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      12-17-2012, 07:37 PM   #1
matt1034
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Issue with adaptive headlights aiming too high

Approx 6 weeks ago I had a set of H&R Sport springs installed on my 328i. Ever since then I have had issues with the height of my headlights. I do have Adaptive Xenon lights so whatever issue should be corrected automatically .... Wrong. Now, when the lights are switched in both beams will raise to an acceptable/normal level them continue on up. My low beams aim about 4ft lower than my high beams do, from the top. Needless to say, I am pissing a lot of people off. I know there have been issues after spring installs due to the arms not being reinstalled correctly but my lights actually function and turn, just not correctly. Can anyone chime in? I left the dealer earlier who was no help and said there is no way to adjust it. I argued with them since there are multiple suspension options from the factory that retain various heights. Regardless, if I get this corrected it won't he with their help.

I have searched the forums and google. Please help!!
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      12-22-2012, 10:16 AM   #2
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There should be a way to adjust the beam height on the headlight housing. On every new vehicle I have seen with adaptive lighting this was true.
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      10-23-2014, 08:32 PM   #3
aksi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by matt1034 View Post
Approx 6 weeks ago I had a set of H&R Sport springs installed on my 328i. Ever since then I have had issues with the height of my headlights. I do have Adaptive Xenon lights so whatever issue should be corrected automatically .... Wrong. Now, when the lights are switched in both beams will raise to an acceptable/normal level them continue on up. My low beams aim about 4ft lower than my high beams do, from the top. Needless to say, I am pissing a lot of people off. I know there have been issues after spring installs due to the arms not being reinstalled correctly but my lights actually function and turn, just not correctly. Can anyone chime in? I left the dealer earlier who was no help and said there is no way to adjust it. I argued with them since there are multiple suspension options from the factory that retain various heights. Regardless, if I get this corrected it won't he with their help.

I have searched the forums and google. Please help!!
Did you get this fixed? Mine is doing the exact same thing.
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      11-13-2014, 12:44 AM   #4
henryeeex
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If you guys have
-Adaptive headlights
-Lowered the car and the headlights now aim super high.

It's likely to be your rear headlight level sensor located in the rear driver side. Refer to part 2, 6, and 7 from the diagram below.



The sensor attaches to the lower camber arm, which is also where the spring sits on. This sensor can be seated wrong during reinstallation which causes the car to think the rear is sitting very high compared to the front, therefore aims the headlight up like crazy.

The follow images are based off the E90 M3 but it is identical to our F30.

The Wrong Way


The Right Way


The Fix:
- Jack up the driver rear side
- Undo the bolt that holds the rear sensor to the lower camber arm.
- Reseat the leveling rod to the correct orientation
- Redo the bolt.
- Put your car back down and try the headlights now.
- If it doesn't work, your rear sensor is probably broken.

Hope this helps guys! Good luck!
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      11-16-2014, 01:21 PM   #5
aksi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HenryX View Post
If you guys have
-Adaptive headlights
-Lowered the car and the headlights now aim super high.

It's likely to be your rear headlight level sensor located in the rear driver side. Refer to part 2, 6, and 7 from the diagram below.



The sensor attaches to the lower camber arm, which is also where the spring sits on. This sensor can be seated wrong during reinstallation which causes the car to think the rear is sitting very high compared to the front, therefore aims the headlight up like crazy.

The follow images are based off the E90 M3 but it is identical to our F30.

The Wrong Way


The Right Way


The Fix:
- Jack up the driver rear side
- Undo the bolt that holds the rear sensor to the lower camber arm.
- Reseat the leveling rod to the correct orientation
- Redo the bolt.
- Put your car back down and try the headlights now.
- If it doesn't work, your rear sensor is probably broken.

Hope this helps guys! Good luck!
Exactly that was the problem.
I actually got it fixed already at the dealer. They mentioned exactly the same thing.
Thank you for all the explanation and pictures.
It will definitely help those who run into same problem.
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      06-06-2018, 12:52 AM   #6
revenlymokalu
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Thx
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      01-08-2019, 04:26 PM   #7
bimmercam
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I know this is an old thread, but this was the same problem I had and was able to fix due to HenryX's post. Thanks!
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      07-29-2019, 09:36 PM   #8
sammuller
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Thanks! This also helped me!
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      08-08-2019, 07:32 PM   #9
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Oddly Mine are too low after lowering my car. I’ll check that rod to see if it’s messed up causing inaccurate lighting aim
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      09-01-2020, 02:21 PM   #10
Vastkust11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HenryX View Post
If you guys have
-Adaptive headlights
-Lowered the car and the headlights now aim super high.

It's likely to be your rear headlight level sensor located in the rear driver side. Refer to part 2, 6, and 7 from the diagram below.
Hi. I have the same problem.
I can't see the pictures in your post above.
Can you attach them again or send them to me in PM?
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      09-04-2020, 09:40 AM   #11
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Im having the same issue. Where is the rear adaptive light sensor located?
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      09-12-2020, 01:16 AM   #12
zibbit
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vastkust11 View Post
Hi. I have the same problem.
I can't see the pictures in your post above.
Can you attach them again or send them to me in PM?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoopy8 View Post
Im having the same issue. Where is the rear adaptive light sensor located?
Rear sensor is located on the LH side of the car, just forward of the arm you lowered to install the spring. Look inboard near the subframe mounting bolt.

I circled the sensor in Red, and I traced a yellow line indicating the position of the sensor. With weight on wheels, the arm and link should be at approx. 90 degree angle relative to each other.



Note, after installing my Dinan springs, I had to manually lower the headlights a few turns on the adjuster screws to bring the beam level down.

Last edited by zibbit; 09-12-2020 at 01:21 AM..
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