How do I change the headlamp direction>

[bras0782]

Need to change the dipping direction for driving on the other side of the road in Europe. Can't find anything in the manual except how to replace the bulbs and set the auto-headlamps.

Thanks

[RustyZ4]

Didnt know you could,, I just thought you had to get the transfers from somewhere like Halfords to stick on the headlight to stop dazzling other drivers.

[Mattt]

AFAIK from other cars, xenons involve a switch, but halogen require the blanking plates.

[BlackSapphireZ]

you either need new set of projectors or headlights, OR new shield. but getting new shield would be near impossible. you'd be better off finding the projectors.

should look into EBAY USA for LHD units. plenty of them out there for cheap. PAIR of bi-xenon projectors cost around $150. remember, ones from MAXIMA, E55 and E60(5 series) fit the Z4. Same projectors.

[GP20]

Why couldn't you just manually adjust the headlights from the engine bay so your passenger side points lower and the drive side points higher?

[Aebous]

What are ya'll talking about willis?

[bras0782]

you either need new set of projectors or headlights, OR new shield. but getting new shield would be near impossible. you'd be better off finding the projectors.

should look into EBAY USA for LHD units. plenty of them out there for cheap. PAIR of bi-xenon projectors cost around $150. remember, ones from MAXIMA, E55 and E60(5 series) fit the Z4. Same projectors.

That's overkill for a 1 week trip. Most cars will either need ugly headlamp converters like this, or you can change the direction of the lights. I'm hoping for the latter.

Why couldn't you just manually adjust the headlights from the engine bay so your passenger side points lower and the drive side points higher?

Aha - can you elaborate on how?

Thanks

[cj10jeeper]

OK - so UK lights and things are different for lights here to anywhere else in the globe.

If you have Xenon open the flap in front of the wheels. Remove ther rear spring cover off the lamp and wiggle the cover out of the way. (lights off obvioulsy else you will hurt real bad witha 20k shock...) By the side of the projector there is a lever. Sliding up or down and it will cut off the elevated left side of the beam, making them legal in Europe. Reassemble ensuring the cover seats well. It's less than 5 mins per side and can be done before oyu leave home as they would still be UK legal but poorly illuminate the left verge.

The halogens I have dismantled have the same lever in the UK but if not, then it's blanking / diffusers / beam deflectors from Halfords/AA. Do not use black tape as the heat build up can easliy melt/scar the plastic lens and guessing the cut offf location would be tricky.

LHS and RHS lights do not point higher or lower - a myth/not correct for the UK. Just look at your current beam pattern on a wall or garage door.

Hope this helps.

[bras0782]

Found out how to do it with standard lights - it's on pg86 of the maunal. Thanks to GAZA62 for the tip.

There is a lever in the engine bay which you push in or pull out for the different settings. This must be what GP20 was referring to.

I was looking at copy of the manual I had on my computer - turns out that's the American version and so no reference to the lights

[mason storm]

as far as I can see this only shows yu how to access the bulbs it doesn't say anything about changing the angle of the beam?

[cj10jeeper]

as far as I can see this only shows yu how to access the bulbs it doesn't say anything about changing the angle of the beam?

The lever I refer to does not alter the angle of the beam at all. It lowers a blanking plate (well actually raises it as the light source is inverted by the lens but that would confuse...lol) that cuts of part of the beam. Very different to adjusting the headlamps for normal and correct alignment and direction.

[bras0782]

as far as I can see this only shows yu how to access the bulbs it doesn't say anything about changing the angle of the beam?

The lever I refer to does not alter the angle of the beam at all. It lowers a blanking plate (well actually raises it as the light source is inverted by the lens but that would confuse...lol) that cuts of part of the beam. Very different to adjusting the headlamps for normal and correct alignment and direction.

Ok, getting confused now.

Can someone confirm that those levers referred to on pg86 of the manual are all I need to to make my lights legal in Europe. Sounds right to me

Thanks

[cj10jeeper]

bras0782

I cannot get to my handbook to check what you are referring to, as it's 500 miles away at home.

If you mean the knurled adjusters they are for beam alignment on Z4 headlights (up, down left, right). They will not blank off the beam that points left and up, which in the UK of course illuminates the pavement/hedge and in Europe would dazzle oncoming drivers.

All adjustment for Europe is through the rear access panel as mentioned above.

[mason storm]

as far as I can see this only shows yu how to access the bulbs it doesn't say anything about changing the angle of the beam?

The lever I refer to does not alter the angle of the beam at all. It lowers a blanking plate (well actually raises it as the light source is inverted by the lens but that would confuse...lol) that cuts of part of the beam. Very different to adjusting the headlamps for normal and correct alignment and direction.

Interesting, how did you find this out as the manual just says you have to move the lever (if we are talking about the same thing) to gain access to the bulbs? Was it just a case of finding this out by accident?

[mason storm]

bras0782

I cannot get to my handbook to check what you are referring to, as it's 500 miles away at home.

If you mean the knurled adjusters they are for beam alignment on Z4 headlights (up, down left, right). They will not blank off the beam that points left and up, which in the UK of course illuminates the pavement/hedge and in Europe would dazzle oncoming drivers.

All adjustment for Europe is through the rear access panel as mentioned above.

I don't think he was refering to any knurled headlight adjusters, I think he is refering to a lever which is used to access the bulbs in the headlights