headlights not raising properly
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
clk 320
headlights not raising properly
Hello all,
I am new to the forum and just wanted toask a simple question. I just had a "B" service done and when the car was returned the headlights on low beam seem to reach about 35 feet in front of the car and it makes for dangerous driving at night. is there any adjustment that I can perform to raise the headlights to an acceptable level?
thanks,
graybeard
I am new to the forum and just wanted toask a simple question. I just had a "B" service done and when the car was returned the headlights on low beam seem to reach about 35 feet in front of the car and it makes for dangerous driving at night. is there any adjustment that I can perform to raise the headlights to an acceptable level?
thanks,
graybeard
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
clk 320
thank you for the reply, I was told I have the xenon headlights. I removed the cap behind the headlight and couldn't see any adjustment inside, however, there were some large plastic (3/8" or so) threaded knobs with screw heads that were located just outside of the light enclosure that appeared to possibly be an adjuster, when i turned it, it didn't seem to make any difference in the height of the light beams.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 2
From: New York City
Yo Momma
thats probably for right and left adjustment, there must be other two that adjust height. Put your light switch on auto and turn the car and if your lights move up and down then you have bixenons. I think thats one on how to tell and the other when turning high beams on the xenon lights should cut off a little.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
clk 320
when I start the car, the lights dip and return. Before the "B" service it was really noticeable, now, it just barely moves down and then up again. there are two adjustment screws at each light. one is unprotected, the other is cover by a removeable white piece of plastic.
thanks for talking me through this,
graybeard
thanks for talking me through this,
graybeard
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Derby Kansas
2004 CLK 500
Bumping this since I am having this issue. I would adjust them myself but is there many issues with the auto leveling sensor? I have read on other models having some issues and also if people are doing a retrofit being recommended not worrying about the damn thing.
My cutoff is literally 15 feet in front, that is absolutely horrible. Has anyone else recently had any issues with the bi's not being focused properly and the result was the auto level sensor being bad? Or did you just adjust the light yourself?
My cutoff is literally 15 feet in front, that is absolutely horrible. Has anyone else recently had any issues with the bi's not being focused properly and the result was the auto level sensor being bad? Or did you just adjust the light yourself?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Delaware Ohio
'06 CLK500 '10 C63
Just installed the bi-xenons in my CLK500. I have both the curve and non-curve type, but went with the older non curve as they do not involve wiring changes. Just pull your car about 15-20 feet from a flat surface like a wall or garage door and turn the knobs using a large screwdriver. You can watch the movements and line them up yourself. Use both knobs to get the light pattern to match and be even. Then go out and drive and see how it looks. If they are too high you will know as everybody will flash you. turn them down a little until nobody flashes you. Its not that hard and in 30 minutes you will have done it yourself and saved a couple hundred bucks.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Derby Kansas
2004 CLK 500
Just installed the bi-xenons in my CLK500. I have both the curve and non-curve type, but went with the older non curve as they do not involve wiring changes. Just pull your car about 15-20 feet from a flat surface like a wall or garage door and turn the knobs using a large screwdriver. You can watch the movements and line them up yourself. Use both knobs to get the light pattern to match and be even. Then go out and drive and see how it looks. If they are too high you will know as everybody will flash you. turn them down a little until nobody flashes you. Its not that hard and in 30 minutes you will have done it yourself and saved a couple hundred bucks.
I know how to adjust the headlights. That wasnt what I was asking. I asked if it is the auto level sensor if people would just manually adjust them or take it to the dealer. I have a warranty so I would be covered.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
Sorry for bringin up a thread from last year but did you ever resolve this? I've had the smae problem for the last 2 years, and my mechanic hasn't been able to figure it out even though I keep telling him to just change the leveling sensor. Anyone else ave any new info..maybe do it yourself info?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine, TX
2006 CLK 350 Coupe
Had the same issue with the passenger side headlight occasionally not autoleveling. Apparently it was some sort of problem with the xenon ignitor and I had it replaced under warranty.... 2 weeks later it started happening again so I'm assuming there's some sort of short in the system causing it.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY
2003 CLK500
i have a similar problem my xenon lights literally project about 10 -12 feet of light max im gonna try the ajusting that some of you guys mention my lights are really bright i have bixenon and hid in fogs and they are really bright but part of the problem is i think they face down so i get only about 10-12 feet of light ahead of me its annoying hope the adjusting works if not im guessing its the auto level ?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine, TX
2006 CLK 350 Coupe
Yeah I also have the Adaptive Bi-Xenons. Since its the passenger side beam, one can clearly see where the beam pattern dips down several feet, projecting only a few yards ahead of the car at night: it's annoying.
One thing that seems to work is if I notice the beam pattern is not level after starting the car, I shut the car off for 30 seconds (with the headlights set to automatic) then restart the car. 9 times out of 10 this works and both headlights level out fine.
Seems like it's the only electrical gremlin with this car so far.
One thing that seems to work is if I notice the beam pattern is not level after starting the car, I shut the car off for 30 seconds (with the headlights set to automatic) then restart the car. 9 times out of 10 this works and both headlights level out fine.
Seems like it's the only electrical gremlin with this car so far.
