E36 Compact Headlight Adjuster Repair Guide | How To Fix Broken Headlamp Adjusters BMW 318ti | 003
In this video I strip down e36 headlamp and replace the broken headlight adjusters within. The car I am working on is in fact a BMW E36 Compact 318ti, these come with the Hella headlights with the glass lenses. Other E36 models most often come with later-style Bosch units with plastic lenses.
Generally, E36 headlights are very similar in construction, so while this video is specifically about the BMW compact hatchback, the information within should still be very useful if you're looking for a how-to guide to DIY this fix yourself.
Here are the new E36 compact adjusters I installed in this video x2:
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And here are the type you need for E36 saloon, touring or convertible (or E39):
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The first order of business when repairing E36 headlights is to correctly diagnose the problem. With the lights on my 318ti, I was unable to adjust the beam either horizontally or vertically, which resulted in an MOT fail for me as the headlights were far too low and could not be raised.
The headlights being far too low and unadjustable using the plastic Allen screws on the rear of the units is a very clear symptom that the adjusters have failed. The way in which they fail is simple. Over time the plastic they are made out of becomes extremely brittle, and the vibrations of driving the car causes them to crack, shatter and eventually disintegrate into small pieces.
With no adjuster, there is nothing to maintain your headlight level and the inner reflectors and lenses are allowed to drop down to their lowest setting and sit there.
The way E36 headlights adjust is based on two Allen screws. These for starters are a weak point as the plastic is weak and as there are two plastic gears that mesh together to transfer downwards turning to forward turning, this mechanism itself can become broken.
Mine are broken, but once you realise that you can still adjust them with pliers, it is no longer a huge problem. What is a huge problem however is the adjusters within snapping.
As you turn the adjustment screw, it winds out (or in) the plastic headlamp adjuster to set the angle of the inner lens. If the adjusters are missing or broken, no amount of turning will change the angle of the lens so your only option is to split E36 compact headlights and replace the broken part.
You will first need to remove the headlights from the car, which is very simple as they are both held in by screws, accessible once the cowl is removed from under the bonnet and the indicator lenses are removed which are push fit and clipped in, unclippable from the rear.
Don't forget to unplug the electrical connectors too.
With your headlight on the workbench it should become quite obvious, or at least it will if you follow along with the video, how to disassemble an E36 headlamp. first remove the front lens by unclipping the 8 metal clips, then proceed to unscrew the torx screws retaining the inner lenses, after you have removed the rear gaskets and bulb holders.
Finally, unclip the inner reflector carefully. With this out it you should have clear visibility on the broken headlight adjusters. remove them and all of their fragments before fitting your new ones.
It always makes sense to clean headlights thoroughly while they are apart, and ensure no debris becomes trapped within on reassembly. Nothing looks worse than a headlight with junk floating around inside it.
I'm pleased to report that this headlight fix is still going strong and we were able to get the light level adjusted correctly to pass the MOT.
For more helpful how-to guides and restoration project logs, visit our blog: www.spannerrash.com/
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