Headlights move up on startup

enotech · 07-12-2018, 06:49 PM

I recently bought a 2016 330e. I've noticed that when I start it, the headlights first start off pointing down, then the beam slowly moves up to point in the correct position.

Is there a purpose for this, or is it just a bit of a gimmick?

Agent99 · 07-12-2018, 07:08 PM

They auto adjust all the time based on sensors. It might depend on where you park (sloped driveway?) and where you turn things off such that when you start again, they readjust.

I think pretty much all BMWs do this. I'm on my 4th...the headlights always move upon start-up.

tigger_643 · 07-12-2018, 07:26 PM

Most cars (not just BMW) with adjustable headlights do this. Part self-test, part auto-adjusting on startup. Perfectly normal.

tex2670 · 07-12-2018, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigger_643

Must cars (not just BMW) with adjustable headlights do this. Part self-test, part auto-adjusting on startup. Perfectly normal.

Auto leveling--even in US without adjustable headlights.

Skyhigh · 07-12-2018, 10:31 PM

Xenon headlights are mandated to have auto levelling (at least in Europe). I believe so are LEDs as well but not 100% sure.
Has to do with the concentrated light beam.

cfm56d7b · 07-13-2018, 12:00 AM

+1 Entirely normal functionality

Blubaron79 · 07-13-2018, 07:30 AM

Normal

07-12-2018, 06:49 PM	#1
enotech Enlisted Member 11 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 330e Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Headlights move up on startup - what's with that? I recently bought a 2016 330e. I've noticed that when I start it, the headlights first start off pointing down, then the beam slowly moves up to point in the correct position. Is there a purpose for this, or is it just a bit of a gimmick?
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07-12-2018, 07:08 PM	#2
Agent99 Covert 2 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	They auto adjust all the time based on sensors. It might depend on where you park (sloped driveway?) and where you turn things off such that when you start again, they readjust. I think pretty much all BMWs do this. I'm on my 4th...the headlights always move upon start-up. __________________ 2001 530i/5 (E39), Topaz Blue/Stone Green/Black (sold) very rare interior/exterior color combo 2005 545i/SMG (E60), ED Order, Titanium Grey/Grey (lease over) 2014 335i/Auto (F30), Mineral Grey/Black (lease over) 2017 340i/Auto (F30), ED Order, Estoril Blue 2/Black
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07-12-2018, 07:26 PM	#3
tigger_643 Private First Class 103 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xDrive sedan Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Most cars (not just BMW) with adjustable headlights do this. Part self-test, part auto-adjusting on startup. Perfectly normal. Last edited by tigger_643; 07-12-2018 at 09:00 PM.. Reason: Typo
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07-12-2018, 10:31 PM	#5
Skyhigh Brigadier General 1888 Rep 3,875 Posts Drives: BMW F36 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Xenon headlights are mandated to have auto levelling (at least in Europe). I believe so are LEDs as well but not 100% sure. Has to do with the concentrated light beam.
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07-13-2018, 12:00 AM	#6
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	+1 Entirely normal functionality
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07-13-2018, 07:30 AM	#7
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1433 Rep 4,724 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Normal __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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