Headlight self levelling fun

[DeeNuttyDJ]

Good morning everyone
Thought I’d return to this lovely community for some information and see if anyone can advise
My bmw has the lovely self leveling headlights that everyone loves (not)
Anyway long story short recently I replaced the arm ( as it was broke ) and never had a issue.. till recently I’d be driving along some dippy country roads up and down the usual, lights would hit the floor and be super dipped.. then correct themselfs and then not do it for a a while till now they would self level on start be at the right level and then soon as I hit the road down again. Which is annoying when I do a ton of night time driving
So inspected the sensor thought I’d have the lights on in the dark, I’m under there with some tools decided let’s test something took the arm off that attached to the bar and thought let’s move it and see if it actually works.. funny enough no matter how much I moved it up and down the lights didn’t really move at all, frustrating.. so suppose in the day time I need to try get the model number off it and seek a new sensor as in theory the sensor seems rather fluffed. Anyway another question does the rear sensors have any input on this ? Air bags seem to work normal level is fine there’s been no major ride height changes but maybe the compensate for the sensor not working on the front ? I’ve now disconnected the front sensor and readjusted the front headlights so now I can drive at night, any input would be appreciated and if anyone has any images of how it should look once I do seek a new sensor to replace the said duffed one


Kind regards
Andrew

[X5Sport]

I think the system uses both sensors - it would need to in the case of a heavy load in the back.

These might help….

IMG_3081.jpeg (134.22 KiB) Viewed 1933 times

IMG_3082.jpeg (124.88 KiB) Viewed 1933 times

[DeeNuttyDJ]

Thanks for that mate, I suspect my front sensor has failed as even when it’s plugged in don’t function. It was working for a while, gradually got worse and then ended up being on the floor, rear sensors seem to be doing the job, no level issues and sensors all seem operational ( checked via diag) voltages seem fine. Going to double check the rear sensors make sure a bar ain’t fell off or something, and ordered a replacement to replace the front one ( don’t worry it’s a bmw original part and not a copy ha ha )

[henrym3]

I wasn’t aware the rear sensors played any part in headlight levelling. They keep the rear at a constant level via the air bags no matter what the load.

[DeeNuttyDJ]

I wasn’t aware the rear sensors played any part in headlight levelling. They keep the rear at a constant level via the air bags no matter what the load.

me either but, issues only occasionally appeared when it was the front sensor at fault new one ordered, repair it next week for now it’s unplugged and lights lifted so I can drive it at night

[X5Sport]

I’m not guaranteeing it does (or doesn’t) but it might, emphasis on the might. If the front sensor changes everything back to normal then job done

[DeeNuttyDJ]

I’m not guaranteeing it does (or doesn’t) but it might, emphasis on the might. If the front sensor changes everything back to normal then job done

fingers crossed !

[Alan Gunn]

Is the rear one not called a headlight level sensor in realoem.
Had to buy one some time ago and sure that was what they called it so it might play a part in the headlight leveling ???.

[henrym3]

You’re absolutely right, I just looked at the parts catalog and they call the rear sensors as headlight vertical aim. You learn some every day. Should have known that X5Sport was right.