[joehenson]

Hey all,

When I try to change the angle of my headlights using the little knurled wheel where the light controls are, nothing happens. I have a 116D F20 M Sport with standard halogen lights. I took it back to BMW as I still have an AUC warranty, however they told me that there was a 'loose connection' and that it would require 'some programming' which isn't included in my warranty. Has anyone ever experienced this problem or know what they're referring to with the programming side of things? I'm not sure what to do as I don't really want to be forking out £160 for one hours worth of programming for a little switch

Thanks

[No one]

This is interesting! "Loose connection" (presumably between the switch and the execution device) looks very likely. "Some programming" looks very weird indeed: what to program there as it's a manual device? I would require they give some (convincing) explanation themselves. Just some proof the computer is in (even?) here.

By the way, they say halogen lights do that down/up motion on turn on xenon (to verify their automatic angle control system?) do - is that true? Why? This could be the proof it's not as simple as it looks. Or do they mean they'll need "programming" to verify the switch itself? Just don't suggest that to them.

[joehenson]

It's a very strange one. I've rang around a few BMW and German car specialists in my area and they don't know of any 'programming' related to that particular switch. The lights do the initial down and back up motion when I turn the car on, so the motors are working, just nothing between them and the switch appears to be happening

[ovekvam]

But if it isn't working, and it is not a worn out service part (like brake pads), I can not see how it can't be covered by warranty. Probably just a coding issue.

[No one]

On the one hand those service men have their instructions they violate for their own benefit only: you should let them do their job. On the other hand some of them appear to believe bolts and nuts are some "gadgets" to be turned with a master computer rather than a wrench.


Once I tried to replace my current car's cabin air filter myself. It's a simple procedure minding limited access in the passenger's foot well. Being a clean freak I declined kneeling and accidentally extracted the cabin fan instead. I put it back but it stopped working. Feeling a bit tired I called the official service just to be told they'd have to do some computer diagnostics. "-Look, I just told you...". They hung up. I said what they refused to hear aloud and fixed it myself by reinstallation of the fan.


Or most recent. I found my "underbody panel (#7)" hanging down. When having the car serviced I pointed that too. They listed some "diagnostics" (at a price of a computer one, at least! ). "-I've diagnosed it myself. I just need it (fucking) fixed! -All right, we just have to charge something...". It went like that: the mechanic diagnosed missing clips. I called the service man and he told him to fix it (for free).