E39 headlight adjustment

[stanleyc]

OK now I will post this in the correct forum. I posted this message in the 3 series column this morning. So now let me get to the message. I replaced all the headlight adjusters on my 2001 530i with Xenon lights. Now I am trying to align the headlights. I have no problem with the up and down part but I need some information on how to adjust the left and right part. Is there a procedure that anyone knows of how to do this? Also while I had the lights I used some #2000 sandpaper and a light rubbing compound to clean the dirt and scratches from the lens. There seems to be a coating on the lens that is not coming off entirely. Has anybody run into this, and if so how was it rectified. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[RAYADAM]

OK now I will post this in the correct forum. I posted this message in the 3 series column this morning. So now let me get to the message. I replaced all the headlight adjusters on my 2001 530i with Xenon lights. Now I am trying to align the headlights. I have no problem with the up and down part but I need some information on how to adjust the left and right part. Is there a procedure that anyone knows of how to do this? Also while I had the lights I used some #2000 sandpaper and a light rubbing compound to clean the dirt and scratches from the lens. There seems to be a coating on the lens that is not coming off entirely. Has anybody run into this, and if so how was it rectified. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

There's a adjuster for lateral adjustment closer to the fender(upper/outer corner of the lamp assembly) and the one you already found is mounted in the upper/center of headlamp.

Just be sure car is level,loaded with fuel is best and if possible a driver in the seat(150-200lbs is usually what should be loaded)
when adjusting xenon self levelling lamps.don't try to adjust until lamp has been on for at least a minute and load in drivers seat has not moved during that period.

I am not too sure about the severity of the lens, some can be polished and if not successful,replacing the lamp assembly is the only other option.

[stanleyc]

Thanks for the information. I know where the adjuster is, I am trying to find out how to adjust the convergence of the light down the road. I had it out last night on a dark back road and they look good. This is my first experience with Xenon lights and I am not sure what to look for.

[RAYADAM]

Thanks for the information. I know where the adjuster is, I am trying to find out how to adjust the convergence of the light down the road. I had it out last night on a dark back road and they look good. This is my first experience with Xenon lights and I am not sure what to look for.

there are several methods,maybe this will help you:

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/hsis/pubs/04148/aiming.htm

[stanleyc]

Thank you for the information. I just read through most of it and it will give me a starting point, and the rest will personal preference.