Headlight distance and brightness

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Jan 27, 2006 | 01:18 PM

Bimmer32

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From: Houston, Texas

My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Silver Grey, Sport Package, R. Shades, Cold Pkg, Sat. Rad., Prem. Sound.

The xenons lights are so defined that it seems that my headlights are not set to see far enough? Does anyone have this experience. I drive multiple cars every week and noticed that regular headlights seems shine further than the Xenon's on the E60 (when in actuality, it's the same level. The regular lights bleed off).

Additionally, it seems that the Xenon does not have an even shape to the shine. In other words, the right side seems to shine higher on both headlights. I'll see if I can post a pic later on. Is this normal?

Jan 27, 2006 | 01:24 PM

Ricracing

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From: Helsinki, Finland

My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.

Yes, I feel excactly the same!

Even the xenons can be adjusted, manually.

The xenons are so powerful that they are normally adjusted too "short".

Jan 27, 2006 | 01:26 PM

mlist84

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It is normal for xenon to shine differently. On US spec (left driver), the right headlight will shine further than the left and vice versa for right side drive in Europe.

I think this is for safety reason.

Apart from that, I do agree that it will be nice to adjust them to shine further.

Jan 27, 2006 | 02:26 PM

pennetta

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From: Long Island, NY

My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.

Mine seem great and much better then std lights. I do have a problem reading street signs, around here they are about 10 feet above the ground, because the Xenon beam gets cut off after a certain height. A flash of the brights lets you see street signs fine but at the expense of oncoming drivers.

Jan 27, 2006 | 05:30 PM

JDN

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From: Dallas, TX USA

No way would I trade back for halogens. I see much better with these and do not seem to have the problem blinding oncoming traffic as often as with halogens.

Jan 27, 2006 | 06:04 PM

hmc

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From: Carlsbad, California

My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i Sport Pkg, 6MT

I would trade back. It's indeed not far enough. And cooler color actually doesn't reflect as well on black road.

Jan 28, 2006 | 01:45 AM

skaffa

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My Ride: -04 530D

I think that because line between light and shaddow is so sharp it feels that You can?t see as far as with halogens, where those have more diffused light.

I would not by any car ever without Xenons!

Skaffa

Jan 28, 2006 | 02:15 AM

petri

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From: Espoo, Finland

My Ride: 2005 (born 11/04) 525i Touring: jet black, bi-xenons, sports suspension, extended air conditioning. Retrofits: hinged cubby hole, AUX-input, generic I-Drive video interface (a.k.a. xbox-e60) Warranty repairs: software update, door seals replaced, loose aluminium trim fixed. Repairs: Self-levelling compressor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skaffa' post='230879' date='Jan 28 2006, 12:45 PM

I think that because line between light and shaddow is so sharp it feels that You can?t see as far as with halogens, where those have more diffused light.

I would not by any car ever without Xenons!

Skaffa

Me neither !
I feel that xenons are one of the best features in new cars. At least I'm very happy with my e61 xenons.

Jan 28, 2006 | 10:54 AM

Bimmer32

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From: Houston, Texas

My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Silver Grey, Sport Package, R. Shades, Cold Pkg, Sat. Rad., Prem. Sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlist84' post='230666' date='Jan 27 2006, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the verification about the right and left headlight shine distance safety. The Xenons are great. As for not seeing the signs on the road, I use the fog lights which helps out a little bit on reading the signs.