R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Dynamic headlamp range... say what?!

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  #1  
Old 05-15-2006, 06:45 PM
krackenthorpe
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Dynamic headlamp range... say what?!

I was taking a look at the 2005 pdf manual and in the parking lamps/low beams section, I saw this entry: The dynamic headlamp range control for xenon lamps only operates with the light switch in position 1 or 2.

What the heck is dynamic headlamp range control and why is there no more info in the manual? I don't have my MINI yet so I can't go out to it and check it out.
 
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Old 05-15-2006, 06:54 PM
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That applies to European cars only.
 
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Old 05-15-2006, 07:54 PM
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So, what is it anyway? A manual control in addition to the self leveling feature?
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:21 AM
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it'd be nice, since my headlights like to light up the ground
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:35 AM
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Xenons tend to come from the factory pointing too far downward. Just re-adjust them up and you'll have some improved (if not dynamic) headlamp range!
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:38 AM
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yeah, when Iget my fog lamps tomorrow, im gonna do that. is it counter clockwise to reaise them ? or clockwise. I gotta find that old thread
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by DownSize
yeah, when Iget my fog lamps tomorrow, im gonna do that. is it counter clockwise to reaise them ? or clockwise. I gotta find that old thread
I don't remember since it has been 3 years since I adjusted mine, but it just took a screwdriver and I remember the adjustment screw being labeled but you might need a flashlight even in daylight to see the labeling.

What I do remember is that it does not take much of a turn to get a noticeable change. I would do 1/4 turn at a time. I don' think I did much more than 1/2 turn of the adjustment screw.
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 07:54 AM
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also, if anyone else planned on adjusting them, the headlights need to be on and let it go through the auto leveling feature. if the headlights are not on while adjusting, once you turn them on, they will just go back to a preset level. sorry for the hijack, i thought alot of people would like to know.
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 10:41 AM
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Please have someone help you check your lights after you adjust them! Have them drive in front of you at night to make sure your lights aren't pointed too high.

I for one don't want to end up with someone driving behind me at night with an improperly adjusted xenon headlight blinding me every time I look in my mirror.

Thank you!
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 11:25 AM
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Ill make sure to do that so that if I ever drive out to CA, I wont blind you
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by krackenthorpe
What the heck is dynamic headlamp range control and why is there no more info in the manual?
it means simply that they are self-adjusting at all times (e.g., while braking, while accelerating) and it does apply to the US as well as Europe.
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by chows4us
it means simply that they are self-adjusting at all times (e.g., while braking, while accelerating) and it does apply to the US as well as Europe.
I believe the feature he is refering to the the **** that fits into the blank spot on the parcel shelf or European cars.

Its an adjuster for the Xenons that looks sillilar to the gauge backlight adjuster on a Ford.

I'll see if I can find a picture...
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 02:24 PM
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Old 05-16-2006, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by not-so-rednwhitecooper
I believe the feature he is refering to the the **** that fits into the blank spot on the parcel shelf or European cars.

I'll see if I can find a picture...
\

Cool Usually its automatic and referenced by many cars like Audi, Porsche, etc. For example, its referenced here http://www.audiworld.com/news/02/a8l...content5.shtml
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by DownSize
also, if anyone else planned on adjusting them, the headlights need to be on and let it go through the auto leveling feature. if the headlights are not on while adjusting, once you turn them on, they will just go back to a preset level. sorry for the hijack, i thought alot of people would like to know.
I don't believe this is the case. The headlight adjuster screws are mechanical adjusters. The 'auto leveling' feature uses sensors in the front and rear suspension to dynamically adjust the headlights if, for example, you have a few, uh, heavyweight boxers in the back seat.
I know for sure that I adjusted MY xenons with the lights off, and they adjusted just fine.
Yucca knows of what he speaks. I started with a 1/4 turn, and that was way too much. About 1/8th took me from staring at asphalt in front of me to seeing the road ahead.
 
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Old 05-16-2006, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by DownSize
Ill make sure to do that so that if I ever drive out to CA, I wont blind you
good! you wont get me either then
 
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