Headlight coming out of adjustment

[anandoc]

Yes, the stepper motors work off this connector to provide you with the auto-leveling and disconnecting it would mean you would lose that functionality. But do you really have such a variance in passenger/cargo load that warrants the need for auto-leveling?

[az3579]

Yes, the stepper motors work off this connector to provide you with the auto-leveling and disconnecting it would mean you would lose that functionality. But do you really have such a variance in passenger/cargo load that warrants the need for auto-leveling?

No, but I just spent a lot of money fixing my headlights so I want them to be 100%.

What I will do is temporarily disconnect this connector and aim the headlights again to see if the level will stay. If it doesn't, then at least that'll narrow down what the issue could be. I will then plug 'em back in to see if there's a change. I'm putting my money on stepper motors at this point, but we shall see.

[terraphantm]

By disconnecting this cable, I would effectively lose auto-leveling, wouldn't I? My auto level works perfectly fine, so I'd rather not lose that functionality. Do the stepper motors operate off this same connector? If so, I'll disconnect it to see if it makes a difference...

You'll lose the auto leveling for that side, correct

[anandoc]

What I will do is temporarily disconnect this connector and aim the headlights again to see if the level will stay. If it doesn't, then at least that'll narrow down what the issue could be. I will then plug 'em back in to see if there's a change. I'm putting my money on stepper motors at this point, but we shall see.

BP, any updates on this issue?

[az3579]

BP, any updates on this issue?

Nope. It's been too cold to mess with it.

I did a bit of research and it appears that there is an adjustment motor inside the headlight that works with the autoleveling system. This motor is responsible for moving the headlight up and down when the autoleveling system is active.

I'm thinking that mine is starting to fail but hasn't quite gotten there yet. Sometimes it does align the light correctly and other times it doesn't, but the kicker is that is always moves up and down when it should. It's a cheap enough part that I can just try to put in. The control module must work fine because everything to do with the headlight's operation works; all lights illuminate, autoleveling works, shutter works. I've read a thread about someone's adjustment motor failing altogether, where the headlight wouldn't autolevel at all only on one side. I'm thinking perhaps mine is starting to go in that direction... the first link is that thread.

Related threads:

http://www.bmwforums.info/bmw-3-seri...ken-motor.html
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=588252



The part number for this motor is 67168372381 and costs about $80-90.

[terraphantm]

The ones in my headlight looked more like 67168352206

[az3579]

The part number I posted was straight from RealOEM using my VIN. I wonder why ours would be different... is the part you posted straight from your VIN?

[derbo]

I'll have to see if my cousin has his ZKW in pieces. Is it the same on both AL and ZKWs?

[terraphantm]

I'll have to see if my cousin has his ZKW in pieces. Is it the same on both AL and ZKWs?

The adjusters looked the same as the ALs to me, though I don't know if they're identical. I definitely remember a metal stem however.

[az3579]

The adjusters looked the same as the ALs to me, though I don't know if they're identical. I definitely remember a metal stem however.

It wouldn't be the first time a pic showed one thing but the actual product was something else.