E39 headlight not clear/far enough

[BMW2007]

Bro,Somehow found that the E39 headlight not clear/far enough even I had changed the stock Halogen bulb to Osram Night breaker as suggested by some forumers. Although the lighting has slightly improved but still not clear enough. The thing that I’m sure is my eyes have no problem as I have routine check. :laugh:Thinking of changing the Fog light to HID to further improve the night vision. Any thought form members/forumers/sifu about the possibility of changing the stock fog light to HID? Does the fog light need to change to projector type as well or it can be just “plug-n-play” replacing the stock bulb to HID kit? Can the HID bulb fit properly or it needs a socket adaptor/holder?Thanks so much..

 

[bmw7833]

I am facing this problem too.

"e39 headlight not far enough"

Plan to take my car to AB to do the headlight alignment. Asked last time, cost RM50/headlight.

 

[jarance]

Too "near" or too "far" problem. i.e. focusing cannot be adjusted.

Too "Left or right" or too "High or Low" can be adjusted.

The focal length of the headlamp is fixed. Focusing can only be adjusted by using the right type of bulb. i.e. the exact location of the filament determine the focal point of the headlamp.

 

[bmw7833]

Too "near" or too "far" problem. i.e. focusing cannot be adjusted.

Too "Left or right" or too "High or Low" can be adjusted.

The focal length of the headlamp is fixed. Focusing can only be adjusted by using the right type of bulb. i.e. the exact location of the filament determine the focal point of the headlamp.

I am using HID for my headlight, we discussed before about the topic.

 

[bmw7833]

Errmm..for better explanation, i will take a pic tonite for all.

 

[BMW2007]

i did try the HID (cheaper brand la) on the headlamp, it has not much diff from Osram night breaker but better than the stock halogen.

Jarance, as you said, "Focusing can only be adjusted by using the right type of bulb".. so, what type of bulb consider the "right type"? or do you mean right type bulbs are those branded i.e. Philips bulb etc? The stock halogen is H7 and i do use the H7 either Osram NB or HID.

Back to my question posted, do you think that changing the fog light to HID will help? Do i need to change the fog light to projector or an adaptor/holder will do? Anybody done this before?

BTW, noticed that the headlight on Honda Accord or Toyota Camry are shooting far enough, why can't E39?

Thanks.

 

[jarance]

This is the original spec of the H7 bulb.

The filament is located around 25mm from the base.

below is the HID equivalent for various bulb.

Just do a measurement of the HID and see whether the location is 25mm or not.

 

[jarance]

I am using HID for my headlight, we discussed before about the topic.

take a picture of the headlight beams shining on the wall. The wall should be around 4 car length away.

 

[bmw7833]

take a picture of the headlight beams shining on the wall. The wall should be around 4 car length away.

OK. Update u later.

This is the HID bulb before it fit into my car.

 

[BMW2007]

Jarance, will check.

By the way, how to adjust high or low and also the focus? thanks

 

[jarance]

Jarance, will check.

By the way, how to adjust high or low and also the focus? thanks

High and low is quite easy. Focus - cannot. You have to adjust the bulb.

For my E46, I adjust the head lamp as shown by turning the knob or use a philip screwdriver.

 

[bmw7833]

U meant high and low for headlight or foglight?

 

[BMW2007]

High and low is quite easy. Focus - cannot. You have to adjust the bulb.

thanks, will check if E39 has the same hole for high/low adjustment.
I have just order 1 pair of HID holder for headlight, hopedfully it will fit the HID with correct focus.

 

[jarance]

OK. Update u later.

This is the HID bulb before it fit into my car.

Hard to tell from the picture. you should measure the distance as shown below.

 

[champion]

I also have the same problem with my headlights. Change to HID but still not bright/intense enough. (Adjusters broken though).
I will check my bulb length tonite.

Tks

 

[jarance]

I also have the same problem with my headlights. Change to HID but still not bright/intense enough. (Adjusters broken).
Does the length of the bulbs makes any difference ? What should be the correct length ?

it not the length of the bulb for HID. It the location of the arc chamber. It is 25mm from the base to the centre of the arc chamber for H7 bulb.

 

[champion]

Noted with thanks.
Pardon my ignorance, doesnt all same bulb type (ie H7, HB4, etc) has the same length ?

 

[BMW2007]

Jarance, should the measurement start from the red line (base)?

 

[jarance]

Jarance, should the measurement start from the red line (base)?

No lah.. For halogen, it start from the bottom of the base to the bottom of the filament.

For HID, it start from the top of the base to the centre of the arc chamber.

A good way to compare is to put the halogen lamp and the HID side by side to compare. The location of the light source should be the same.

 

[jarance]

Noted with thanks.
Pardon my ignorance, doesnt all same bulb type (ie H7, HB4, etc) has the same length ?

Not necessary the same. if it the same, then why call it by difference name. Each bulb design have it advantage and disadvantage.

just like H1 and H7 bulb that are commonly used in BMW.