Self leveling headlight sensors: code for which sensor?

TrboMike · 08-16-2024, 08:28 PM

Ok I dunno what they're called. I get intermittent "vertical headlight self aim failure do not drive at night call for service".

Since its just that one error code, I'll assume its one of the two suspension sensors and not inside the headlights. Just jakced up the car and both arms are attached to the sensors and they seem to be moving fine.

What kind of tech tool do I need to find out which sensor needs to be changed? I'd hate to buy two especially when I'm not sure which (if either) is bad.

Kernel Kurtz · 08-16-2024, 08:35 PM

If that is just an error from the onboard display you might get more specific info by reading the diagnostic codes from the OBDII port.

TrboMike · 08-20-2024, 03:52 PM

Yeah but it wouldnt show up on an ODB2 scanner. I have BimmerCode but I dont think that shows codes. Wonder if theres a BMW tool to read BMW specific codes from the ODB2 like this one.

Hm I just remembered I have a FoxWell scanner at home. I'll try that tonight.

TrboMike · 08-20-2024, 09:10 PM

Ok the FEM only has one code 8041B6 "LWR system faulty". Everyone that has a headlight or wiring to the headlight with a problem had that code and multiple codes. So that kinda makes me think its just one or both of the sensors on the suspension. I think the front one is 200 bucks dunno about the rear. Sigh.

TrboMike · 08-20-2024, 09:25 PM

Now that I'm looking front and rear appear to have the same part number. $80 each oem or $60ish for "german oem" but not BMW.

TrboMike · 11-07-2024, 12:10 PM

Problem has moved from intermittent to slowing increasing to happening almost all the time. Now that I'm doing some serious research into the problem it doesnt seem to happen on 2 series that much but lots of people with 3s and X3 and Minis are getting it. Right off the back of the harness on each headlight the wires tend to rub and can get exposed and either ground or rust. That sounds a lot like how mine started out slowly and it ramping up more over time.

Looks like this weekend I'll have to remove the front wheel wells and see what I can see. Cant see a damn thing from under the hood.

Anyone else have this problem? Hopefully with results?

08-16-2024, 08:28 PM	#1
TrboMike First Lieutenant 152 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: 07508 iTrader: (0)	Self leveling headlight sensors: code for which sensor? Ok I dunno what they're called. I get intermittent "vertical headlight self aim failure do not drive at night call for service". Since its just that one error code, I'll assume its one of the two suspension sensors and not inside the headlights. Just jakced up the car and both arms are attached to the sensors and they seem to be moving fine. What kind of tech tool do I need to find out which sensor needs to be changed? I'd hate to buy two especially when I'm not sure which (if either) is bad.
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08-16-2024, 08:35 PM	#2
Kernel Kurtz Major 384 Rep 1,100 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	If that is just an error from the onboard display you might get more specific info by reading the diagnostic codes from the OBDII port.
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08-20-2024, 03:52 PM	#3
TrboMike First Lieutenant 152 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: 07508 iTrader: (0)	Yeah but it wouldnt show up on an ODB2 scanner. I have BimmerCode but I dont think that shows codes. Wonder if theres a BMW tool to read BMW specific codes from the ODB2 like this one. Hm I just remembered I have a FoxWell scanner at home. I'll try that tonight.
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08-20-2024, 09:10 PM	#4
TrboMike First Lieutenant 152 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: 07508 iTrader: (0)	Ok the FEM only has one code 8041B6 "LWR system faulty". Everyone that has a headlight or wiring to the headlight with a problem had that code and multiple codes. So that kinda makes me think its just one or both of the sensors on the suspension. I think the front one is 200 bucks dunno about the rear. Sigh.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-20-2024, 09:25 PM	#5
TrboMike First Lieutenant 152 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: 07508 iTrader: (0)	Now that I'm looking front and rear appear to have the same part number. $80 each oem or $60ish for "german oem" but not BMW.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2024, 12:10 PM	#6
TrboMike First Lieutenant 152 Rep 375 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: 07508 iTrader: (0)	Problem has moved from intermittent to slowing increasing to happening almost all the time. Now that I'm doing some serious research into the problem it doesnt seem to happen on 2 series that much but lots of people with 3s and X3 and Minis are getting it. Right off the back of the harness on each headlight the wires tend to rub and can get exposed and either ground or rust. That sounds a lot like how mine started out slowly and it ramping up more over time. Looks like this weekend I'll have to remove the front wheel wells and see what I can see. Cant see a damn thing from under the hood. Anyone else have this problem? Hopefully with results?
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