Self levelling

[LukeMace]

After clarifying something.
The self levelling system on the xenon lights from what I can gather is simply that the main beam is set on a lose pivot which allows gravity to move it when the angle of the car changes? Is that right?

I don't know what I expected but I couldn't quite believe how simple it was (if that is the case!)

 

[Maniac]

It's not quite that simple as if it was a pivot your lights would be bouncing up and down like yo yos over bumps etc.

There are sensors on the car that detect the cars tilt and the headlamps are adjusted electronically. Hence the reset movement when you turn them on.

*edited to correct a spelling typo.

 

[LukeMace]

Aah OK. I guessed as much.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Bit more detail...

The beam is set correctly with the car static. As loads increase sensors on opposite front anr rear suspension memberes signal movement of pitch and yaw and cause the step motor to maintain the preset elevation.

The cycle you see at start up is the step motor in each light remembering where it should be. You'll notice halogens do it too which confuses people to believe they self level.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

You'll notice halogens do it too which confuses people to believe they self level.

My 320d halogens do this, and I've often wondered why. What's the point in having motor-controlled levelling if they are not automatic? Presumably, if the car is fully laiden there is a headlight adjustment that employs these motors?

 

[cj10jeeper]

You'll notice halogens do it too which confuses people to believe they self level.

My 320d halogens do this, and I've often wondered why. What's the point in having motor-controlled levelling if they are not automatic? Presumably, if the car is fully laiden there is a headlight adjustment that employs these motors?

Wel they are fully automatic on the xenon, however on the halogen the knurled wheel on the dash simply controlls up/down of the motor instead of levelling sensors

My understanding is this is a first generation stepper motor that needs to cylce to remember the correct setting while newer generations don't need to do this.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I'll have a fiddle when next I'm in it. I rarely have passengers so it's never really been laiden sufficiently to look for the adjustment. Besides, the headlights are so poor I need my spare hand for holding a torch

 

[andysat]

I'll have a fiddle when next I'm in it. I rarely have passengers so it's never really been laiden sufficiently to look for the adjustment. Besides, the headlights are so poor I need my spare hand for holding a torch