Does a US spec '94 740i have automatic headlight aiming?

[LysanderSpooner]

A while back I had INPA connected to my car and was able to access a few functions (though not the ECU, ugh). After that I noticed that headlights seemed to be aimed lower, but I thought maybe I was just losing my mind (entirely possible given what I went through trying to connect to the ECU).

Just now I came across a thread about automatic headlight aiming on E32's. I don't see any components for my year and model on Real OEM, but I'm thinking that's wrong after what I just discovered. So what's the deal here?

[shogun]

easy to check, with automatic headlight adjustment the headlights have an electric motor at the back of the headlights. #18 http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3...r_headlight_2/ iL with SLS rear axle never has headlight aim motors, as that is adjusted by the rear axle.

[LysanderSpooner]

easy to check, with automatic headlight adjustment the headlights have an electric motor at the back of the headlights. #18 http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3...r_headlight_2/ iL with SLS rear axle never has headlight aim motors, as that is adjusted by the rear axle.

I see no such things in place on my car, but I still can't explain the headlight dipping issue. My car does not have SLS, so that does that imply that it should have headlight aiming by default? Is there a way to find out by the VIN?

[Sansouci]

My 93 740il (vin DE84687) does not have headlight dipping or aiming. The car originally had SLS but removed when the shocks started leaking .

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[LysanderSpooner]

My 93 740il (vin DE84687) does not have headlight dipping or aiming. The car originally had SLS but removed when the shocks started leaking .

That makes sense since the car originally had SLS.

[LysanderSpooner]

Just noticed that headlight aiming unit is only shown under the Hella Xenon Light section on Real OEM and it's grayed out. What does that mean?

screen-grab- 2022-11-25 at 2.31.45 PM.jpg

[shogun]

In Europe all E32 without SLS must have headlight aim system, and in case of original ex factory Xenon Light also. Does not matter if normal H1 bulbs (Europe) or Xenon, if no SLS: headlight aim system is necessary, otherwise the cars will not pass the bi-annual roadworthy test. When SLS is deleted, also headlight aim has to installed.
USA: I assume that was not required in USA and therefore the cars ex factory did not have that.
As your car did have SLS, it does not have headlight aim motors. If the headlight angle changed, then check the adjusting screws, maybe broken

EBA headlight beam motors installation http://www.e38.org/e32/headlight%20b...adjustment.pdf
HEADLIGHT REMOVAL AND REPAIRS http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e32/Lights/Index.htm
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...problem-solved
these usually break: HEADLIGHT ADJUSTING SCREW MOUTING CLIP 63121378639
and 1378368 https://www.fmw-tuning.de/bmw/5er-e3...ml?language=en
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVqLPL9zUs

[tantumaude]

I don't think any USA spec cars had the system. It's mandatory in Europe, but not there...
Chances are your headlights are just poorly aimed. Easy to rectify.