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Headlight adjustment

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Bombardino
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Headlight adjustment

Post by Bombardino » Tue Feb 16, 2021 7:54 pm

Moved the car today for the first time in almost 5 months and noticed that the N/S headlight is pointing very high, I’ve tried adjusting it with the 2 adjusters under the bonnet to no avail. Has anyone got an idea of what the problem could be?
Trawling the internet hasn’t really given me a definitive answer.

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ph001
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Headlight adjustment

Post by ph001 » Tue Feb 16, 2021 8:30 pm

Have a look at my post here... had a similar issue where one of my headlights went low:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=94238&hilit=xenon
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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Bombardino
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Headlight adjustment

Post by Bombardino » Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:29 pm

ph001 wrote: Tue Feb 16, 2021 8:30 pm Have a look at my post here... had a similar issue where one of my headlights went low:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=94238&hilit=xenon
Thanks for that, would this also prevent any movement by turning the adjustment screws under the bonnet because at the moment they do nothing.

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ph001
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Headlight adjustment

Post by ph001 » Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:13 pm

Bombardino wrote: Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:29 pm
ph001 wrote: Tue Feb 16, 2021 8:30 pm Have a look at my post here... had a similar issue where one of my headlights went low:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=94238&hilit=xenon
Thanks for that, would this also prevent any movement by turning the adjustment screws under the bonnet because at the moment they do nothing.
Unfortunately I doubt it. The mechanical adjustment is actioned through a plastic gear wheel and bowden cable. Not unusual for them to shear off if the previous owner has been hamfisted enough... https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e85- ... er.846830/
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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kis
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Headlight adjustment

Post by kis » Wed Feb 17, 2021 12:18 am

Not even just that, the gear mech can get clogged, which can lead to it shearing. Even if you’re really careful.

You’re better off just taking the light off and having a proper look inside. Might be something inside has sheared as well, there are white arms which change the adjustment... I’ve seen this sheared on one of my parts headlights.

Having said that, it’s a bit strange for it just to be damaged. Normally something like that would require some sort of knock. If it’s just been sitting it’s a bit more mysterious.
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

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