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  #1  
Old 12-03-2006, 05:05 AM
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W210 Aim Headlights

Just bought a 2003 E320 wagon with factory Xeon headlights. Wow .... nice .... still getting used to them glowing-up when first turned on. Really like the illumination.

But they are aimed too low. How are these adjusted? Are there obvious adjuster screws?

Haasman

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  #2  
Old 12-03-2006, 08:13 AM
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Haasman, do your lights incorpoate any self-leveling?
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Old 12-03-2006, 08:25 AM
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I've got OE halogens added to my diesel. I've had to aim them up on several occasions. Dealership had them pointing at the ground 25' ahead of the car.

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1783234&postcount=16
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  #4  
Old 12-04-2006, 03:18 PM
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The owner's manual addresses aiming the headlamps in the 210.
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Old 12-15-2006, 03:06 AM
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Since I do not know much about these lights, their "self-leveling" feature etc I had them adjusted at a shop. The good news is that they are aimed higher, but still just a bit low.

I was told they are at their max even though the cut-off is still low. Yes, I have had numerous different lighting systems over the years and understand where the cut-off should be.

Any further elavating suggestions?

Thanks as always in advance,

Haasman
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  #6  
Old 12-15-2006, 06:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by haasman View Post

Any further elavating suggestions?
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1783234&postcount=16
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  #7  
Old 12-15-2006, 08:28 AM
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If the adjustments are maxxed out, probably a problem with HRA that needs to be attended to. On the levers on the sensors for the front, there are a couple different holes that the link can be inserted in to, maybe some body/accident work was done and these are in the incorrect places (not that I can tell you which is correct!). They can do a series of information-gathering steps with the shop computer involving the sensor readings and the adjustment motors in the headlamps to diagnose the problem. Usually the LAST thing you want to do is mess with the adjusters on a Xenon especially. If the factory setting is lost there is usually a good reason, quite often the factory setting can be brought back if the HRA problem is corrected, unless there was major sheet metal damage or a suspension "big" problem.
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Old 12-15-2006, 11:52 AM
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Thanks for these suggestions and the aiming guide.

Sorry, but what is HRA?

The front-end looks clean- I carefully studied the car before buying it.

Quote:
On the levers on the sensors for the front, there are a couple different holes that the link can be inserted in to ...
I will look for these points and proceed carefully. This could easily be the reason.

I'll update this thread when I find out what is going on.

Haasman
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  #9  
Old 12-15-2006, 06:34 PM
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All the factory MB Xenon lights have HRA=headlamp range adjustment. The headlights have an electric motor that responds not only to chassis loading but anything that moves the suspension up and down (potholes, dips, whatever) to keep the lights properly aimed, if it's working I'm sure you've noticed it. It does NOT compensate for a road grade (going up or down hill), there are sensors on the suspension that measure the control arm deflection, not a sensor that measure a road grade.
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Old 12-15-2006, 11:42 PM
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Gilly

Hmmmm I think we are on to something now.

Front suspension or rear? Would you know if the sensor is right or left?

Attached are current aiming of low and high beams (taken through the windshield!)

Thanks

Haasman
Attached Thumbnails
W210 Aim Headlights-low-beam.jpg   W210 Aim Headlights-highbeam.jpg  
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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Last edited by haasman; 12-15-2006 at 11:58 PM. Reason: include pictures
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  #11  
Old 12-15-2006, 11:55 PM
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IIRC there are 2 fronts and one rear. You should be able to see the linkage for the fronts on the front of each lower control arm, maybe if you turned the wheel sharply to the right you could probably see the right one and to the left the left one.
Gilly

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