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

IMPORTANT: Do not perform headlight adjustment immediately after lowering the vehicle on the vehicle hoist. In this case, move the vehicle for approx. 15 m on its own wheels before headlight adjustment.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the manufacturer's operating instructions for the headlight adjustment device.
Headlight adjustment position must comply with the specifications as set out in StVZO (German road traffic licensing regulations) [sect] 29 Annex 8d (or ISO 10604).

Park vehicle on flat and even surface.
Replace faulty glass and mirrors and blackened light bulbs.
Check 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 Headlight Switch Positions
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IMPORTANT: Do not move the vehicle and steering wheel during the measuring and adjustment procedures!
Wheels must be in the straight-ahead position!

Fig 2: Positioning Headlight Adjustment Device

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IMPORTANT: A correct measurement/adjustment requires exact positioning of the headlight adjustment device (1).
Headlight adjustment device (1) must stand vertically to the vehicle longitudinal axis.
This applies to all headlights!

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.

IMPORTANT: Points must be vehicle proof!
Points must be separated as wide as possible!
Trim panels are not suitable!

If the headlight adjustment device (1) does not have a laser beam (3), complete the alignment analogous with the line in the mirror.

IMPORTANT: Always perform positioning of the headlight adjustment device (1) at the outer headlight (2).

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: Aligning Center Of Collecting Lens Horizontally With Center Of Headlight

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Fig 4: Identifying Proper And Improper Headlight Adjustment

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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:

The headlight adjusting device is too low.
The headlight adjusting device is positioned correctly.
The headlight adjusting device is too high.
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: Aligning Center Of Collecting Lens Vertically With Center Of Headlight
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NOTE: The figure shows an example for the transparent screen of halogen headlights.

OVERVIEW OF TRANSPARENT SCREENS OF DIFFERENT HEADLIGHT TYPES.

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, F15, F16, F25, F26, R60, R61. For these vehicles, value 1.1% (adjustment value - 1.1% ) applies.

Setting dimension, fog lights:

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

{H} Height of headlight center above parking surface

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

+ Central mark = center point of high beam headlight.

{M} Marker line of the headlight adjustment device

{S} Standing surface of the vehicle and headlight adjustment device

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

Fig 6: Identifying Headlight Adjustment Dimensions

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.