From sandrock_at_icon.co.za Sat Oct 18 07:05:47 1997
for <dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>; Sat, 18 Oct 1997 07:05:44 -0700
From: "Gerrit J Sandrock" <sandrock_at_icon.co.za>
To: <bmw-digest_at_mailgate.wizvax.net>
Cc: <p.dadswell_at_soton.ac.uk>, <darren_at_rattpac.com>, <laurels_at_iapietra.edu>,
<dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>
Subject: Headlamp adjusters
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 1997 15:57:27 +0200
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Priority: 3

Just spent an interesting few hours with the E30 325i, looking closer at the problem of inoperable headlamp adjusters that I posted a couple of weeks ago. We now know more about the problem, but I am afraid the solution remains elusive...

1. The system is made by Hella for BMW. The operation is hydraulic, and the pipes are filled with some fluid or other. The D$al$r says it is alcohol, but I have my doubts. The stuff that I found on a partial dismantle looks more viscous and I think it is common brake fluid. It looks as if air got into the thing somehow and that caused it to fail.
2. The system is also sealed, and therefore (apparently) not repairable. There are what appears to be small bleed plugs on the bodies of the 'master' cylinder and on each of the 'slaves', but these cannot be removed. Even if they sold you the replacement system, I can't see how you can get either of the slave units through the hole in the firewall. The rubber grommet is too small. You would have to install the pipes first, then bleed the system. With no facility for bleeding the thing, you are stuck at square one.
3. This system was obviously not an option in the USA market.
4. The replacement part costs about R1,000 (that's about US$220). It is not worth it. Could pick one up at a breaker's yard, I suppose. However, that may also have air in it. This is a really stupid system.

Thanks to all who responded and tried to help. If I get anywhere with it, I'll let you know.

Gerrit J Sandrock

Tel: +27 11 331-2435
Fax: +27 11 331-9697