Citroen C5 X7 Headlight Levelling

[Scorchy]

I’m rather late joining this conversation, but my question relates closely to the discussion.
My recently acquired C5 tourer was riding way too high at the front, and since adjusting it (and transforming the ride and handling) the Xenon lights are pointing too low on the road and not illuminating far enough ahead. I can only presume that they had been adjusted to the previously incorrect running height - at an MOT test perhaps?
While the self levelling function is working properly, the ‘normal height’ setting is clearly incorrect.
Can anyone advise on the best way to adjust?
Thanks
Scott

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Scott - yes, take it to ATS or somewhere like that as they have the proper beam testing equipment used for the MOTs. Just ask them to adjust the beams for you given that you have now had your suspension height settings corrected.

They did mine for me once for no charge when I had my MOT done - not long after I mistakenly turned the wrong screw on the headlamp unit whilst doing another job and thought I'd reversed the number of turns - but I obviously had mucked up the beam alignment.

It should only take them a few minutes generally.

[Scorchy]

Thank you! I will do just that

[chris_reade]

Hi, another late addition to this thread: I've got a 2009 C5 X7 with directional bi-xenons. I live in Spain at the moment, and have matriculated the vehicle onto Spanish plates. During that process, surprisingly, the UK headlights passed the test even with a slight kick to the left, because the beams are still flat after the kick. 2 years later however they've changed the regulations so the car now fails annual inspection. My question is can I retrofit LHD halogens to this car, as to replace the bi-xenons is around 1200 euros!! or would I be upsetting the electronics?

[Paul-R]

I would think the easiest thing to do would be to change to RH Dip bi-xenons. There's all sorts of complication converting from fro bi-xenon to halogen, and vice-versa, which effectively make it a non-goer.

Time to start phoning round the car breakers.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes, agreed it's not just a matter of replacing the headlamp - the electrical harness is different, and the BSI may have a wobbly even when re-configured as the wiring / fuses will be different.

There was a similar post here:
viewtopic.php?t=57136

... but he never updated us on the outcome.

I suppose it's one of the costs one has to factor in if moving abroad permanently - change the lamps to LHD units or change the car.

[chris_reade]

Yes that post was mine! Apologies for not updating, I was taken ill shortly after that and forgot completely. So this post is the update. You're right, it seems the only option now is to go for new bi-xenons; the mot equivalent testers here even plug into the OBD connector to pick up any faults that have been logged, so anything non-standard may not show up. Many thanks for your amazingly quick responses. Chris

[GiveMeABreak]

Oops, I should picked up on that Chris!

What's your VIN - as there are several types of lamp fitted to the X7 (both Halogen and Xenons)

[Paul-R]

... it seems the only option now is to go for new bi-xenons;...

No suppliers of S/H parts in Spain? There's also all of Europe as a possible source.

[moizeau]

Tat yard, it's where I get my lights from when I bring a car to France.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes, but these babies are over a grand each Pete....

Early Xenon lamp: £1154.02
Later Xenon lamp: £877.51

Now the good news - none of these include the ballast unit (£303) or the bulbs (circa £70+ each), but you will be able to use the existing ones with the new headlamps.

They are sought after and quite expensive - about £600-700 on the aftermarket and ebay ave practically zero of these. Once we have the VIN we can confirm model type and see if they can be had cheaper from Valeo which are about the guide price quoted above.

[moizeau]

I'll ask at my local tat yard. I've got to go there because the BX will become their property at the end of the month . 09 c5 X7?

[GiveMeABreak]

Don't know - we're still waiting on the OP for a VIN

[Paul-R]

Yes, 2009. The VIN will give more information though.

I've got a 2009 C5 X7 with directional bi-xenons.

[ivancro96]

Sorry for the bump..But I've got a question, I bought a 2nd hand '12 C5 with Halogen headlights, which is fine and I didn't see the need for bi-xenon ones, but there's an option on the screen between the gauge cluster for turning on or off the 'Directional headlights', is it an option on the screen in ALL cars or is it possible that my car used to have xenon's ar some point?

Thanks