[Aircooler]

Just picked up an E91 330D M-Sport (2009). I haven't had a chance to look at the manual yet (and away for a couple of weeks). How easy is it to switch the headlamp beam from left (UK) to right (Europe)? Is there a switch inside the car or is it a case of on the back of the headlamps themselves?

I presume BMW haven't incorporated this into the i-drive yet

[xenon]

Depends if you have xenons. If you do there is a switch; if you have halogens then sticky-on beam masks are the order of the day.

[Aircooler]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes I have Xenons (part of the Visibility package). Where is the switch located?

[xenon]

I can only tell you from the point of view of the e92 - I couldn't say that the e91 is identical. On the e92 there is a plastic cover on top of the headlamp assembly which unclips. Once that is removed there is a fragile-looking white plastic lever that can be pushed down with a screwdriver until it goes "over centre". As I say, the e91 might be different but on the e92 it's explained in the handbook.

[Aircooler]

ok, thanks - that's very helpful. At least I know the area to look at

[xenon]

You're welcome - I can post some pictures of the e92 switch if that helps.

[Aircooler]

Yes that would be great if you get the time

[xenon]

Remove this cover ^^



I drew some red lines around the screwdriver to make it easier to see, but that's the little white lever. It does feel like it's going to snap....

[Aircooler]

That's very helpful, thanks. It looks like not much progress compared to my 993 turbo. Same kind of mechanisn, a switch at the back of the headlamp.

It would be really nice if it was switchable from the dashboard. I've got the Visibility package with adaptive headlights and all that kind of wizzy stuff but still have to fiddle around under the bonnet when I get close to Calais!

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by xenon

I can only tell you from the point of view of the e92 - I couldn't say that the e91 is identical. On the e92 there is a plastic cover on top of the headlamp assembly which unclips. Once that is removed there is a fragile-looking white plastic lever that can be pushed down with a screwdriver until it goes "over centre". As I say, the e91 might be different but on the e92 it's explained in the handbook.

The E91 is indeed different.

Now I have a 2008MY E91 with Xenons and they are not adjustable. You have to use stickers (I posted the BMW part number previously on here so have a search).

Not sure if the adaptive are different again but very annoying.

[Aircooler]

Originally Posted by m@rk

The E91 is indeed different.

Now I have a 2008MY E91 with Xenons and they are not adjustable. You have to use stickers (I posted the BMW part number previously on here so have a search).

Not sure if the adaptive are different again but very annoying.

That's interesting, looks like I'll need to do a bit more investigation when I get back. Thanks for the info.

[creepy coupe]

I drove to Lake Annecy in southern France last year, most of the drive was through the night, I did switch the beam over and didn't get flashed once.

Just a thought.

[acerboo]

once you have pushed the tag down how do you put it back again?

[xenon]

You kind of hook the screwdriver (or whatever) underneath and click it back up. It's easy but it does feel very weak.

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by m@rk

The E91 is indeed different.

Now I have a 2008MY E91 with Xenons and they are not adjustable. You have to use stickers (I posted the BMW part number previously on here so have a search).

Not sure if the adaptive are different again but very annoying.

Regular Xenons and Adaptive Xenons on pre LCI cars are adjustable by the dealer. However neither the service goon nor a technician could show me how. Service goon said I needed to book it in and be charged £100+VAT for the privilege each way. Only access to the Xenon internals to switch the lever over on a E90/1 is from a rear panel. Only way to gain decent access is wheel and arch liner removal. Stickers on the Xenon covers do not work with the beam pattern.

I did two weeks in Europe last Summer with no adjustment with no issues leaving them as they are

[tomgrey]

Hi There,

your picture of the lights is perfect. But what I can't be sure of is, the white plastic bit is foxed on the middle and 'rocks' when pushed. If you push at front and down it moves, if you oush at back and down it moves.
Does anyone know whether LHD is push down at back (rocking front bit up) or push down at front (which rocks back up).

Thanks to anyone that can answer this. Did ask the dealer and he said push down for LHD, but did not say whether to push at front or back.

[225_AB]

I changed them recently for a trip to France, differen foreach side ie one back, one forward, it's in the manual sorry can't remember which is which now.

[magic77]

on E90/E91 LCI its wheel off , wheel arch out, Then remove the large cover on the back of the hedlight to get to the switch. Confirmed by Guildford BMW.

Some dealers want even touch it local sytner just advised using stickers. Right pain since on E46 it was a simly DIY job, and even wifes B-class merc has it.

IMHO its just another half arded attempt by BMW as they trying to cut corners.

With adaptive system in Xenons with bit of R&D I'm sure it would not be hard to provide a electronic switch mechasim which coudl be set same way you can turn on/off your DRLs.

[tomgrey]

Hi Doc Ab,

I have searched the manual and can't find it anywhere. Got the car in December 2009, its a 330d convertible. Can you give me the page number for the manual?

Thanks for replying

[225_AB]

Mine is a Jan 09 e92 and it is on page 127 under "rule of the road"

[tomgrey]

Well, don't I feel daft for not looking there, so obvious, if your a german.

Ok, looked at page 127band it says, BMW service can supply film..... use headlights at position 2. Nothing about adjustment.

Thanks for trying,

[tomgrey]

This looks exactly like my lights. As the white plastic bit is pivoted in the middle for europe do I push down at front of the plastic bit or at the back? Is it the same for each side.

Thanks,