Mini Cooper S Headlight Adjustment

[Ross]

Hi All,

Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer advice on
how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon headlights. The
lights auto level far too low in front of the car making it near enough
impossible to see anything more than about 30 yards infront of the car on
unlit roads. The auto leveller works fine when driving the lights are just
too low.

Thanks in advance...

Ross

[Brownz @ Work]

Post by Ross
Hi All,
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon
headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of the car
making it near enough impossible to see anything more than about 30
yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto leveller works
fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low, may be
two different things.

Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as necessary.

[Ross]

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon
headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of the car
making it near enough impossible to see anything more than about 30
yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto leveller works
fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low, may be
two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!

I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.

With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(

R

[a***@yahoo.co.uk]

Post by Ross
It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

RTFM or try in the new mini newsgroup if it still exists.

[Ross]

Post by a***@yahoo.co.uk

Post by Ross
It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

RTFM or try in the new mini newsgroup if it still exists.

Manual has nothing in it about adjusting headlights. A bit of searching
reveals a Haynes manual for the BMW Cooper/Cooper s exists, I'll check for
it in the local Halfords tonight. Fingers crossed.

As for the New MINI NG Its just full of people flaming each other and forged
postings :-(

Thanks anyway,

Ross

[a***@yahoo.co.uk]

Post by Ross

Post by Ross
It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with

As for the New MINI NG Its just full of people flaming each other and forged
postings :-(
Thanks anyway,
Ross

Much like a lot of the others then! I would have thought there would
be basic adjustment screws somewhere near the lights.

[Fitzy.]

Post by a***@yahoo.co.uk

Post by Ross
It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

RTFM or try in the new mini newsgroup if it still exists.

I,m sure that if your Citroen friend mechanic looked in the vicinity of the
headlight adjuster motors, he will find a sealed adjuster, as part of the
motor body,
?? being a mechanic and a MOT station, I would assume this is common
knowledge ??
or ask your friend to call the dealer, explaining that they are a VOSA, i,m
sure they will help
Fitzy

[Fitzy.]

Post by a***@yahoo.co.uk

Post by Ross
It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

RTFM or try in the new mini newsgroup if it still exists.

RTFM yourself my friend, and this is the new mini group
Fitzy

[Brownz (Mobile)]

Post by Ross

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with
xenon headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of
the car making it near enough impossible to see anything more than
about 30 yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto
leveller works fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low,
may be two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The
headlight leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its
only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can
find out how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and
correct the problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT
Tester he will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just
doesnt know how to adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

Shirley being an 03 its still covered by warranty ?
I've nothing but praise for my local Mini dealer, who even replaced a worn
leather seat under warranty for me earlier in the year !

[Fitzy.]

Post by Brownz (Mobile)

Post by Ross

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with
xenon headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of
the car making it near enough impossible to see anything more than
about 30 yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto
leveller works fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low,
may be two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The
headlight leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its
only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can
find out how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and
correct the problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT
Tester he will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just
doesnt know how to adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

Shirley being an 03 its still covered by warranty ?
I've nothing but praise for my local Mini dealer, who even replaced a worn
leather seat under warranty for me earlier in the year !
--
Cheerz - Brownz
http://www.brownz.org/

You two on first names Brownzie..........who is Shirley ?? ;-)
Fitzy

[Brownz (Mobile)]

Post by Fitzy.

Post by Brownz (Mobile)

Post by Ross

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with
xenon headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of
the car making it near enough impossible to see anything more than
about 30 yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto
leveller works fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low,
may be two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as
necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared
to 2 seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The
headlight leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its
only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can
find out how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and
correct the problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT
Tester he will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just
doesnt know how to adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic
:-( R

Shirley being an 03 its still covered by warranty ?
I've nothing but praise for my local Mini dealer, who even replaced
a worn leather seat under warranty for me earlier in the year !
--
Cheerz - Brownz
http://www.brownz.org/

You two on first names Brownzie..........who is Shirley ?? ;-)
Fitzy

<FX> Whoosh </FX>

Airplane.....
Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.

[Fitzy.]

Post by Brownz (Mobile)

Post by Fitzy.

Post by Brownz (Mobile)

Post by Ross

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with
xenon headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of
the car making it near enough impossible to see anything more than
about 30 yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto
leveller works fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low,
may be two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as
necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared
to 2 seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The
headlight leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its
only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can
find out how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and
correct the problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT
Tester he will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just
doesnt know how to adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic
:-( R

Shirley being an 03 its still covered by warranty ?
I've nothing but praise for my local Mini dealer, who even replaced
a worn leather seat under warranty for me earlier in the year !
--
Cheerz - Brownz
http://www.brownz.org/

You two on first names Brownzie..........who is Shirley ?? ;-)
Fitzy

<FX> Whoosh </FX>
Airplane.....
Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.
--
Cheerz - Brownz
http://www.brownz.org/

nice one brownzie,
spot on,
;-)
Fitzy

[pete]

Post by Ross

Post by Brownz @ Work

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer
advice on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon
headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of the car
making it near enough impossible to see anything more than about 30
yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto leveller works
fine when driving the lights are just too low.
Thanks in advance...
Ross

What you think is to low, and what the Authorities think is to low, may
be two different things.
Take it to your dealer and ask them to check and adjust as necessary.

It needs adjusting! It's dangerously low... think unloaded car with
headlights set at position 4 (try it, mine is worse, ive compared to 2
seperate brand new cars my beam alignment is way too low). The headlight
leveler seems to think the car is fully loaded when its only got me in it!
I refuse to pay the dealer 50 odd quid to correct this when I can find out
how to do this myself then take it to my mates garage and correct the
problem for free.
With regards to the authorities said above friend is a VOSA MOT Tester he
will keep me right at his garage so dont worry! he just doesnt know how to
adjust the cars lights being a citroen mechanic :-(
R

I'm amazed someone working in a garage doing MOTs doesn't know how to adjust
a headlight - or even where to get the information. I wouldn't like him
testing cars incase he doesn't know what else to look for. Is he an actual
mechanic or just someone trained to change parts on a citroen - similar to a
fast fitting type garage where no real knowledge is required. Most car
headlights are standard XENON ones, although some are HID which are better.
How much do you weigh?
Pay the £50 if you are concerned. Most headlights are rubbish which is why
you have the full beam, they are not designed to be searchlights.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Post by pete
I'm amazed someone working in a garage doing MOTs doesn't know how to
adjust a headlight - or even where to get the information. I wouldn't
like him testing cars incase he doesn't know what else to look for. Is
he an actual mechanic or just someone trained to change parts on a
citroen - similar to a fast fitting type garage where no real knowledge
is required.
Most car headlights are standard XENON ones, although some are HID which
are better.

I'm amazed someone writing on this topic doesn't know what they're talking
about. ;-)

[Chris Whelan]

Post by Dave Plowman (News)
I'm amazed someone writing on this topic doesn't know what they're talking
about. ;-)

I'm not; it's Usenet!

Chris

[Taffy]

Check this out and then quickly go & buy a different/better car:-

[bongo]

Post by Taffy
Check this out and then quickly go & buy a different/better car:-
http://youtu.be/lyhInklrvgI

would be nice to find out what exploded.
battery?

[DanTXD]

Post by Taffy
Check this out and then quickly go & buy a different/better car:-
http://youtu.be/lyhInklrvgI

I got as far as 'Welcome to Watchdog" - Realised it was going to be some
lovely sensationalist bullshit and turned it off.

[Taffy]

Post by DanTXD

Post by Taffy
Check this out and then quickly go & buy a different/better car:-
http://youtu.be/lyhInklrvgI

I got as far as 'Welcome to Watchdog" - Realised it was going to be some
lovely sensationalist bullshit and turned it off.
--
Dan - on his PC

Well it's probably easier for you living with your eyes shut?

Taffy

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer advice
on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon
headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of the car
making it near enough impossible to see anything more than about 30
yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto leveller works fine
when driving the lights are just too low.

The mechanical adjustment is usually tamper proof. Seems strange both
beams are low. What is the main beam like?

[Ross]

Post by Dave Plowman (News)

Post by Ross
Please can anyone point me in the direction of some article/Offer advice
on how to adjust the self leveler on an 03 cooper s with xenon
headlights. The lights auto level far too low in front of the car
making it near enough impossible to see anything more than about 30
yards infront of the car on unlit roads. The auto leveller works fine
when driving the lights are just too low.

The mechanical adjustment is usually tamper proof. Seems strange both
beams are low. What is the main beam like?

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply, the main full beam is fine, interestingly you can fool
the car into setting them correctly by turning the lights on pointing up a
steep hill with the handbrake on, this has the effect of lifting the car up
on its rear suspension. doesnt work all the time but sometimes works.

I spoke to my mate again he recons as the leveler works fine during normal
driving that one of the sensors on the rear axle or front axle may have been
knocked out of alignment thus causing the car to calibrate the level
incorectly effectively fooling the car into thinking it is squatting down on
the rear axle during the calibration process. He suggested finding the
sensor, probably on the suspension strut somewhere and moving it in the
direction that would suggest that the suspension is extending.

He said a smilar thing about the adjuster being tamper proof, he said
adjustment would prolly be done electroncally by plugging a computer in
somewhere.

Acht well... Looks like a trip to the dealer!

Ross

[a***@yahoo.co.uk]

Post by Ross
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the reply, the main full beam is fine, interestingly you can fool
the car into setting them correctly by turning the lights on pointing up a
steep hill with the handbrake on, this has the effect of lifting the car up
on its rear suspension. doesnt work all the time but sometimes works.

I would have thought that the main and dipped beams were fixed relative
to each other so adjusting the dipped without adjusting the main could
be a bit tricky.

[Tim..]

Post by a***@yahoo.co.uk

Post by Ross
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the reply, the main full beam is fine, interestingly you can fool
the car into setting them correctly by turning the lights on pointing up a
steep hill with the handbrake on, this has the effect of lifting the car up
on its rear suspension. doesnt work all the time but sometimes works.

I would have thought that the main and dipped beams were fixed relative
to each other so adjusting the dipped without adjusting the main could
be a bit tricky.

You havent a clue how HID's work then!

Tim.

[Tunku]

Post by Ross
The auto leveller works fine when driving the lights are just
too low.

Pump up the front tyres...

[Fitzy.]

Post by Tunku

Post by Ross
The auto leveller works fine when driving the lights are just
too low.

Pump up the front tyres...
--
Tunku
"end user" v. A command regrettably not implemented in most systems.

Sorry Tunka,,,, that wont work........... 2 x 13 kg bags of sand and 12
house bricks in the boot should tilt it just right,
Fitzy

[Tunku]

Post by Fitzy.

Post by Tunku

Post by Ross
The auto leveller works fine when driving the lights are just
too low.

Pump up the front tyres...
--
Tunku
"end user" v. A command regrettably not implemented in most

systems.

Post by Fitzy.
Sorry Tunka,,,, that wont work........... 2 x 13 kg bags of sand and 12
house bricks in the boot should tilt it just right,
Fitzy

heh

[joe]

replying to Ross, joe wrote:
open hood...in back of the headlight assy. are 2 ajustment screws....the
inside screw will do the up and down...ajust the screw out will bring the
headhights up

--
for full context, visit http://www.motorsforum.com/mini-bmw/mini-cooper-s-headlight-adjustment-1849-.htm