Xenon headlight adjustment?

[slovcan]

Hi folks,

Our MK2 Facelift has Xenon lights with the automatic adjusters. What I noticed when driving at night for the first time is that the low beam (dipped) looks to be adjusted perfectly, but the high beam (main) seems more interested in lighting up the treetops. The auto adjust levers on the control arms seem to be OK (although the front has had a backyard repair ala tie wraps by the PO).

Can the high beams be adjusted manually and independently of the low beams?

Thanks,
Glenn

[klarzy]

Are they oem headlights with xenon or reflectors with HID burners fitted?

[klarzy]

Also are the high beam lamps fitted correctly?

[slovcan]

Originally Posted by klarzy

Are they oem headlights with xenon or reflectors with HID burners fitted?

I'm sure they are OEM lights. They have the words "Xenon Technology" written inside the reflector and the automatic adjusters on the suspension.

Originally Posted by klarzy

Also are the high beam lamps fitted correctly?

Now, this I don't know. The car has just passed the Originality Inspection (for an import from Germany) and the STK (like your MOT). If they are not fitted correctly the same mistake was made on both bulbs because the high beam level is equal, just way too high as I see it. Low beams are equal and the level looks exactly correct to me.

Cheers,
Glenn

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by slovcan

Can the high beams be adjusted manually and independently of the low beams?

Hello Glenn,
The answer to this question is no. The relative beam angles between the main beam and the low beam is fixed by the internal construction of the lamp. Both bulbs (or for Xenons, the high-bulb and the low-HID burner) are held in fixed positions by holders on the relfector unit. The reflector is mounted on ball joints that allow it to be rotated horizontally and vertically.



This gives you the basic aim settings around which the auto-adjusters (xenon) or the interior thumbwheel adjuster moves the beams (up/down). Assuming everything is fitted correctly and in OEM condition, then the problem you describe is due to setting the dipped beams too high. This is a regularly mentioned issue about the design of the dipped lamps. People often complain that they're simly set too low. Of course if you raise the dipped beam, you automatically raise the main beam. There's little you can do about that without changing something. It's sometime's the result of the HIDs being passed their best.

TC

[slovcan]

Thank you TC.Maybe I will try to lower the assembly by one turn on the manual adjuster and see how that looks. I expect I will just have to find a happy medium.

Cheers,
Glenn

[klarzy]

If it comes from Germany, the dipped beam pattern may need reversing to comply with UK pattern.

[slovcan]

Originally Posted by klarzy

If it comes from Germany, the dipped beam pattern may need reversing to comply with UK pattern.

Thanks Klarzy. It would, but I am actually in Slovakia, so all is good.

Cheers,
Glenn

[slovcan]

OK, job done. I adjusted the right side headlight down 4 turns on the vertical adjuster screw - 4 turns! I'll go for a quick drive now that it's getting dark, but at dusk against the garage door they look pretty darn close to perfect now.

Drive done. Those are some VERY good lights - especially now that they point where they're supposed to.

Cheers,
Glenn