Headlight Level check
02-22-2019, 10:48 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Headlight Level check
How do you check the level of the headlight beams? I have the bi xenon code 615 with cornering function. WIS headlight adjustment document sends me to DAS. and the instructions from an older thread: Control Units/Body/Headlamp Range Adjustment/List of all Guided Tests/Sensors/Zero Position Adjustment of Axle or Level Sensors moves the low beams up and down a couple of times and rests in the middle. It looks more like a motor range check similar to the HVAC flap motors rather than a zeroing of the default position. And one beam is still higher than the other one and I think that both of them are higher than what it should be, I am getting no light on the road.
Is there somewhere an indication about the inclination of the beam, or a printed grid to help you position the the beams?
Thank you
Is there somewhere an indication about the inclination of the beam, or a printed grid to help you position the the beams?
Thank you
02-22-2019, 01:54 PM
#2
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'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Here is a technique I use on my Miata but I use white sheets on the wall of my garage...
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...ust-headlights
Internet search will pull up more info.
Also consider that your front suspension might be miscalibrated (assuming your E500 has Airmatic). If the front suspension is too high, it will lift the headlight beams. Front control arms should be between 3.1* (lowest suspension setting) to 4.1* (highest suspension setting). One headlight apparently angled too high does make it sound like a headlight issue.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...ust-headlights
Internet search will pull up more info.
Also consider that your front suspension might be miscalibrated (assuming your E500 has Airmatic). If the front suspension is too high, it will lift the headlight beams. Front control arms should be between 3.1* (lowest suspension setting) to 4.1* (highest suspension setting). One headlight apparently angled too high does make it sound like a headlight issue.
02-22-2019, 02:47 PM
#3
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I don't think that applies because the headlights are supposed to autolevel for the bixenons. It's supposed to adjust automatically if your suspension is low for whatever reason. One beam slightly higher than the other is supposed to be normal so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers.
02-22-2019, 09:52 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Strong up close. The left should be lower for oncoming traffic.
I’ve placed both the W211 and the R230 against the garage door and then backed them about 25 feet. First picture shows the W211 1 ft away, the left headlight is only 1/2” higher than the right. At 25 ft. the left headlight is about 8” higher than the right. They are both way dimmer and higher than the SL.
02-23-2019, 10:40 AM
#5
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I've been checking headlights the way Gafitanu shows for decades.
For easy referral, when I am close to door/wall I put a piece of masking tape on the center of beam.
For easy referral, when I am close to door/wall I put a piece of masking tape on the center of beam.
02-23-2019, 01:50 PM
#6
Super Member
I have a 615 car as well and on each side on the front radiator support close to the hood latch there's an opening that leads to a 6mm plastic socket below to adjust the height of each headlight with a 6mm hex wrench. As far as aiming I use a garage wall, tape, and tape measure, and then drive around and adjust as necessary. You need to measure at the cut-off, though, not the high-right point.
