Driver side headlight not adjusting - no sensor present

[Gazzypants]

Hi all,

I have an ‘07 - Z4 E85. Had an MOT fail as in pic1 “headlamp levelling device inoperative Offside front”

I’ve viewed lots of YouTube videos that talk about the levelling sensor but I don’t seem to have one. See pics 2 & 3. Nor do I have a loose/spare loom/socket where it may have been.

I’ve identified that when using the “beam adjustment dial”, whilst it makes a weird ‘CREAKING’ sound that is more audible in than out of the car the left/nearside/passenger side headlight does adjust. The driver/offside does not.


My questions is 3 fold;

1. Did some models come without the adjustment sensor?? I can’t find signs that one ever existed even though all the bolt holes etc are present.

2. What is the cause of the “CREAKING”

3. What is causing the right side to not work? What do I need to do/test/fix/replace?

Thanks in advance legends

[enuff_zed]

Halogens don't have the auto levelling system, so if that's what yours are then you're not missing anything.
There is a motor built into the headlight unit which moves it when you adjust the wheel on the dash.
Take the access panel off and you'll see a smaller plug at the bottom rear of the headlight, and what look like wire covered cables which do the adjustment (bowden cables).
I suspect you'll need the headlight out to see if the motor is seized, cables seized, or simply a connection issue.
To me, the creaking suggests the motor is trying to move the headlight but there is an issue with the cables being stuck.

[Gazzypants]

Brilliant thank you. I’ll start there