[5050punk]

Hey Guys,
I just dropped my car on coilovers this weekend, and now my headlights are aiming too low (Xenons). I found a bunch of posts in the Suspension section showing where the screw is to adjust them, but I can't find anything that actually shows how to adjust them according to DOT spec, or how to get them to the proper factory level. The only thing I found is the below URL, but that link seems to be broken:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

Any suggestions on how to adjust these properly?

[ragingclue]

Hmm I did this years ago when I put Euro ellipsoid xenons on my E36 M3. There's plenty of info on bf.c.... Let me see what I can dig up....

EDIT: Here a guy explains it in this thread. I can't remember exactly if this is right. I thought I remember backing up 15 feet for the re-measure. Oh well....

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...+ellipsoid+aim

[5050punk]

Cool thanks. So this is what you were talking about, right?

Originally Posted by LuvMy328is

It varies by state. BTW, The output should look something like this when close to a wall or garage door __/--- __/--- Pull your car up to a light surface as close as possible, mark the lower cutoff w/ tape. Measure 20 feet from the flat surface aka garage door. you should now align the cutoff to be 1" lower at 20 feet away. The way to aim is 1" off @ drop / 20' of distance. Hope this helps

~Phil

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by 5050punk

Cool thanks. So this is what you were talking about, right?

Yes that's exactly it. Your beam pattern will look the same. Mine actually was more like __/\_/\ or something along those lines but I'm sure it's fine. There were horizontal and vertical adjustments with those; not sure about the E90/1/2/3...

Follow those steps and you're golden.

[Sh0cker]

Here's what I used for my e46: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

[NoMods]

i just give my lights about 1.5 turns counter-clockwise to have it up a little higher, they where way too low from the factory - didn't illuminate far at all.

Anyone know if dealerships do this for free?

[MShao825]

Originally Posted by index1489

Anyone know if dealerships do this for free?

Good question. Would like to know as well.

[ENINTY]

Two suggestions:

Go to Hella's website. They may have the drawing there that comes in their aftermarket headlights that you can use as a guide to aim you xenons.

Or, what I do is find a school or building that has a big brick wall and parking lot. Set your car about 15 feet from the wall at night of course, and start aiming the headlights using the vertical adjustment screw. There is a DIY on the procedure. Use the mortar lines on the brick wall to get the lights even in height. Then do some experimentation on where you like the height.

The DOT spec is too low.

[NoMods]

what's the big deal, give it one full turn counter, you will be much happier

i did that on my E92 a couple of days ago and no one flashed back at me, not even the multiple cops I saw at night passing by.