How do you blanace your headlights ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kamil · #1 10-27-2004, 09:20 PM

Hey....

I installed a new headlight bulb the other day and I'm not sure if it is balanced right. Is there an easy way of doing this ?

Thanks

boneheaddoctor · #2 10-28-2004, 09:13 AM

I assume you mean height not balance.

I find a wall and pull about 20 feet away and adjust them to about 2 feet up the wall and a little to the right of being directly in front of the car to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. I am sure thats not correct but it works for me.

Oh, thats low beams, High beams I adjust a bit higher.

braverichard · #3 10-28-2004, 09:30 AM

I can't believe someone just started a thread with the exact same question as one I was about to start!! Unbelievable!!

Anyway, I just replaced my sealed beam headlamps on the 300SD with Hella H4 compatible ones and I also wanted to ask: how exactly do you perform the headlamp adjustment? I explained what to adjust it to, but you didn't explain how the adjustment is done. Thanks.

boneheaddoctor · #4 10-28-2004, 10:04 AM

there is two adjustment screws on each light, one moves it up and down, one moves it left and right. I pulled my sealed beams for Euro lights about a year ago.

braverichard · #5 10-28-2004, 10:12 AM

Where are those screws located? Sorry about the stream of questions, but I don't know anything about headlamp adjustments - never even heard about them before I purchased the Hella ones.

boneheaddoctor · #6 10-28-2004, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by braverichard

Where are those screws located? Sorry about the stream of questions, but I don't know anything about headlamp adjustments - never even heard about them before I purchased the Hella ones.

they are right next to the light, like 1/8 -1/4 inch from edge. there should be a recess in cover usually a phillips head screw. Sorry, not near my car or my old lights which are both at home. But then I have a W116 not a 123, they could be in slightly different positions.

One will be at either 12 or 6 oclock positions the other either 3 or 9 oclock positions, which will be reversed from one side to the other. on the side to side adjustment.

P.E.Haiges · #7 10-28-2004, 10:30 AM

Kamil,

The correct term is "align" the headlights. You align the lights by adjusting the screws.

P E H

83-240D · #8 10-28-2004, 10:43 AM

on my 240 the adjusting screws are long plastic things that stick out from the back of the lens. i have not done it yet but one aims up/down and the other left right. you will have to adjust then go for a drive and use both high and low beams and then adjust again more than likely. remember how many turns you moved each so you can make fine adjustments the second time.

question on the built in fogs.......when turned on they show a lighted patch about 10 feet from the bumper. should i presume this to be correct since i have not had the chance to use them in fog? when i had the hellas on my jetta i was able to adjust them waaaaaaaaay down the road. eventho the lens says h4 i am guessing it is an american spec bulb in the glass.

Dervman · #9 10-28-2004, 11:12 AM

To align the headlamps, find a level piece of ground and a vertical wall. Drive the car up close to the wall with the headlamps facing the wall. Use some tape that will show up against the wall to mark the centre positions of the headlights on the wall. Drive back from the wall about 20-25 feet making sure you keep the car at right angles to the wall and in line with the tape markers.

With the lights on high beam, adjust the headlamps so the centre of the beam is centred on the tape marks. On low beam the lights should "dip" below the marks and a little to the right.

Fog lamps should give a wide beam close to the car about 10-15 feet in front. The beam should spread to the sides to illuminate the curb and road markings.

boneheaddoctor · #10 10-28-2004, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83-240D

on my 240 the adjusting screws are long plastic things that stick out from the back of the lens. i have not done it yet but one aims up/down and the other left right. you will have to adjust then go for a drive and use both high and low beams and then adjust again more than likely. remember how many turns you moved each so you can make fine adjustments the second time.

.

wow, thats way diferent than the W116 and every other vehicle I have owned then.

83-240D · #11 10-28-2004, 04:10 PM

well doc that is what the fella i bought the car from told me so i hope i am right. if not is certainly isn't the first time.

i just looked it up in my haynes and of course all the screws numbered are not listed.

boneheaddoctor · #12 10-28-2004, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83-240D

well doc that is what the fella i bought the car from told me so i hope i am right. if not is certainly isn't the first time.

i just looked it up in my haynes and of course all the screws numbered are not listed.

well, they will be the only ones that don't seem to hold a retaining ring to hold the lights in and be real close to the bulb. I do assume you have the Federal headlights and not the euro ones. Euro lights will be way different.

braverichard · #13 10-29-2004, 12:13 PM

Can't quite figure out how to adjust my W126 headlamps. Can anyone who knows how to adjust W126 headlamps post the procedure please? Thanks.

P.E.Haiges · #14 10-29-2004, 12:49 PM

braverichard,

I'm also am interested in how the 126 headlights are adjusted. My high beams are like low beams and the low beams are like no beams.

P E H