SL/R231: Headlight adjustment?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 76
Likes: 29
From: Arlington, TX
2018 SL 450, 2019 Volvo XC40
Headlight adjustment?
Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, but are everyone's left and right headlights adjusted to the same level? On my 2018 SL450 I notice that the left (driver's side) headlight is aimed a few degrees lower than the right.
I assume they should be at the same level like every other car I've ever had -- but I'll admit part of me has thought that maybe this is some advanced German feature to minimize the glare in the eyes of oncoming drivers. :-)
Anyone have any experience with how these are adjusted and whether I should attempt it myself or take it to the dealer? Thanks!
I assume they should be at the same level like every other car I've ever had -- but I'll admit part of me has thought that maybe this is some advanced German feature to minimize the glare in the eyes of oncoming drivers. :-)
Anyone have any experience with how these are adjusted and whether I should attempt it myself or take it to the dealer? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 6
From: Dallas, TX
2016 Mercedes E250 Bluetec Designo
My 13 SL550 has the same "feature"? I am actually taking my car to a trusted indie to have it looked at next week. Will advise to what I learn.
I know the 18 and 13 headlights will be slightly different, but it may still be good info. It does look like the top of the headlights have some sort of adjustment.
I know the 18 and 13 headlights will be slightly different, but it may still be good info. It does look like the top of the headlights have some sort of adjustment.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
Does this car have headlight auto-leveling? If so, I can't guarantee if the procedure outlined below will be effective or not, but it has always worked for me...even on a VW that did have auto-leveling.
On the upper/outer headlight mount under the hood, right next to the mount fastening screw there is a "bullseye" hole in the black mount webbing that's a few inches directly above the white nylon height adjuster. You just insert your hex key (I believe they're usually 6mm) through the bullseye and into the adjuster. If you point the car at a wall, garage door, etc. with the low beams on while you're adjusting, you'll quickly see which way you want to turn the adjuster. Try 1/4 turn at a time, and keep count of the number of tweaks you give it in case you want to return to where you started. Also, remember that a seemingly tiny difference on your chosen door/wall/etc. will be multiplied by many times out at the headlight beam cut-off where it contacts the road, so go easy and your patience will be rewarded. Or...take it to the dealer
On the upper/outer headlight mount under the hood, right next to the mount fastening screw there is a "bullseye" hole in the black mount webbing that's a few inches directly above the white nylon height adjuster. You just insert your hex key (I believe they're usually 6mm) through the bullseye and into the adjuster. If you point the car at a wall, garage door, etc. with the low beams on while you're adjusting, you'll quickly see which way you want to turn the adjuster. Try 1/4 turn at a time, and keep count of the number of tweaks you give it in case you want to return to where you started. Also, remember that a seemingly tiny difference on your chosen door/wall/etc. will be multiplied by many times out at the headlight beam cut-off where it contacts the road, so go easy and your patience will be rewarded. Or...take it to the dealer
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Dec 22, 2019 at 12:18 AM.
