W210 Xenon Alignment

Matt_EClass

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All, just noticed when driving the car my headlights seem to be pointing upwards (xenons) they seem to be fixed in that position and not adjusting when the car goes up or down, over bumps! It must appear to other drivers I'm driving around with high beam on! Tried switching the lights on and off and switching off the car and re starting it, but no change? Did a search, couldn't find anything.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
 

Naraic

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This happens when the sensor connecting rod on the rear axle breaks. Kneel in front of the offside rear wheel and look underneath, you'll likely see the rod hanging loose.
 

television

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When the link comes off the lamps usually point to the ground, but it could be a link off the hall sensor.

Xenon lamps normally come on and raise, on my SL they never did, and just came on at the correct height.

I have no pics for the time being of where the links are, you have one back and one front.

If the links are all intact you could set the height manually
 

Naraic

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Usually, since we are talking W210, they point to the sky...in my experience.
 

whitenemesis

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On the 210 the xenons tend to go skyward when the sensor rods detach, no idea why 'cos they dropped to the ground on the 203...

Even if the links are intact you will need to get on STAR to set them correctly. The zero point must be set and be within tolerance before the position can be confirmed
 
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Naraic

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Usually because the bottom link breaks and the rod hangs on the sensor...pulling it down as if the suspension was extended and thus pointing the lights up. You can reach under the car and operate the leveling by moving the disconnected rod up and down.
 
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Matt_EClass

Matt_EClass

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Oh Buggeration! Just looked under the offside rear qtr like Naraic said and theres a little rod thing hanging down......just my luck!

Is there a DIY fix (I know Whitenemisis said they will need to go on Star) but I havent got time between now and the weekend to get in into the Indie and then at the weekend Ive got to fly to the US on business so it will be well into next week before I can get it looked at.

Naraic, if I give the rod a pull :rolleyes: that will adjust the headlights to get me over the next couple of days?

Thanks all for the help so far....
 

Naraic

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I thought it would be that...it's a matter of experience.

I ordered the part from MB (£12) but in the mean time temporarily fixed it...three years later the temp fix is still working.

There is a ball joint. It fits in a nylon bush.I drilled through this and used a small nut and bolt to connect the two.

I had to use a hack saw to take it off though. Good luck.
 

whitenemesis

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Try reattaching the rod with wire or something, anything to give the right angle, by trial and error!
 

television

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If you fit the correct new part it will not need STAR, its dead easy to set if out but i doubt if it will be out
 
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Matt_EClass

Matt_EClass

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What a great bunch you lot are! Im always amazed at the knowledge of the people on here....Ill have a go at a temp fix for now (probably Fri as I will be working from home then) Ill order a new part (television, is it just the rod I need to order?)

Thanks all
 

Naraic

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What a great bunch you lot are! Im always amazed at the knowledge of the people on here....Ill have a go at a temp fix for now (probably Fri as I will be working from home then) Ill order a new part (television, is it just the rod I need to order?)

Thanks all

I have done this on a W210...it's just a rod, the part number is A 210 328 09 34. It comes with the required nuts.

Just plug and play.
 

richyba

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God I love this forum, I was just thinking that my lights were off coming home from the airport late the other night, I looked under the rear just now and guess whats hanging down? Will order the part and stop blinding people!:cool:
 


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