please explain my headlights?

[C4Dman]

Hi, new E86 Z4 owner, and trying to work out what headlight arrangement I have.
Having read various threads on here, I am still confused, reason being that I have standard H7 dip and main beam bulbs, which I have upgraded to a brighter bulb, but when I start the car the headlights carry out a self level check as i can see the light briefly sweep vertically against what ever is in front of the car. I thought the motorised leveling was only found in the bi-xenon option. I do have two wheel adjusters above the fog light switches, as has been described here before.

Or am I going mad, most likely.

Thanks in advance

 

[mr.tourette]

cant remember tbh..if you have headlight washers though you almost certainly should have xenons unless for some reason someone has changed the headlights

 

[C4Dman]

Checked, yes we have the washers that pop out of the bumper, so at the moment it sounds like the lights may have been changed.
I have carried out a VIN check and there is no mention of xenons.

 

[inkey$]

Interested in hearing more on this. I have the very same. Self levelling lights on startup, headlamp washers, dial adjustments by the wheel - but without the white xenon light or listed option after a VIN check.

 

[HU51A_FU]

I have factory Xenons, no auto levelling and no switch in the vehicle. Washers are not on there as i have the facelifted bumper. The parts numbers for my headlights that are listed are described as Xenon Headlamp (Black Inserts)...Strange...

 

[bearded_ed]

Interested in hearing more on this. I have the very same. Self levelling lights on startup, headlamp washers, dial adjustments by the wheel - but without the white xenon light or listed option after a VIN check.

I have now sold my Zed, but this is what I had.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Hi, new E86 Z4 owner, and trying to work out what headlight arrangement I have.
Having read various threads on here, I am still confused, reason being that I have standard H7 dip and main beam bulbs, which I have upgraded to a brighter bulb, but when I start the car the headlights carry out a self level check as i can see the light briefly sweep vertically against what ever is in front of the car. I thought the motorised leveling was only found in the bi-xenon option. I do have two wheel adjusters above the fog light switches, as has been described here before.

Or am I going mad, most likely.

Thanks in advance

You have halogen, the startup test isn’t self levelling.

Washers could be ordered with halogen so are no indicative of Xenon.

Xenon will not have the lamp angle adjustment on the light switch, I.e. just one roller for the dash lights.
Factory Xenon all had washers and self levelling.

 

[C4Dman]

Thanks Scooba, but it is normal for the halogens to carry out some sort of self level check? although appreciate not self levelling

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Thanks Scooba, but it is normal for the halogens to carry out some sort of self level check? although appreciate not self levelling

Yes the range of adjustment is tested on startup with Halogens.

 

[C4Dman]

Yes the range of adjustment is tested on startup with Halogens.

 

[M1k3yC]

Interested in hearing more on this. I have the very same. Self levelling lights on startup, headlamp washers, dial adjustments by the wheel - but without the white xenon light or listed option after a VIN check.

Mine are they same. My lights are not xenons.

 

[inkey$]

good to know and it's one less avenue for MOTs to fail on.

 

[patriot66]

Hi C4Dman. Are you sure you have BMW OEM headlights and not aftermarket ones like the Sonar 2excite type ? These are not Xenon either and do a level check when switched on. Can you post a photo of your headlights ?

 

[Penelope]

Mine are same, level check on start up and controllable dip height via a wheel on the dash for when carrying load. Washers in bumper but Halogen fixings. I fitted LEDs all around for a much improved light output and visibility especially in the dreary foggy conditions we have right now. They require some bracket fettling but these are awesome https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CANBUS-H7-SUPER-SLIM-LED-CONVERSION-CAR-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-KIT-XENON-WHITE-V10/253843680331?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[davidmudley12]

I too have been going round in circles on this subject with my 2006 E85 3.0si. Based on the descriptions above I have halogen lights (it has the height adjuster wheel on the dash, it goes up and down on start up just as inkey$ described), but when I look on RealOEM (https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU52-EUR-03-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=63_0970) is only shows Xenon or Bi-Xenon in the parts list.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Xenon or Bi-Xenon in the parts list

You’re reading it wrong, S522A=No means without xenon option.

You have halogens. 687 and 688 are halogen headlamps.

 

[davidmudley12]

Xenon or Bi-Xenon in the parts list

You’re reading it wrong, S522A=No means without xenon option.

You have halogens. 687 and 688 are halogen headlamps.

Thanks for that, not sure I would have ever figured that out for myself.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Xenon or Bi-Xenon in the parts list

You’re reading it wrong, S522A=No means without xenon option.

You have halogens. 687 and 688 are halogen headlamps.

Thanks for that, not sure I would have ever figured that out for myself.

Guard the knowledge from the uninitiated :wink:

 

[davidmudley12]

You’re reading it wrong, S522A=No means without xenon option.

You have halogens. 687 and 688 are halogen headlamps.

Thanks for that, not sure I would have ever figured that out for myself.

Guard the knowledge from the uninitiated :wink:

I’ve well and truly earned my ‘newbie’ title.

 

[mr wilks]

Just raise the bonnet & look on front crash panel over the headlights , if xenon there will be yellow high voltage warning stickers .