I've discovered another feature of my car

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
12/02/2014 at 19:30 • Filed to: None

This one is probably shared with many luxury cars, and probably most new cars. The headlights are self-adjusting. Meaning if I go over a speed bump slowly, I can see the lights aim down as the front tires go over, and then aim back up as the back tires go over. Good both for visibility and for not blinding your fellow road users.

DISCUSSION (15)

Boxer_4 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 19:40

I've had this feature demonstrated to me in an E39 M5. In that case, you could get the headlights to adjust by accelerating hard enough to get the front to lift slightly. That was a fun demonstration.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Boxer_4
12/02/2014 at 19:40

Sounds like a demonstration I would like to experience.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 19:43

I guess in BMWs they have a standard position they reset to because every time my aunt starts her '08 328i, the lights adjust themselves up and down then stop in the right position. It's an interesting thing, though probably stupid expensive to replace if something goes wrong.

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 19:53

Jeez I was so happy with my manual adjusters till now : (

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/02/2014 at 20:06

They do the same on my car. You start it up, they have a look around and then settle into their position.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast
12/02/2014 at 20:07

Wait are you kidding or is that a thing?

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 20:11

My father's BMW does that actually, it also rotates so you can see around turns better.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/02/2014 at 20:12

My father's '06 330xi has that feature too, Still working great after 8 years.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
12/02/2014 at 20:12

I think our old Lexus did that, but I don't think mine does.

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 20:13

It is a thing, my ute/truck has a dial to adjust the angle of the headlights so when it's loaded and the rear is down you can adjust the lights so they aren't pointing to the sky. My dad has a 12 yr old Opel/Holden Astra with the same set up. And I was kidding, I'm still happy with manual!

JGrabowMSt > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 20:21

My SL has this too!

My citroen won't start > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 20:27

My car has that, whenever I turn it on the headlights do a complete "scan" of the surroundings. Also, turning lights. I think the headlights work in tandem with the hydraulic system but I'm not sure.

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JGrabowMSt
12/02/2014 at 20:37

It seems like everybody with a German car has it.

Spaceball-Two > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/02/2014 at 21:33

My A4 does this.

computiNATEor > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
12/03/2014 at 02:22

Yes and no. Generally, the plastic adjusters that go from the electric motors to the assembly break in the BMW e39. From 97-02, you can replace the adjusters yourself (with patience) for $90 (plastic, which will break again) or $180 (aluminum, permanent fix). In 03 (my car!) you have to buy new headlights. For $1400 (per pair).