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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

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

to DanThe
Much thanks
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
