Test requirements for headlights vertical aim adjustment (530i 2017-2022, 530i xDrive 2017-2022, 530e PHEV 2018-2022, 530e xDrive PHEV 2018-2022, 540i 2017-2022, 540i xDrive 2017-2022, M550i xDrive 2018-2022)

CAUTION: Do not perform headlight adjustment immediately after lowering the vehicle on the vehicle hoist. In this case, move the vehicle for approx. 15 m on its own wheels before headlight adjustment.

CAUTION: Observe the operating instructions for the headlight adjusting device!
The headlight adjusting bay must comply with the specifications as set out in StVZO (German road traffic licensing regulations) 29 Annex 8d (or ISO 10604)!
These specifications are described in "Planning principles for layout of BMW service workshops".

Vehicle parked on level ground.
Replace faulty glass and mirrors and blackened light bulbs.
Check correct adjustment of headlights in relation to engine compartment lid (gap dimensions).
Check tire pressure and correct if necessary.
Only halogen headlight, fog light and headlight for Dynamic Light Spot. Not required in case of vehicles with automatic headlight range control:
Apply load equivalent to one person on driver's seat (approx. 75 kg).
Vehicle with full fuel tank or appropriate additional weight in luggage compartment.

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Switch the ignition on.
Manual headlight beam throw adjustment: Move handwheel to neutral position (1).
Light switch must be in "low beam/driving light" position (3).
Do not carry out the headlight adjustment in the "automatic driving lights control" light switch position (2).
Version with Xenon or LED (automatic headlight beam throw adjustment): Wait 80 s after switching on lights. During this time, do not move the vehicle and avoid vibrations.
CAUTION: Do not move the vehicle and steering wheel during the measuring and adjustment procedures!
Wheels must be in the straight-ahead position!

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CAUTION: A correct measurement/adjustment requires exact positioning of the headlight adjusting device (1)!
The headlight adjusting device (1) must stand vertically to the vehicle longitudinal axis! This applies to all headlights!

Position the headlight adjusting device (1) centrally in front of the vehicle (2) at distance (A) = 10 cm.

Align the headlight adjustment device (1) with the laser beam (3). The laser beam (3) must meet two suitable spots, e.g. highlighted by arrows.

CAUTION: Define two reference points on the vehicle in order to align the headlight adjustment device! The points should be as far as possible from each other! Trim panels are not suitable!

If the headlight adjusting device (1) does not have a laser beam (3), complete the alignment analogous with the line in the mirror.

CAUTION: Always perform positioning of the headlight adjusting device (1) at the outer headlight (2)!

The center of the collecting lens (1) must match the center of headlight (2) horizontally.

Corrections are made by raising or lowering the headlight adjusting device.

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When positioned correctly, the light/dark boundary of the headlight (marked with arrow) must hit the collecting lens of the adjusting device in the center:

The headlight adjusting device is too low.
The headlight adjusting device is positioned correctly.
The headlight adjusting device is too high.

The center of the collecting lens (1) must match the center of headlight (2) vertically.

Corrections are made by sliding the side of the headlight adjusting device to the left or right.

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The figure shows an example for the transparent screen of halogen headlights. Overview of TRANSPARENT SCREENS of different headlight types.

Set the marker line {M} on the headlight adjusting device to dimension {e}. Scale graduations on the headlight adjusting device are equal to a gradient in cm at a distance of 10 meters.

Light/dark boundary of headlights in headlight adjusting device

{e} Setting dimension, headlights:

Value is indicated on the headlight housing and on vehicles with production date up to 2011 on the type plate in %.
(e.g.: 1.0 % = -10 cm/10 m = -1.0 % on the headlight adjusting device)
Value 1.0 % (adjustment value - 1.0 % ) applies to all BMW Group vehicles.
Exception: E53, E70, E71, E72, E83, F15, F16, F25, F26, R60, R61, F60. Value 1.1% applies to these vehicles (adjustment value -1.1%).

Setting dimension, fog lights:

Value 2.0% = -20 cm/10 m = - 2.0% on the headlight adjustment device applies to all BMW Group vehicles.

Headlight setting dimension, dynamic marker light (dynamic spotlight):

Value 0.0% = 0 cm/10 m = 0% on the headlight adjustment device applies to all BMW Group vehicles.

{H} Height of headlight center above parking surface

{h} {H} - {e} = height of marking line above parking surface

+ Central mark = center point of high beam headlight.

{M} Marker line of the headlight adjusting device

{S} Standing surface of the vehicle and headlight adjusting device

The setting dimension {e} specified above is only valid for ECE. For example, observe differing country-specific regulations:

Setting dimension headlights, USA: 0.7 % = -7 cm/10 m = - 0.7 % on the headlight adjusting device.