[GixY2K]

Issue: Headlight angle points to about 30-50 feet in front of me at night. Going 65mph, by the time you see something on the road, it'll be too late.

Background: I just did this last night after reading a few posts on how to raise the headlight angle on older model BMWs. The steps are pretty much the same. However, it was noted that on older models 1 to 2 turns of the adjusting plastic knob/screw would do the trick. I tried 1 turn myself in my '22 M4, and it seems I went a little too far up. I'll keep on driving like this and see if I get any complaints.

Corrective action (here are the steps I took):
- Without the engine running, turn on the headlights; 'On' not 'Auto'
- Locate adjusting screw/knob; it's made of plastic, sits above headlight and is almost blocked by a metal member that has holes to allow you to do these adjustments :/
- Establish a reference point on the knob/screw to gauge how far you've turned it (I used the numbers/letters on the plastic knob/screw)
-- CARFULL!!! These are plastic and seem very fragile
-- Turn plastic knob/screw COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to RAISE angle (1/2 to 1 turn)
-- I used a screw driver, but seems that it can take an Allen as well
-- Best if you do it in front of a wall/garage door to see the angle change as you turn
- Turn off lights and turn them back on to "Auto"
-- Headlight should go into a self-test motion process that takes about a couple of seconds and find its new angle
- You should see the new headlight angle next time you drive your car

If I missed something, please feel free to chime in. I'm new to BMW 'cars'... had a couple of S1000RRs, but that's in the past now
I do find all the electronic controls in these new BMWs very annoying, but I think I'll get used to it.

[modat]

Do you have any pictures?

[NightWriter]

One way to tell if headlights are correctly aimed is to park the vehicle on a level surface and shine the headlights on a garage door or wall 25 feet ahead (some cars may require a different distance). The top of the low beam shining on the wall should be at or slightly below the height of the center of the headlight lens for most vehicles.

- From https://www.cars.com/articles/how-do...1420683926799/

[GixY2K]

Originally Posted by modat

Do you have any pictures?

Done (see original post for picture)

Originally Posted by NightWriter

- From https://www.cars.com/articles/how-do...1420683926799/

Good info.

I remember having this same issue with my STIs. The thing about the STI is that it had 5 vertical manual settings for the headlights. The highest setting, though, was still too low for me. But then, once adjusted, I could go up and down with the manual switch at my heart's content.

[Tall Tom Cruise]

Thanks for posting this.

This is a must for lowered G8X's. Will be doing this tonight since I just had my car dropped.

[LivinLrge]

I am surprised there isn't more threads about this. Just had the car lowered with MSS and had people flashing, honking and trying to yell at me at stop lights... 2.5 turns for each headlight seems about back to normal for me...Def a must do. You should change the subject to adjusting headlight angle. GixY2K

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by LivinLrge

I am surprised there isn't more threads about this. Just had the car lowered with MSS and had people flashing, honking and trying to yell at me at stop lights... 2.5 turns for each headlight seems about back to normal for me...Def a must do. You should change the subject to adjusting headlight angle. GixY2K

If you lowered the car, wouldn't the beams be lower? Or did you lower the rear more than the front to make the lights point up?

[moproblems]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

If you lowered the car, wouldn't the beams be lower? Or did you lower the rear more than the front to make the lights point up?

I am not exactly sure if the car uses both front and rear level sensors for lamp aim, but there's a chance that the internal calibration is wrong. I set my ride heights with my software and they are still aimed correctly. I may aim them up a half turn for more distance throw however.

[Dr.Deep]

Usually if u lower your car the shop should check if light correction is needed and adjust with the light measurement system…

[LivinLrge]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

If you lowered the car, wouldn't the beams be lower? Or did you lower the rear more than the front to make the lights point up?

I have a feeling it has to do more with the body kit and front bumper removal then it does with the actual lowering because yea to your point you would think raising then if anything. My low beams were lighting up highway signs.

[MTM3]

Good idea. I had to do the same thing with F80. Not sure why they aim these so low.
Was hoping to not having to do this with G and laser lights (not that laser matters for low beam I know) but will have to.
Thanks for the reminder.

[Salespunk]

FYI a 6 mm allen key works better than a phillips for adjusting.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by LivinLrge

I have a feeling it has to do more with the body kit and front bumper removal then it does with the actual lowering because yea to your point you would think raising then if anything. My low beams were lighting up highway signs.

Where did body kit and front bumper removal come into play? I must have missed that part. To my knowledge, the head lights are not attached to the bumper. If someone did remove there lights, then I can see why they might not be aimed correctly anymore. 1mm off can be many feet higher or lower down the road. But even then, whats the point of self leveling if it doesnt self level.

Strange stuff.

[JDR_G80]

I was just thinking my headlights were like extended fog lights. I turned the allen 3/4 and it's much better. Lowered on AST's.

[OwnerF16]

I'll have a set of HAS on the car in the very near future and this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the Thread!

[NicolasB]

Any more thoughts on this? Haven't heard of people doing this.

[TheFanatic]

Originally Posted by NicolasB

Any more thoughts on this? Haven't heard of people doing this.

bmw does a terrible job with headlight alignment from factory. Its one of the reasons why I think people say the laser lights are mid. Far too often they're pointed at the ground.

Just check for alignment and if yours needs it, do it.

[NicolasB]

I would love a proper, technical article to do this correctly for our specific cars

[nearwater4me]

It helps to find a poorly lit, flat surface/parking lot with a wall to do this.
Seems like all manufacturers have their own spec when it comes to headlight alignments.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/car...adjust-lights/

[M4Tejas]

Originally Posted by Salespunk

FYI a 6 mm allen key works better than a phillips for adjusting.

The fastener appears TORX. Size unknown at this time.