E39 Discussion Anything and everything to do with the E39 (1997 - 2003) 5 series!

Headlight adjustment

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Old 01-16-2023, 07:52 AM
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Default Headlight adjustment

I have a 2001 E39 with a sport package. Standard headlights (no auto-adjust). My headlights have somehow drifted low over time. So much so that I can't see very far in front of me with low beams on and rarely get flashed if I keep high beams on all the time. I have tried adjusting the headlights using the inner hex screws which control the adjuster wheels. While they turn the adjuster wheels, there is no real impact on the light angle. And it's the same issue on both sides. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any suggestions (other than just driving around with high beams on all the time)?

Thanks.
Old 01-16-2023, 08:26 AM
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Old 01-16-2023, 10:49 AM
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I need to do some hunting. That video relates to the pre-facelift headlights, which I suspect is different than the facelifted lights I have that came with mine (first year of those, I suspect). Thanks for the lead. Have you seen anything about doing that with the newer ones?
Old 01-16-2023, 03:32 PM
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I am almost sure your plastic headlight adjusters became brittle and need replacing. That video was for reference only.
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