Changing the oil and found a broken part

[midlandtech]

I don't know what it is but there is a plastic arm and connected an electrical module on the frame and another arm that I believe is supposed to be attached to it on the control arm. It's on the passenger side only (not one on the drivers side
7648

Anyone know what this is?

[Avetiso]

Headlight leveling sensor? :dunno

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[midlandtech]

Headlight leveling sensor? :dunno

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That's my initial guess but didnt know if someone had replaced it or had a similar problem

[LivesNearCostco]

Definitely headlight leveling sensor... there's only one in front and one in rear. If you drop the control arm with it all the way without disconnecting it (like when replacing front struts or rear RTABs), can break the sensor arm.

[sillieidiot]

yep leveling sensor. too bad you can't buy just the broken plastic piece

[HokieZHP]

Dane had this issue with his car I believe. It is a leveling sensor though.

[midlandtech]

Thanks all. How difficult is it to replace? Could explain some poor lighting issues (although the zkw bowls are largely to blame for that)

[BCS_ZHP]

And BMW is proud of that little sensor, think I paid about $75 for one for the e39 last summer.

[niart906]

Yup, right on all accounts. I'll never understand why BMW made this out of plastic. I actually have mine zip tie'ed in place because the PO broke it.

[midlandtech]

great... looks like I will be adding that to the to do list. must have happened when I did struts I should have been more mindful of things at the time... guess hindsight is 20/20

[danewilson77]

And BMW is proud of that little sensor, think I paid about $75 for one for the e39 last summer.

Paid well over $100 for mine.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[midlandtech]

with any luck I will be able to get dealer pricing on it by having a buddy at the dealership buy it for me...