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Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:52 pm
by Imy
I recently replaced my crappy halogen units for some second hand xenon projectors. They came with the ballasts and bulbs.
I dont think the self levellin is working, and also when I use the light height adjuster in the car nothing happens.

Has anyone got any experience of this and any rectifications?

Thanks in advance

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:56 pm
by Sanj
That's right buddy - the Xenon equipped cars never had a height adjuster (the switch was different too). They're self levelling in OEM fitments.

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 3:23 pm
by X5Sport
Are the levelling system wires connected in the headlight units?  Any sound from the drive/stepper motor assembly?  Did you get the Xenon control unit that is also needed for OEM light units - not sure if that is part of the OEM Ballast Assembly or not?

This Data Sheet might help.......

Richard

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 4:13 pm
by Imy
Thanks guys.

Richard Il check through the documents when I get home. When I start the car the lights come on and nothing happens. When I try and adjust the height with the control unit next to steering wheel, again nothing happens, does this mean i need to do extra work?

I just assumed that as I got all OEM parts that it would work no problem.

Edit: Sanj was there no manual adjustment switch for xenons inside the car then?

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:55 pm
by X5Sport
No prob, and no there is no manual adjust on OEM Xenon equipped versions.  The regs require new builds to have auto height adjust and headlight washers.

The lamp units should have a little stepper motor inside which is connected to the Xenon light electronics.  It may just be a case of plugging it in.  :)

The document does say E38 but actually has a diagram showing an E53 light unit in it.

Richard

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 11:33 am
by Imy
Richard,

Its definitely plugged in  >:D

Ball ache as I think they are pointed too high, i adjusted them manually but still doesnt look right.

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:34 pm
by Black X5
I did this on my pre- facelift E53.

Just plug and play- and the manual adjuster worked fine from the dashboard.

As said already- the motors should be heard to move. Also they are switched on, mine from memory used to move up and down, before resting at their set position.

If all wires are connected and the previous lights worked correctly I'd say there is a problem with the lights.

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 7:54 pm
by Pope
Imy

How easy/hard was it to fit the headlight units..??

I'm thinking of doing the same conversion to my 2009 none xenon E70, so any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and does anyone know whats the difference between Xenon and Bi-Xenon light units??

Cheers

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:04 pm
by X5Sport
It usually means they provide both dip and main beams from one bulb.  The beam pattern is altered by a mechanical shutter that moves out of the way when the main beam is selected.

That is certainly what is fitted to my X6 and Mini, both equipped with OEM Bi-Xenon lamp systems.  The X6 has no 'inner' main beam lamp as the H8 angel eye source is in that position.  The inner projector is fake for maintaining a 'brand face' for the car.  Pointless IMHO and much better used as a proper main beam projector.

Richard

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:18 pm
by Pope
Ah, right oh Richard, thanks for clearing that up.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Xenon's self levelling?

Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:44 pm
by Pope
Calling Imy..

Having got myself a pair of Xenon headlight units complete. I'm now having trouble finding a Garage willing to do the upgrade (in Luton).

Did you fit yours, or did a garage do it for you, if so can you tell which garage you used??

any help info greatly appreciated.