E46 headlight problem

[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

[maxfield]

Does it look like something is broken at all? You'd be suprised at home many people try fitting bulbs and breaking stuff.

[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

[maxfield]

Is the headlight still clear and not gone yellow/unlear?

Post some pictures, may make it easier to understand

[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

[DanThe]

On some cars its possible to put the bulb/holder in upside down which creates the wrong pattern

[hennared323i]

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

[DanThe]

Bloody testers