Headlight height adjuster - how to fix?

[Wid77]

Hi, I have a 1988 325i Touring. When i bought the car 6 months ago i noticed the headlight adjuster knob at the bottom right-hand side of the dash wasn't working. I am going to have a go at fixing it this weekend but my Haynes manual doesn't seem to tell me anything and i don't know where to start. Does it work with motors or cables? Has anyone succesfully fixed theirs before or know where to look?

Thanks for any help.

[smithy318i]

it's a hydraulic system, and cant be repaired.
You can buy a new system from the dealer (expensive)
or do a e36 electric conversion.

[gazza]

the whole kit comes up from time to time on ebay usually for about Ԛ£30

[Wid77]

Thanks for the advice. Is the Ԛ£30 kit that comes up on ebay a replacement hydraulic or electric system? If it is the hydraulic system then that doesn't seem that expensive but i suspect it is not. May just have to get by without it working as i only suppose it is a nuisance if you carry lots of passengers/luggage in the car.

Cheers

[A1BMW325iSport]

Hi,

from bmw it is Ԛ£96

as i priced it up 3 months back i can get 20% discount on it but its
still expensive.

2nd hand ones don't work so avoid them

either leave as is or buy from bmw

[Brianmoooore]

or do a e36 electric conversion.

E36 bits don't look at all right to me at first sight, although I've never checked in detail. E34 5 series bits look a much better bet.

[Wid77]

Thanks again for advice. I will leave for moment and then maybe buy from BMW when i am feeling flush. Cheers.

[kevin316i]

I have never come across an E30 where the hydraulic headlight levelling system actually works. An ex BMW technician who has fitted replacement systems told me they are a b*tch to fit, and will probably leak again in a few years. It may not be worth the hassle in fitting.

[stevetigger]

Mine works, and there are a few other zoners that have working ones!

[kevin316i]

Your'e one of the luck few

[gazza]

mine works .....the ones on ebay are a new kit with everything you need to get it working(hydraulic one)as matt says they are Ԛ£96 at bmw but i have seen at least 3 come up in the last year all new and go for around Ԛ£30....good luck

[A1BMW325iSport]

cool i'll keep my eye out on ebay, may get lucky before i have to order one from bmw

[stevetigger]

cool i'll keep my eye out on ebay, may get lucky before i have to order one from bmw

Early bird!