Head light adjusters, Hydraulic -> Manual ?

[Andy335Touring]

Can i convert my knackered hydraulic head lamp adjusters to manual by just changing the adjusters or do i have to change the head light mounting frames as well ?

[bigdek]

just the adjusters m8

[rmt]

The manual adjuster is already there. Just remove the palstic cover behind the headlights and you will see a knob where the hydraulic hose attaches to the headlight. The knob may have siezed need a bit of help to turn again.

[Andy335Touring]

Ta very much

[Andy335Touring]

The manual adjuster is already there. Just remove the palstic cover behind the headlights and you will see a knob where the hydraulic hose attaches to the headlight. The knob may have siezed need a bit of help to turn again.

BTW, i couldn't get enough travel to get the aim right for the MOT with this method, i had to bodge it by using washers behind the screws of the mounting frame and even then they only just scrapped through.

[Brianmoooore]

The manual adjuster is already there. Just remove the palstic cover behind the headlights and you will see a knob where the hydraulic hose attaches to the headlight. The knob may have seized need a bit of help to turn again.

BTW, i couldn't get enough travel to get the aim right for the MOT with this method, i had to bodge it by using washers behind the screws of the mounting frame and even then they only just scrapped through.

There's another preset adjustment in the form of the threaded metal rod in the centre of the adjuster. There's a cross head screw slot on the head of the ball where it fits the cup on the headlamp.
Give these a turn or so in the right direction, and then you can fine tune with the large plastic adjuster (which doesn't seize, unlike the manual adjusters).

[Andy335Touring]

Cheers Brian, i'll have to have another look at them

[m3-cab]

Hi, i was wondering if someone could tell me how the hydraulic headlight adjuster is removed as I'm changing me headlights for the smoked hella ones and for the life of me can't figure how to remove the adjusters so i can take the lights out? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks, Aky.

[m3-cab]

Sorry, forgot to say, I have an 1992 e30 m3 convertible.

[Brianmoooore]

With a pair of side cutters through the pipes is the usual way, since they most probably don't work.
Adjuster barrel is secured to the headlamp frame by a couple of plastic pop rivets (push the centre pin out) if you want to do it properly.

[m3-cab]

Hi Brian, thanks for your guidance, i managed to locate the pop rivets and drill them out, didn't want to cut the pipes as believe it or not, they actually work!! Anyway, got one of the smoked Hella's in and it looks fantastic! (see pic)

http://www.augk61.dsl.pipex.com/e30/images/hella.jpg

Just gotta try and find the time to do the other one!

Thanks again!
Aky

[Brianmoooore]

i managed to locate the pop rivets and drill them out,

Don't need drilling out! Push the plastic centre pin right through with a small parallel punch, retrieve it, and push it back into the head of the rivet again to refit.

[m3-cab]

Just one word......'Damn!'

You live and you learn! At least i'll get the other one right!