Automatic levelling headlamps
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Happy Boston, MA
2002 SLK 320
Automatic levelling headlamps
Just out of interest, can someone explain the automatic levelling technology that MB implements in their xenon headlamps?
I think it looks kind of interesting the way the lamps dip when you switch off the engine and then realign themselves when you start up again? What's the purpose of this? Does it make small adjustments continually during driving?
Thx
I think it looks kind of interesting the way the lamps dip when you switch off the engine and then realign themselves when you start up again? What's the purpose of this? Does it make small adjustments continually during driving?
Thx
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Joined: Oct 2002
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'96 E320 (W210)
Legal requirement
Actually, it's a requirement for cars in Germany that xenon lights need to be auto-levelling, as the blinding potential for xenons (if misaligned) is extreme.
Yes, you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. The lights adjust during driving, and in particular to load changes.
Yes, you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. The lights adjust during driving, and in particular to load changes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
Citroën
I actually prefer the self-levelling suspension of the DS21, which accopmlplishes exactly the same thing as self-levelling headlights, but it had some fringe benefits too 
Mind you, the DS never came with Xenon lights. However, they did have turning high beam lights starting in August 1966, 36 years before a couple of well-known German car manufacturers are about to unleash a similar feature in some of their higher-end cars...
Mind you, the DS never came with Xenon lights. However, they did have turning high beam lights starting in August 1966, 36 years before a couple of well-known German car manufacturers are about to unleash a similar feature in some of their higher-end cars...
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SF Bay Area
C240 - 6 speed
And way before the wonderful but interesting Citroen, Tuckers had turning headlights too.
I always found the Citroen's quirky myself, with the single attachment UFO steering wheel and all.
I always found the Citroen's quirky myself, with the single attachment UFO steering wheel and all.
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From: New Jersey
2008 C300 Sport
Originally posted by bora
And way before the wonderful but interesting Citroen, Tuckers had turning headlights too.
And way before the wonderful but interesting Citroen, Tuckers had turning headlights too.
