Headlight Leveling Problem

[Bostonbruck]

I was revving up the car to redline right as I hit a bump in the road. All of a sudden my headlights aimed right at the ground 5 feet in front of me and they no longer helped me see far in front of me while driving. I was doing a little research and it seems that it has a headlight leveling link that attaches to the control arm. For those of you who have had this problem... is there any more information that would help me fix this little issue? thanks.

[antknee]

The little plastic adjustments inside the headlight have a tendency to break. Tough to tell without taking the headlight apart, but basically those knobs on the top of your headlight you usually adjust the height with have long threads inside your headlight. It also holds your headlight in place. If it breaks, your headlight will point down to the ground

other thing that could’ve failed was the arm that’s connected to your rear suspension. It’s basically and arm that compensates for any passengers that’s sit in the back seats and adjust the headlights accordingly.

[BubbaTree]

There's also a headlight leveling sensor attached to the right front control arm. Not likely that the front and rear sensors both broke at once, but it's worth taking a look.

[FBloggs]

There is one on the right front frame rail and it is connected via a double ball jointed drumstck to the front right lower control arm.
there is another at the right rear lateral links. Since you hit a bump, you may have popped the bracket loose or the drumstick ball joint.
pic is inverted but the bracket/clamp is visible on the control arm.

[lemoose]

What happens if the car is missing the rear sensor? I have a feeling that when i got got my RACP replaced they failed to reconnect it...

[Jickel180]

What happens if the car is missing the rear sensor? I have a feeling that when i got got my RACP replaced they failed to reconnect it...

Same thing, the headlights will point downwards. I just replaced my link as the ball joint disintegrated over time. It's a cheap part at least, but a little tricky to replace back there.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/rear-headlight-leveling-sensor-rod/37146752797/

[lemoose]

Same thing, the headlights will point downwards. I just replaced my link as the ball joint disintegrated over time. It's a cheap part at least, but a little tricky to replace back there.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...d/37146752797/

Weird because in BMW Scanner, the rear sensor is not detected- but when turning the car on, the lights still do their auto level self check

[Jickel180]

Weird because in BMW Scanner, the rear sensor is not detected- but when turning the car on, the lights still do their auto level self check

I seem to remember mine still doing the self check upon turning them on, but you should give it a quick inspection to see if it's connected.

[Bostonbruck]

When I start my car they adjust and point forwards. Instantly when I hit a bump or pull out of my driveway they start pointing at the ground 5 feet in front of me.

[FBloggs]

Turn the steering to the right and take a look at the control arm.
you may see the bracket disconnected from the control arm, or the shank that connects to the bracket has fractured or popped off at one end.
If the sensor and its arm are intact, you'll have to look at the right rear sensor, or the front sensor has failed electrically.

[Mr.wReckless]

If the lights still do the up & down dance on startup but settle at their maximum dip then 100% it's either the front or rear sensor, either dislodged or broken.

Regards

[Bostonbruck]

Thanks guys. I found my problem

https://youtube.com/shorts/C43nRvbiErk?feature=share

[freshprince2421]

Thanks guys. I found my problem

https://youtube.com/shorts/C43nRvbiErk?feature=share

FYI. I used a couple zip ties to secure the broken metal bracket that clips to the control arm... good as new!