bulbs can be bought cheap enough from eBay, but the levelling sensors aren't cheap, especially if bought from main dealer. It might just be that the motors are slightly sticky or that the levelling arms on the suspension have corroded.

Mine used to play up in cold weather when the air was dense and misty. This was on a VW though.

loafer123

16,706 posts

244 months

Friday 18th March 2011
quotequote all
AB said:
Has anyone had theirs play up?

I noticed yesterday as I left a lit road onto a country road that I could see absolutely feck all and that the headlights just seemed to be pointing at the road.

I pulled over, turned the lights and engine off, and then turned them back on again and it auto-levelled! I could then see where I was going.

It happened again on the way home. For some reason they seem a bit temperamental.

I don't even know where to start with this one! Could be sensors, knackered motor maybe?

I've also noticed that the bulbs seem to be getting a bit dimmer. Any idea on cost of replacing 2x BMW xenon bulbs and whether it's a DIY job for someone with a lesser ability in the 'hands on' department?
I had this happen about 2 months ago. Check your battery - it may be on its way out...

anonymous-user

83 months

Friday 18th March 2011
quotequote all
There's front and back axle sensors on my motor to keep the headlights level, when the rear one rusted away I was illuminating low flying aircraft for a while.

AB

Original Poster:

20,461 posts

224 months

Saturday 19th March 2011
quotequote all
It's getting worse.

Could hardly see last night when driving down a country lane.

How expensive are we talking for the sensor?

Either way, it needs some money spending!

shuvitupya

3,331 posts

246 months

Saturday 19th March 2011
quotequote all
AB said:
It's getting worse.

Could hardly see last night when driving down a country lane.

How expensive are we talking for the sensor?

Either way, it needs some money spending!
The rear sensor on my car was about £90 plus half hour labour when I had it replaced due to lights pointing down.

AB

Original Poster:

20,461 posts

224 months

Saturday 19th March 2011
quotequote all
Oh well that's not too bad.