Self levelling headlights - isn't technology wonderful?
Discussion
I have a 2016 (latest model) Mini Cooper S Clubman which I bought nearly new in June of this year, from a main dealer who had it from new with no modifications. As the nights have been drawing in I have been finding that when driving on unlit country roads a reasonable number of people coming the other way have been flashing their headlights at me, presumably because they feel mine are too bright. Main beam has definitely not been on in these circumstances. I accordingly reached for the dipping angle control and there isn’t one! I believe the headlights are self-levelling and there is no way I can see in the cabin/manual/online to adjust the angle manually.
Is anyone else experiencing this and if so have you come up with any solutions – is a dealer able to reprogram the car to default to a lower angle of beam or is there a physical adjustment to make under the bonnet? When I start the car with the lights on I see the beam moving as the car calibrates the levelling so the mechanism etc. appears to be working fine.
It’s irritating for me (and of course other drivers) as I hate it when drivers coming the other way bleach my retina with overbright or underdipped headlights. Wearing glasses doesn’t help.
Newish poster so excuse any faux pas. I realise I could just call the dealer but thought I would ask the community first just to see if it’s something others are noticing too. I don’t think it’s a problem with my individual car.
Is anyone else experiencing this and if so have you come up with any solutions – is a dealer able to reprogram the car to default to a lower angle of beam or is there a physical adjustment to make under the bonnet? When I start the car with the lights on I see the beam moving as the car calibrates the levelling so the mechanism etc. appears to be working fine.
It’s irritating for me (and of course other drivers) as I hate it when drivers coming the other way bleach my retina with overbright or underdipped headlights. Wearing glasses doesn’t help.
Newish poster so excuse any faux pas. I realise I could just call the dealer but thought I would ask the community first just to see if it’s something others are noticing too. I don’t think it’s a problem with my individual car.
Don't know about the F56, but the R53 xenons have screw adjusters on the back of the headlight to adjust the beam throw, sideways and up/down.
Also, find out where the levelling sensor is - it may be out of position, sending a duff reading back to the lights. It's on the front axle on the R53, again not sure on the F56.
Worth a try?
Also, find out where the levelling sensor is - it may be out of position, sending a duff reading back to the lights. It's on the front axle on the R53, again not sure on the F56.
Worth a try?
Sounds to me it's a warranty issue rather than getting your hands dirty and messing it up. Mini should have access to MOT testing rig for beam alignment etc given the 5yr maintenance plan includes two MOTs. I know it's not due but this would be the easiest way of checking it I suspect.
It is amazing how many modern cars have badly aimed dip beams including those with self leveling.
It is usually down to not being manually adjusted properly in the first place.
Park facing a wall or garage door and with the dip beam on reverse slowly and it should be seen that the cut off of the beam sinks as you reverse.
Another way is when driving behind another car - say 20mtrs or so - and when approaching a large road sign you should NOT be casting a shadow of the car in front onto the sign.
It is usually down to not being manually adjusted properly in the first place.
Park facing a wall or garage door and with the dip beam on reverse slowly and it should be seen that the cut off of the beam sinks as you reverse.
Another way is when driving behind another car - say 20mtrs or so - and when approaching a large road sign you should NOT be casting a shadow of the car in front onto the sign.
actionpotential said:
.... I realise I could just call the dealer but thought I would ask the community first just to see if it’s something others are noticing too. I don’t think it’s a problem with my individual car.
Yes, same problem with our F56 Cooper (LED headlights), we haven't got round to taking it back to the dealer for correction yet.We also notice when on main beam a dark horizontal line between the dipped beam and main beam.
May also explain why I have been blinded by Minis coming towards me. I just assumed the new Minis had very bright xenon. I may flash them back so they know there is an issue. Shocking when you think new cars don't need an Mot. They will potentially be blinding other driver's for three years.
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