I have a 2005 MCS. Upon driving home one night, I happened to be driving behind my neighbor. This past weekend, she told me that she noticed that my right headlight was somewhat brighter than my left one. I checked this out for myself last night and, sure enough, the right xenon was brighter.

If anyone has any input on what may be the cause of this problem, I would greatly appreciate your response.

Thanks,
Spencer

 

If you mean right as in passenger side, then it could just the way the headlight is aimed -- usually, the driver's side headlight is aimed a little lower on LHD cars to reduce headlight glare for oncoming drivers.

This is how mine is with regular headlights but I don't know if it holds true for xenons which are supposed to be self leveling. Look at the headlights from different elevations to rule this out.

 

My left xenon is definitely aimed a little lower than my right--I can tell from the cutoff pattern when I turn on my lights in my garage.

Anyway, if it's not due to the headlight aiming, my understanding is that variations in brightness will occur over time. Probably wouldn't let it bother you too much.

 

bulbs also lose output overtime , have you replaced one ???

 

Volvos are designed for one headlight to be brighter than the other. I think it is the right that is brighter. Maybe Mini is the same way since both are European.

 

I replaced both of the H7 daytime-driving lights, but I don't think that affected the xenons.

From inside the car, I don't notice a difference between the two lights so it likely the difference in the aiming level that I noticed. I'll take a closer look again tonight if I think about it.

Thanks guys.