How To Adjust Headlights On BMW X5?

Which way—CW or CCW—does the headlight adjustment screw turn?

While X was parked on a level parking lot last night, I tried turning the screw just a quarter turn in each direction, but I saw no change. The low beam on my 2015, which has adaptive xenon headlights, simply does not shine far enough, and the high beam, even for routine highway travel, seems to be too high.

Screw? Which of the two screws—numbered #1 for vertical adjustment and #2 for lateral adjustment—should I use?

The headlight switch must be in the “manual low beam light position” (#3 in the image below) according to the “test precondition instructions” for adjustment.

I realized I made a mistake after making adjustments through trial and error. I had to travel to Chicagoland and decided to make the adjustment in light of a couple posts I had read previously. Despite my concern that I might be doing it incorrectly, I continued.

The headlight switch was in the “auto” position, but it produced the desired outcome. However, even though I didn’t touch the lateral adjustment screw, I can now see more light on the side of the road. Not sure whether perhaps the steering wheel is not straight-ahead completely targeted. I’m going to reverse the two full twists I made and then put it up once more with the headlight switch in the third position.

My BMW X5’s low beam and high beam can be raised or lowered.

So, after the mark was posted on the wall, you could adjust your BMW X5’s headlights by opening the hood. To change the height, find the screw close to the optic and crank it from right to left. The objective is to have your BMW X5’s light beams fall slightly short of what is necessary to adequately illuminate the road without dazzling. Close the hood after all adjustments have been made and do a night test.

Consult our previous articles on the BMW X5 if you ever want to take your maintenance a step further.

Due of auto leveling, I’ve seen a lot of folks suggesting that they “shouldn’t” be altered, but I’ve also read that they CAN be modified. Although I am aware of the right headlight aiming techniques, I am unable to adjust the 2007 X5 E70 series with Xenon’s headlights.

My driver’s side light appears to be pointed excessively high, and my passenger side light is quite low, just a few feet from the front bumper. They both need to be adjusted. Does anyone have comprehensive guidelines with images that are tailored for the X5 E70 with Xenon? (Photos of older or sedan models are different.) Thanx.

Do your xenon headlights resemble the example below? If so, then keep an eye out for those white screws in the bottom photo. Pull up to your garage door or a wall, stop about 10-15 feet away, put on your headlights, and then move the lights up, down, or left to right.

No issue…

What transpired with the OP, I wonder? I responded with this information in two forums, but I never heard back to see if it applied to his pre-LCI e70 X5.

A photo (of the back side of the OP’s headlights) might be worth a thousand words if the OP’s headlights DON’T look like this. The adjustment screws on the pre LCI could not be white.

Great site with a picture and an explanation of which adjustment is lateral and which is vertical. I hope the OP has the information they required.

  • Screw that is mostly used for vertical adjustment
  • Mainly used for lateral adjustment, the adjustment screw

His BMW X5’s headlamp adjustment

Once your vehicle is in position, turn on your dipped beam and make a cross-shaped mark in the middle of the beam that will be projected on the wall. The cross should have one horizontal and one vertical portion. Verify with a level that the cross’s two components are horizontal. Then, back up your automobile by between 7 and 10 meters. Here are the steps to follow for the remainder of the process:

  • Locate the screws for your BMW X5’s headlights’ horizontal and vertical control when you open the bonnet (they are in general designated, and those on top must modify the verticality and the one on the side manages the horizontality of the adjustment).
  • To conceal the projector on which you are not making the adjustment, cover it with a cloth or something else.
  • The most intense portion of the beam should be slightly to the right of the vertical line marked on the wall after using the screws to modify the beam’s horizontal position.
  • You will need to use the screw to adjust the beam’s top end vertically so that it is either at or slightly below the horizontal marking on the wall.
  • Once you’re done, make sure your BMW X5’s headlamp settings are sensible. After you’ve driven it, don’t hesitate to check them again because they periodically move.

. Please read our article on this topic if you need to change the fog lights on your BMW X5.

Are there adaptive headlights on the BMW X5?

The BMW X5 M’s sporty nature is highlighted by its adaptive LED headlights, which also make nighttime driving safe and fatigue-free.

The headlights’ center LED modules are encased in two three-dimensional light rings, giving them BMW’s signature sporty appeal. The LED module is used in both the dipped and high beams, which both glow brightly without the typical adot effect. LED light has a very brilliant beam and a temperature that is quite comparable to that of daylight, making it possible to see traffic signs more clearly.

The headlights include cornering lights, adaptive headlights, and high beam assistant. When corners are taken at speeds below 60 km/h, cornering lights automatically turn on. Adaptive headlamps come into play when corners are taken at speeds exceeding 60 km/h; they continuously respond to steering wheel movements and speed, providing the ideal amount of illumination for the road. LED technology is also used for direction indicators, accent lighting, and dipping beams.

How do I activate the adaptive headlights on my BMW?

Adaptive headlights | BMW X3 Forum | XBimmers. Our X3 features adaptive headlights, and they function as predicted by turning with the steering wheel. However, adaptive is deactivated by default and must be turned on by pressing a button on one of the steering-wheel stalks.

Why do BMW headlights oscillate?

I just purchased a 2016 330e. When I turn it on, I’ve noticed that the headlights initially point downward before eventually rising to the proper position.

They constantly modify themselves based on sensors. Depending on where you park (up a hilly driveway? ), and where you switch things off, they may need to reset when you restart.

Almost all BMWs, in my opinion, do this. I’m on my fourth, and when it starts up, the headlights constantly move.

Auto leveling is required for Xenon headlights (at least in Europe). I think LEDs are, too, but I’m not positive.

BMW headlights move, right?

Adaptive headlights are a common name for the headlights of a BMW. This is due to the fact that depending on how you drive, they can adjust the light projection to the right or left. When a driver turns or navigates a bend, this gives them additional clarity. They can lessen blind spots and lower traffic accidents when they operate properly.

With automatic LED lighting, some BMW models will elevate these headlights to a new level. When an automobile approaches, the brightness of these lights might fluctuate. The headlights have a light camera that can identify other vehicles’ lights. It is straightforward to understand how anything could go wrong with the headlights given the number of sensors and electronic components inside a single headlamp.

Can xenon headlights be adjusted?

You can certainly do it manually. Each headlamp has a small hole with an arrow-shaped indicator that can be used to level the headlights by using a flat screwdriver.

BMW headlights are they automatic?

Automated adaptive headlights are used by modern BMW vehicles to increase safety in nighttime and low-light driving. Although there are many advantages, like with other automotive upgrades, there is an additional car component to maintain. In order to help you understand more about your BMW’s automated headlights, how they work, and where to go for assistance if they don’t, we’ve put together this helpful guide.

How can I tell whether the headlights on my BMW are automatic?

On them, it says BMW adaptable LED. Are those the ones that have a line extending from the inner side of the lights toward the grills? The LEDs on the non-adaptive headlights are positioned on a plate at the top end. The adaptive position them in the center of the headlamp (horizontally).

Are your headlights height-adjustable?

Vertical field should be adjusted. Locate the adjusting screw and slowly move it in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to change the height of the lights. Make sure the vertical centerline you marked with tape on the wall is at or just below the most intense area of the headlight beam when you make your adjustment.

What does the automatic headlamp beam throw control on BMW mean?

For inner-city driving, headlight beam throw control (a model-specific feature) causes the front lamps to rise at fast speeds and fall at reduced speeds.

My headlights point downward; why?

The majority of the time, headlights just become out of alignment over time. In actuality, most headlights need to be adjusted sometimes. Several factors can cause your headlights to be aimed upward:

First, there is too much weight. Overweight cargo in the trunk or cargo area is one of the most frequent causes of headlights that do not illuminate the road or that blind oncoming vehicles. The vehicle’s front and light beams will tilt up as a result of the vehicle’s rear being pushed down sufficiently to do so.

  • If you haul heavy goods frequently, you might want to think about installing load-leveling air shocks, which will solve the problem. Although prices will vary, budget a few hundred dollars for installation and shocks. When the car is weighed down, these shocks automatically pump extra fluid into the rear shocks to maintain ride height.

Second, worn shocks In a manner similar to towing a big load, damaged shocks can cause headlamps to be pointed too high. Shocks droop as they become worn out, and if the rear shocks are sagging, the front of the car will be positioned higher than usual, which will cause the headlights to go off. Although changing the headlights will solve this issue, it is preferable to replace the shocks.

3. A car was struck. There won’t be any obvious damage to your automobile if someone touches the front end of it with their vehicles, but it’s likely that the headlights will be out of alignment.