Headlight range adjustment motor

BillH

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Jun 30, 2020
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Looking for advice and a part. My original headlight plastic has started to look dull, despite having them polished up last year. I decided to change them for a (used) aftermarket set incorporating angel eyes and, I think, brighter bulbs. After wiring them in (halos on as sidelights, not DRL's) I realised the offside motor for the dipped beam was constantly whirring. It appears that the locating lugs have been broken so the motor isn't held firmly resulting in the ball end of the rod not engaging on the socket which adjusts the headlight height/range. The motor looks to be a straight swap so am after a motor - plus any experiences regarding legality, MOT from anyone else who have gone down the same route. They look smart and very clear but having second thoughts about the swap. If there's an MOT issue then I've got til next June to change!
TIA for any replies to help out.
 

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t-tony

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Angel eyes as front sidelight are fine as long as you have the same light source and colour of light source in each light.The levelling motor issue you will need to address before MOT time.

Tony.
 

Stevo7682

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As Tony has said angel eyes are OK but headlight level motors need to be operational for mot.
If you have 1 motor unattached the reflector inside the lamp will be insecure as the motor keeps it rigid through its vertical plane.
When driving the light will appear to flicker to other road users as the reflector will vibrate in use
Stephen
 

MisterP007

German-Italian-British Mix - What could go wrong?
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Hi Bill

Sorry about the motor issue, I was not aware of a problem with the units as they came off the car within a day of buying it.

Hope you get it resolved (I will keep a lookout for the part).
 

BillH

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Thanks everyone for the info - no worries Sandy, you weren't to know and I've got a while to sort it. I'm not usually seen out after dark anyway - never know what I might bump into - literally - there's quite a bit of deer and other roadkill around here! One other bit I read on this forum said only 4 sidelights maximum to the front - with the ones in the front wing/ bumper, it makes 6. Worst comes to the worst I'll just remove 2 little bulbs! Meanwhile, I'll advertise for one in the wanted section.
Thanks again all and if anyone knows where to source a motor please let me know
Cheers
Bill
 

Mike Fishwick

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Daglan, France
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I bet it is the same motor as is used on the E36 compact, which can be obtained from most breakers.
 

BillH

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Thanks Mike, I did get hold of one but now have to get the headlight alignment checked. I've had a go myself but don't want to dazzle anyone!
 
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