Headlamps sucking light out of the atmosphere?

[Mike Smiley]

Greetings Z8 Community! I am a fairly new owner, April 2021 and enjoying my ownership experience. I recently drove Nancy Drew at night for the first time and was shocked at how little light the low beams emitted. Brights were "fair." I asked former owner, Satch, about it and he claimed that the headlights actually SUCK light OUT of the atmosphere. There is minor clouding in the lights, but nothing that would seem to impede the illumination. My question is, (1) did these headlights "suck" when new and (2) have any owners modified the lamps for better performance? Satch was exploring an LED conversion. My independent mechanic was suspect. My current solution is, don't drive at night. In a pinch, I need a more sustainable answer. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Mike Smiley]

Found this post from 2009. Perhaps there are updates? I am not very good at searching forums.

The fogging of the headlamp units is something we are destined to live with. I've now replaced the lamps on my blue car once, and on my silver car twice due to continued fogging.

The Z8 Club are aware of this issue, and have told me that it was even noticed during the time of original production. At this time there is no known cause or cure. I hardly ever have my lights on, I live in the desert climate, so there is no inherent moisture, and my cars live in a heated garage, both have very low miles, and are always gently hand washed, so even in the most ideal of conditions the headlamps fog up.

Here is a PDF on changing the lamp units should you decide to do it yourself. It is around 20mb so may take a moment to download.

[Musta10000]

Mike -

Yes - they suck (unfortunately). I did not buy the car new, but mine were replaced several years ago due to clouding and the new ones were very poor in the dark as well. I do not think that minor or even a little more severe clouding makes it much worse than they already are. Just very poor ones to begin with.

[Bend]

I used to think that the beams on the headlights were weak because they seemed to light up the road for only a short distance ahead. I discovered that a small lever part on the self leveling mechanism for the headlights had been reversed inadvertently, likely during the installation of the performance package. Upon a reversal of that lever, the light beams were raised several degrees to provide a much better view of the road ahead at night. I remember following instructions found here on the site, but for the life of me tonight, I cannot find the thread. Perhaps someone else remembers.

[EDEZ8]

Hi Ted,

You mentioned this to me too down in Monterey and I actually found the post today! Stay well, I just had my first Covid battle that after 5 days I seem to be finally winning with a little help from Paxlovid. If this is the mild strain, I am glad to have been a late addition to the pandemic.

Ed

http://www.bmwz8.us/forum/tips-trick...ment-1044.html

I used to think that the beams on the headlights were weak because they seemed to light up the road for only a short distance ahead. I discovered that a small lever part on the self leveling mechanism for the headlights had been reversed inadvertently, likely during the installation of the performance package. Upon a reversal of that lever, the light beams were raised several degrees to provide a much better view of the road ahead at night. I remember following instructions found here on the site, but for the life of me tonight, I cannot find the thread. Perhaps someone else remembers.

[EDEZ8]

I just made my way to the garage to find the switch. My guess is that the photo shown in the earlier post was shot looking up into the passenger side wheel area from the ground. Can anyone confirm?

[2112]

It could be a lot easier to upgrade the simple round high beam lights with super bright LED units.

Partial solution maybe, but helpful.

[Bend]

That's my recollection also.
Glad you're recovering, Ed.
Best wishes,
Ted

[Mike Smiley]

THANK YOU ALL! I will give this a try, definitely before driving to Amelia in March!

[LarryG]

Five days into my first experience with Covid. Likely the Omicron variant. Started Paxlovid on day one. So far so good! Happy New Year

[macfly]

Sorry to hear Larry, it's such a pain, but hopefully it'll be one and done!

[LarryG]

Thanks Andrew,
Had our second floor and foyer painted recently. The painters were here for a month. Likely caught it from one of them. Seem to be doing well🤞Let’s all have a great New Year!

[EDEZ8]

Five days into my first experience with Covid. Likely the Omicron variant. Started Paxlovid on day one. So far so good! Happy New Year

I hope you have a more durable response with Paxlovid, because I rebounded after 3 days albeit with milder symptoms.

[LarryG]

My understanding is that about 5% of Paxlovid users experience a rebound.We shall seeThanks

[dinoz8]

An interesting note...you can't get prescribed Paxlovid if you're on Medicare (federal restriction). Go ahead and ask how I know...

[LarryG]

In CT, I think a pharmacist at a CVS can prescribe this med free of charge

[dinoz8]

In CT, I think a pharmacist at a CVS can prescribe this med free of charge

Nope! CVS eligibility for Paxlovid. Note this is their web site before any request for location and without being logged into their site (where they can determine your location). There was a recent change that allowed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid (doesn't require a doctor), but not if you're on Medicare.

How we determine eligibility

Your pharmacist will work with you to determine if prescribing Paxlovid is a good option for you. To be eligible for this service, you should:

• Have tested positive for COVID-19 and are within five days of symptom onset.
• Have not yet been admitted to the hospital.
• Have one or more risk factors for developing severe COVID-19. View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on risk factors.Opens in a new window
• Be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds.
• Have had blood work completed within the last 12 months (including blood work that looks at your liver and kidney function).
• Not have kidney or liver disease.

Due to federal regulations, pharmacists cannot provide this service to Medicare or Medicaid members at this time.

[mk31755]

how many continuing education credits do we get for this course?

[LarryG]

Thanks for educating me. I simply wrote a prescription for myself and took the 5 day course. Healthy New Year to all