63 10... Test requirements for headlight vertical aim adjustment

• Refer to the equipment manufacturer's operating instructions for the headlight adjustment device
• Park vehicle on flat and even surface.
• Replace faulty glass and mirrors and blackened light bulbs.
• Correct adjustment of headlights in relation to engine compartment lid (gap dimensions).
• Check tire pressure and correct if necessary.
• Only halogen headlight, fog light and headlight for Dynamic Light Spot:
  • Apply load equivalent to one person on driver's seat (approx. 75 kg).
  • Vehicle with full fuel tank or appropriate additional weight in luggage compartment.
• Switch the ignition on.
• Manual headlight beam throw adjustment: Move handwheel to neutral position (1).
• Light switch must be in "low beam/driving light" position (3).
• Do not carry out the headlight adjustment in the "automatic driving lights control" light switch position (2).
• Version with Xenon or LED (automatic headlight beam throw adjustment): Wait 80 s after switching on lights. During this time, do not move the vehicle and avoid vibrations.

Fig 1: Identifying Light Switch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position headlight adjustment device (1) centrally in front of vehicle (2) at distance (A) = 10 cm  .

Align headlight adjustment device (1) by laser beam (3). Laser beam (3) must hit two suitable points, e.g. marked by arrows.

If the headlight adjustment device (1) does not have a laser beam (1), complete the alignment analogous with the line in the mirror.

Fig 2: Identifying Headlight Adjustment Device

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The center of the collecting lens (1) must match the center of headlight (2) horizontally.

Corrections are made by raising or lowering the headlight adjustment device.

Fig 3: Center Of Collecting Lens (1) Must Match Centre Of Headlight

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When positioned correctly, the light/dark boundary of the headlight (marked with arrow) must hit the collecting lens of the adjusting device in the center:

1. The headlight adjusting device is too low.
2. The headlight adjusting device is positioned correctly.
3. The headlight adjusting device is too high.
Fig 4: Light/Dark Boundary Of Headlight (Marked With Arrow) Must Hit Collecting Lens
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The center of the collecting lens (1) must match the center of headlight (2) vertically. Corrections are made by sliding the side of the headlight adjusting device to the left or right.

Fig 5: Center Of Collecting Lens (1) Must Match Center Of Headlight Vertically

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Set marker line {M} on aimer to {e}. Scale graduations on the headlight adjustment device are equal to a gradient in cm at a distance of 10 meters.

Light/dark boundary of headlights in the headlight adjustment device: 

{e} Setting dimension, headlights: 

• Value is indicated on the headlight housing  and on vehicles with production date up to 2011 on the type plate  in %.

  (e.g.: 1.0 %  = -10 cm/10 m = - 1.0 %  on the headlight adjusting device)

• Value 1.0 %  (adjustment value - 1.0 %  ) applies to all BMW Group vehicles.
• Exception: E53, E70, E71, E72, E83, F25, R60, R61. Value 1.1 %  (adjustment value - 1.1 %  ) applies to these vehicles.

Setting dimension, fog lights: 

• Value 2.0 %  = -20 cm/10 m = - 2.0 %  on the headlight adjusting device applies to all BMW Group vehicles.

Fig 6: Headlight Vertical Aiming Screen

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

{H} Height of center of headlight above parking surface.

{h} {H} - {e} = height of marking line above parking surface

+ Central mark = center point of high-beam headlight.

{M} Marking line of headlamp aimer

{S} Parking surface of vehicle and headlight aimer

Adjustment dimension {e} is only valid for EUR. Observe differing national regulations.