Driver headlight auto levelling issue

[matti]

I am in need of some advice.

I have a E86, it failed MOT as the driver headlight alignment was too low. I brought it to my local garage who aligned them correctly. I went to the MOT centre that night and it failed again, this time it was too high.

When I turn on the car both headlights do adjust themselves but something, whether its a bump, keeps knocking the driver side off.

Has anyone had any experience of this?

 

[Jl-c]

I am assuming you have Xenons? They self level, Halogen don't. To the right of your light switch, do you have 1 or 2 thumb wheel adjusters?
One = Xenon Two = Halogen. If you have Xenon they self adjust by using level sensors on the front and rear suspension. If one of those fail it will mess with your levelling. Check for codes. If you have Halogen I would suggest something is loose.

 

[matti]

I am assuming you have Xenons? They self level, Halogen don't. To the right of your light switch, do you have 1 or 2 thumb wheel adjusters?
One = Xenon Two = Halogen. If you have Xenon they self adjust by using level sensors on the front and rear suspension. If one of those fail it will mess with your levelling. Check for codes. If you have Halogen I would suggest something is loose.

They are Xenon - no thumb wheel adjusters. E86 Z4 3si coupe. Do you think that level sensor is disconnected from suspension?

 

[synthedup]

I am assuming you have Xenons? They self level, Halogen don't. To the right of your light switch, do you have 1 or 2 thumb wheel adjusters?
One = Xenon Two = Halogen. If you have Xenon they self adjust by using level sensors on the front and rear suspension. If one of those fail it will mess with your levelling. Check for codes. If you have Halogen I would suggest something is loose.

They are Xenon - no thumb wheel adjusters. E86 Z4 3si coupe. Do you think that level sensor is disconnected from suspension?

Could be, i believe the sensors are on the front wish bones.

Anymore info on your car? spec/pics?

 

[Jl-c]

This shows you.

 

[rally-chris]

If the problem is just with one headlight then it is unlikely to be an issue with your level sensors on the suspension. More likely an issue with the levelling motor (or wiring) on that headlight.

Also possible that levelling motor has become mechanically disconnected from the headlight internals - I've had this on an E9x but not sure if the Z4 is prone to the same issue if the headlight gets a knock.

Chris

 

[Jl-c]

If the problem is just with one headlight then it is unlikely to be an issue with your level sensors on the suspension. More likely an issue with the levelling motor (or wiring) on that headlight.

Also possible that levelling motor has become mechanically disconnected from the headlight internals - I've had this on an E9x but not sure if the Z4 is prone to the same issue if the headlight gets a knock.

Chris

Good point, I was thinking in pairs. Yes you are quite correct, more likely to be the internals or locating fixings of one headlight.

 

[unknownz4]

I don't mean to sounds rude, but have you checked the bulb is seated correctly in said housing?

 

[firebobby]

There was a link on the forum showing how to repair the adjuster

 

[propaintballa]

Found the issue to be quite common whilst I very briefly owned a Z4C with the same issue. As mentioned earlier, would be pretty safe to rule out the levelling sensor if one headlight levels correctly.

Some more details can be found here: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=94238

 

[warmasice]

Check to see if the sensor arm hasn't flipped.