2000 Q low beam headlamp

[david52]

Hello, everyone. This is my first post and I have a problem. I have a 2000 Q45 w/114K miles. A fantastic car. However, in the course of replacing the HID bulb in one of my headlamps, I found that someone (a bad mechanic or the previous owner) once did a very crummy job of replacing the bulb. What I found -- including a non-spec screw or two -- was the retaining spring/clip was not the correct part and was never correctly attached per the FSM. I suspect some mechanic lost the original part and force-fit something he grabbed out of a parts drawer ... which is probably why the bulb never aimed correctly and ultimately failed. Anyway, here is my request. Where can I find a proper retaining clip? Is there a source for these things for a car this old? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks. David

[david52]

OK, everybody. After two hours of trying to make it fit the way the previous mechanic incorrectly put the thing back together, I realized that he had done it wrong. I came back at it from a different angle and found that the part was in fact correct, but had been installed wrong. At last, after a break and a beer, I realized how it is SUPPOSED to go in and I got it to fit smoothly. Now, all I have to do put the headlight assembly back into the car and hope it all works. So, if anybody needs to know how to do this job, I can tell you and save you the headache. Off to have another beer. posting.php?mode=reply&f=177&t=568082#

[Skibane]

Oh, well - Welcome to the forums, anyway!

[david52]

thanks!