[zara*elise]

We picked up our '05 MCS Convertible last night and the Xenon headlights don't really light up much of the road in front of you. It's literally about 5-6 metres in front then pitch black darkness!!

It's supposed to automatically adjust with the load of the car, but it seems really unsafe, as you wouldn't be able to see if a child or deer or something ran out into the road. We ended up driving with full beam on most of the night, which ain't great for the other road users!!!

Does this sound like a fault with the lights, or is that normal?

[Meeerrrk]

there have been some faults with the xenon headlights, take it back to the dealership, they should sort it for you

[zara*elise]

Thanks, do you know if there's any way to manually change the direction of the beam?

[Meeerrrk]

yes, there are some manual adjusters on the headlights (well there are on the pre facelift ones) but by the sounds of it yours aren't self aligning correctly.
if you search on here you will probably find some more threads with simiar issues, its not unheard of

[drainaudio]

Hi,
I've had the Xenons on 2 post face-lift mini's and they are really great, wouldn't want to live without them.

They are not something you want to mess with (you would probably invalidate the warranty) and I would say you definitely have a fault.

Back to the dealer I'm afraid but once they are fixed you'll be loving them.

Cheers, Geoff.