By a sequence of events too painful too retell, I recently had two new headlights installed on my 04 MCS (along with approx $6K in repair work).

The lights need to be aligned (they both point to the ground). Does anyone know the proper method to align the mini's xenon headlights? On mini2 there's been a few discussions about having the computer align them as they've got self-aligning motors--I'm not sure if this is true of our DOT lights.

Morristown Mini wants to do it the old fashion way--taped marks on a wall. Generally, this is a fine--if low tech--way to align lights, but the mini2 discussions have me wondering if it's ideal.

Any thoughts?

 

I have had my headlights aligned both ways, and I don't find one method much more convincing than the other. With the computer method, they still seemed to be pointing down, so I had to adjust them up a bit. The tape method was a little better in terms of initial position, but the beam pattern may not be as crisp. So really it's just up to the skills of the tech.

Your results may vary.

Dave

 

The lights are adjusted manually either way. The reason for using the diagnostic computer is to put the lights into the middle setting of the motor's range, then manually adjust the headlamps from there. This allows the full range of motion up and down, as the car moves the lights up and down automatically in response to pitch changes. The downside to adjusting the headlamps without the aid of a diagnostic computer is it is possible to manually adjust the lamps to one end of the motor's range. Then, when the motor tries to automatically adjust the lamps, it cannot and possibly strips gears, burns out the motor, or maybe just skips out of alignment. Anyway, it is a good idea to have the motors in their middle position before manually adjusting the headlamps.

chrwilliams,

Have you driven your car at night yet? I noticed the motors automatically adjusting the Xenons on my first drive.

 

I used the tape on my garage door technique and aimed it
a tad higher than factory. it worked just fine. :smile:

But since you say your's is completely out of alignment, you
may want the dealer to center it for you and then readjust
to your preference when you get home.

 

>>chrwilliams,
>>
>>Have you driven your car at night yet? I noticed the motors automatically adjusting the Xenons on my first drive.

Yes I have--no adjustment took place that I could see. The cut-off pattern is perfect, but it just appears on the road approx 10-15 feet before my car.

Thanks for the help everyone. I will have the dealer adjust the motor lights with the computer to put them in the middle of their range and then tune with the screws on the backs of the unit.

Best,