Headlight issues...

[mybmwhabit]

Hi All:

I've got an 83 320i (US model) and am in the process of sorting out the car. I noticed today when driving at dusk, that only one of the low beams works, but when I engage the high beams, all four lights then work.

Is this something easy or complicated to get through?

Thanks for the help!

[tlapham]

Try cleaning your fuses. Usually you can just rotate the fuse for said low beam, get connection back. Hopefully you still have a legible cover to the fuse box. Should be second fuse from forward, furthest inboard. (towards the center of car)

Generally in moist environments I pull all my fuses and wire brush the connections once a year.

If that doesn't do it, then the low beam element is burned out but the high beam still works. change the light.

[mybmwhabit]

Thank you very much! My fuse cover is very legible, so will give this a go tomorrow... Does the outer of the two headlights have a low and high beam? Didn't know that.

Also, has anyone tried replacing these with LEDs? Thoughts?

[tlapham]

Yes, the outer lights are dual filament. Most people convert to H4's if they upgrade, and there are LED's for those, thought I haven't heard of anyone using them...

[Lebindor]

I had the same issue when I bought mine. Your fuses are most likely ok. What you need is to buy another bulb. The are sealed bulbs and contain 2 separate filaments for low beam and high beam.
They are also very cheap I changed all four to keep it consistent from Rockoauto or Bavauto

Eli