Bi Xenon Headlamps - Function?
08-08-2009, 10:38 AM
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SLK55 AMG, E320 BlueTec, ML350, (formerly) C32 AMG, MR2 Turbo, HD-FLH-FSE, BMW R100RS, Ducati M900
Bi Xenon Headlamps - Function?
I have a question for the masses here. I have a 2003 C32 AMG with the Bi Xenon projector headlamps. I have never driven another MB with these so I am trying to get a description of what they should be doing when they function correctly? Please reply if you own a MB with this option...
When I start my car the headlamps come one and I can see them cycle thru the range of leveling adjustment up and then back down. Low beam seems to function normally albeit the lights are sooooo bright that I routinely pith off the cars in front of me cause they think I am running on high beam until, I pass them and click on the brights, lol
However, when I do click on the brights, they seem to project a significant amount of light upwards and appear to be aimed too high. Note: This is much less noticable when out in dark country or when running at higher speeds. I am only wondering if the high beams are fixed in aim or do they also normally adjust? and if so, what is the normal failure mode? I have wondered for some time if my highbeams are stuck in the up position? or were they simply calibrated for triple digit autobahn speeds out in dark rural country?
Irish
When I start my car the headlamps come one and I can see them cycle thru the range of leveling adjustment up and then back down. Low beam seems to function normally albeit the lights are sooooo bright that I routinely pith off the cars in front of me cause they think I am running on high beam until, I pass them and click on the brights, lol
However, when I do click on the brights, they seem to project a significant amount of light upwards and appear to be aimed too high. Note: This is much less noticable when out in dark country or when running at higher speeds. I am only wondering if the high beams are fixed in aim or do they also normally adjust? and if so, what is the normal failure mode? I have wondered for some time if my highbeams are stuck in the up position? or were they simply calibrated for triple digit autobahn speeds out in dark rural country?
Irish
08-08-2009, 10:50 AM
#2
Member
I have a question for the masses here. I have a 2003 C32 AMG with the Bi Xenon projector headlamps. I have never driven another MB with these so I am trying to get a description of what they should be doing when they function correctly? Please reply if you own a MB with this option...
When I start my car the headlamps come one and I can see them cycle thru the range of leveling adjustment up and then back down. Low beam seems to function normally albeit the lights are sooooo bright that I routinely pith off the cars in front of me cause they think I am running on high beam until, I pass them and click on the brights, lol
However, when I do click on the brights, they seem to project a significant amount of light upwards and appear to be aimed too high. Note: This is much less noticable when out in dark country or when running at higher speeds. I am only wondering if the high beams are fixed in aim or do they also normally adjust? and if so, what is the normal failure mode? I have wondered for some time if my highbeams are stuck in the up position? or were they simply calibrated for triple digit autobahn speeds out in dark rural country?
Irish
When I start my car the headlamps come one and I can see them cycle thru the range of leveling adjustment up and then back down. Low beam seems to function normally albeit the lights are sooooo bright that I routinely pith off the cars in front of me cause they think I am running on high beam until, I pass them and click on the brights, lol
However, when I do click on the brights, they seem to project a significant amount of light upwards and appear to be aimed too high. Note: This is much less noticable when out in dark country or when running at higher speeds. I am only wondering if the high beams are fixed in aim or do they also normally adjust? and if so, what is the normal failure mode? I have wondered for some time if my highbeams are stuck in the up position? or were they simply calibrated for triple digit autobahn speeds out in dark rural country?
Irish
08-08-2009, 02:56 PM
#4
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I think most new cars (specifically german cars) project a lot of high beam light not only farther down the road but up into the trees too. My C55 does it and my mom's 5 series does it too.
I find no issue with it?
I like to see the owls hiding in the trees.
I find no issue with it?
I like to see the owls hiding in the trees.
08-08-2009, 03:21 PM
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2007 E63
Maybe your headlights need to be re-aimed correctly. On bi-xenons, in the low beam projectors a flap/shield moves out of the way and lets the rest of the light be spread out. The high beam on bi-xenons doesn't necessarily get brighter, but rather just lets more light out.
08-08-2009, 03:29 PM
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08-08-2009, 05:21 PM
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2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
I thought my 230 would turn on the halogen high beams and open the beam on the Xenon when you hit the highs. On my c55 I don't get the full beams on the Xenons?? Ive been having trouble with my Xenon's and need to look into it some more. But I remember when I hit the highs on the 230, you could hear something move in the headlight when the engine was off. Nothing on the c55.
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08-08-2009, 05:53 PM
#8
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I thought my 230 would turn on the halogen high beams and open the beam on the Xenon when you hit the highs. On my c55 I don't get the full beams on the Xenons?? Ive been having trouble with my Xenon's and need to look into it some more. But I remember when I hit the highs on the 230, you could hear something move in the headlight when the engine was off. Nothing on the c55.
most other companies just open the lens on the xenon projector as can be seen here
08-08-2009, 06:01 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Many cars still have high beam halogens because you need to be able to flash when your low beam HID's aren't on (night time low beam).
Also, some cars use the bi-xenon high's only when full on, not the pull-back flashing.
Also, some cars use the bi-xenon high's only when full on, not the pull-back flashing.
08-08-2009, 06:02 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Many cars still have high beam halogens because you need to be able to flash when your low beam HID's aren't on (night time low beam).
Also, some cars use the bi-xenon high's only when full on, not the pull-back flashing.
Also, some cars use the bi-xenon high's only when full on, not the pull-back flashing.
08-08-2009, 06:07 PM
#11
Super Member
check out the audi vid i posted. looks like only the HID kicks on for a high beam "flash to pass" even with the lows turned off. what you say makes sense, considering it takes a moment for HID's to warm up to full brightness.
08-09-2009, 12:10 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yea, that's not right. I wonder if that's aftermarket or stock. And if so, I wonder if he's doing the actual flash to pass (pull back the spring loaded lever), or if he's quickly turning off and on the full high beam. If so, that's a real good way to mess up your bulbs and ballasts.
