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E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:07 pm
by hennared323i
The E46 failed its MOT today - offside headlight beam incorrect

It appears that the bulb holder is not sitting correctly

It has gotme scratching myhead for sure - is this a common thing or has some random plastic part just decided to change shape for the hell of it?

I am open to any ideas, I have had the light unit in bits and I cannot figure it out

:x

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:09 pm
by maxfield
Does it look like something is broken at all? You'd be suprised at home many people try fitting bulbs and breaking stuff.

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:19 pm
by hennared323i
No, nothing looks broken and in the three years we've had it it has never needed a bulb

Having stripped the unit it is obvious that the bulb holder is a pig to get in - it seems to stick out slightly when compared to the nearside.

I've used the garage for the last 10 or so years so I am confident their not taking the pish

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:23 pm
by maxfield
Is the headlight still clear and not gone yellow/unlear?

Post some pictures, may make it easier to understand

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:25 pm
by hennared323i
Still clear, it is the bulb being to far back that is causing the bad pattern

We changed bulbs during the MOT and it made no difference

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 10:55 pm
by DanThe
On some cars its possible to put the bulb/holder in upside down which creates the wrong pattern

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:35 am
by hennared323i
DanThe wrote:On some cars its possible to put the bulb/holder in upside down which creates the wrong pattern
Bulb was upside down

:rock: to DanThe

Much thanks :D :D

The look on the testers face this morning was priceless considering he had swapped another bulb in

Re: E46 headlight problem

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:01 am
by DanThe
Bloody testers :)