Replacing headlamp adjusters.

[NigelA]

Please can anyone advise on how to replace the headlamp adjusters. Neither Bentleys, nor the Haynes manual, tells you how to do this and nothing seems to exist on the forum.
Thanks in advance for any helpful comments.

[arrisbmw]

your need to remove the plastic cage that holds the twin headlights in place.

1st remove the grill surrounding the h/l , its held in by 3 metal u clips at the top easier to see with the bonnet open, then undo 2/3 phillips screws at the bottom .

2nd the h/l cage is plastic and held in by 3 large very tight phillips screws. which are difficult to remove probably rusted in , i managed to remove mine with the right size bit used in a 1/4 socket set, with long ext, they would not budge with a normal screw driver.

3rd remove the 3 electric connectors 1 main beam, 1 for dipped,1 for sides ( mark up for replacement as the fitting appears the same.

remove the complete unit , comprising the cage and 2 h/ls.
your then clearly be able to access the h/l adjusters and see how they work. basically screw in and out from 2 corners to adjust the beams. I DON,T THINK YOUR BE ABLE TO BUY JUST THAT PART, once you know whats broken your be down the breakers, might just need TLC or lub

I Managed to lubricate mine and straighten one of the rods.
and they appear working o.k now on the bench,

[Brianmoooore]

I DON,T THINK YOUR BE ABLE TO BUY JUST THAT PART,

Part no. 63 12 1 385 397 Still available the last time I wanted some, but not cheap.
The black plastic socket that the ball end pushes into at the headlamp end also usually needs replacing. Part no. 63 12 1 378 369

[Cloggy Saint]

To remove the adjusters with minimum risk of breaking the socket you should give them a squirt of WD40, pinch the socket with some pliers and pull them out. They will probably still break though.

[NigelA]

Very many thanks, arrisbmw, Brian and Cloggy Saint for your quick and very helpful advice.

[BenHar]

It's possible that the OP is asking about the remote adjustment system.

If so see this page from the wiki: http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... _Adjusters

These use a different clip (which always breaks when you remove it) on the end of the adjuster "motor". Part number: 63121386616

Ben

[M3KUK]

I've just done this job on my Cabriolet Smileys, bought some of the plastic 'ball' things and 2 new complete adjusters from Cotswold. Can't remember exact price but it was under £20.
They were all siezed up though.