View Full Version : Headlight Overhaul.......


pumpedTSI
01-01-2008, 08:07 PM
since I had to pull one headlight assembly because the hinge cut the loose motor wire loom I decided to install the Stainless steel adjusters that I bought years ago........I think Stan C made them?? Anyways, I removed both assemblies, cleaned ,lubed and installed the adjusters and set the headlight beam height..........with the new HIR bulbs from Chromeowner its night and day...........my headlights are very bright and can actually be adjusted.......AND they are now tight in the buckets..........I had thought that these lights were complicated but not so........just lube everything prior to dismantling and be careful so nothing gets broken.........1 hour job on both sides.........for sure worth doing.

E31PARTS
01-01-2008, 09:04 PM
Glad it worked out had the relays ready to ship

Wess McCoy
01-01-2008, 10:37 PM
Hi there,
I have a set of lights out and apart now and saw your note.....wondered where you could get stainless steel adaptors.
The articles i saw were hand made of copper end caps...

Can you tell me where I may find SS...


thanX

E31PARTS
01-01-2008, 10:48 PM
TxGR8White has a nice setup reach out to him

Wess McCoy
01-01-2008, 10:52 PM
ThanX Jim
How can I reach him.....?

TxGR8White
01-01-2008, 11:44 PM
...just mention my name...

I have adjuster thimbles made from aircraft aluminum, that replace those crappy brittle black things that BMW put in those lights. These will outlast your car. I offer these as a service to fellow 8ers, and currently have a few orders pending that are getting ready to be manufactured. The last batch I had made were $13.55 each (you will need 6) plus whatever the shipping turns out to be.

pumpedTSI
01-02-2008, 12:15 AM
Glad it worked out had the relays ready to ship
Big thanks Jim, glad that I didnt need them, youre a godsend.

"Hi there,
I have a set of lights out and apart now and saw your note.....wondered where you could get stainless steel adaptors.
The articles i saw were hand made of copper end caps...

Can you tell me where I may find SS..."

Actually I bought these 3 or 4 years ago and a member had a batch made, not sure if you can even get them now......design was by a member of the Roadfly E31 board called Stan C who was/is a member of the Bay area 8's.........info on package says......"design by SRC San Carlos Ca. manufactured by Metal Marvels, Colorado Springs Co.

GR8.......nice job but these are not the adjuster parts I replaced, the parts replace the existing crappy alloy serrated "wheels" that adjust the headlight up/down movement and fit over the splined adjuster screws........

whale
01-02-2008, 12:56 AM
TxGR8White (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=154902) http://images.bimmerforums.com/vb3images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Saw the thread and pics discribing your adjusters. Put me down on your list of buyers and let me know when they become available. Thanks, Gregg
MBambo@comcast.net

TxGR8White
01-02-2008, 01:11 AM
The Adjuster wheels are actually available through BMW. They have redesigned the wheel itself and I have all new in my headlights. The reason I had the thimbles made was because the copper caps that I had originally put in didn't last (my car gets driven everyday - about 20,000 miles per year), everything works fine now. I have also put in a EURO LKM and 4 HID Xenon bulbs with ballasts in the low beam and fog lights - now I have light!!

whale
01-02-2008, 01:38 AM
TxGR8White (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=154902) http://images.bimmerforums.com/vb3images/statusicon/user_offline.gif

Thanks for the quick response and info. I'll check with my dealer.

8eights
01-02-2008, 02:16 AM
TxGR8White (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=154902) http://images.bimmerforums.com/vb3images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Saw the thread and pics discribing your adjusters. Put me down on your list of buyers and let me know when they become available. Thanks, Gregg
kratesrule@sbcglobal.net Ditto! I would also be interested if another run occurs, Tia!

Wess McCoy
01-02-2008, 01:59 PM
Great info TxGR8White,
I'll stand by for a response to my e-mail to you.

I'm a little hesitant to buy the new wheels ($25) from dealer, if I can find the old style cheaper, and drill and tap my self. jim@e31parts.com......?

wess
so-cal

Koizumi
01-02-2008, 03:22 PM
Keep me in mind when a new run happens please.

Wuffer
01-02-2008, 04:48 PM
I have a bunch of stainless steel adjusters available at $30/set of 4 including shipping. Email if interested to wuffer(at)shaw.ca http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u305/Wuffer44/HeaddlightAdjuster.jpguding shipping if interested.

Lachlan
01-02-2008, 05:00 PM
wuffer, which parts are you replacing with those?

8eights
01-02-2008, 05:12 PM
Tom! You have mail...

pumpedTSI
01-02-2008, 10:48 PM
Wuffer...........thats the parts!!! they work REALLY well........

E31PARTS
01-02-2008, 11:03 PM
Ryan I really Think i Need a shrink i got another parts car today
thats 7 cars now this one is wuffer red i just put it on the site
My wife is starting to get pissed so i might be sleeping in one of them
this is my next parts car