Various XM parts needed (series 1)

[MTXM]

I am sorry and if Paul cannot help I have some spare diffusers already removed from headlights that I would happy to send to you. May I ask are your diffusers missing or just yellow and clouded as this is a common problem and ours may not be much better! Regards, Matthew T. PS. Thanks for the further info John and I like those yellow bulbs!!

[edmundator]

The previous owner removed the diffusers to get brighter headlights, so there are none there. Unfortunately this totally ruins the beam pattern. My eyesight is good, so I'd rather have slightly dimmer lights that cover the road ahead properly. Thanks very much for the offer, if you can send me a pair of diffusers I'd really appreciate it - get in touch by PM. Thanks.

[xmexclusive]

Just to show willing I will look at a door lock tomorrow and see if I can work out whats going wrong with yours.

As for the going off topic, not something we do in moderation on this site.
Seems to have got worse this last year or so since Jim joined us.

To tidy up a bit more the diffusers do not have any directional marking.
If your pair come without a guide then ask and we will sort out the correct orientation for you.

John

[edmundator]

Thanks, John. I haven't had an opportunity to dismantle my door yet (car is still at the garage having its brakes done at the moment) - it is obviously something not engaging properly to lock the door. All the other doors and boot are secure and all the pins go up and down as they should.

[MTXM]

As Paul has already offered to help with the diffusers I guess I ought to wait and ensure he is happy! Regards, Matthew T.

[xmexclusive]

Hi Matthew

Paul has had his chance, yours are to hand so get them in the post.

Just to divert a bit more.
The reason you can get XM headlights without diffusers through the MOT is a mixture of the unusual design and its massive adjustment range.
The big metal cap over the dip bulb (edmundator are these still present? If not you need obtain to put them back) stops any direct light output.
All the dip light output comes via the back reflector (No stray light or significant variation whatever type of bulb you fit).
The front reflector tunnel has a shaped box section, wide and squat with some side shaping.
The long flat top of the tunnel gives the MOT lateral cut off.
The side shaping gives the small vertical cut off.
The back reflector assembly has vertical and horizontal screw adjusters, about 10mm each.
So with diffuser missing you can usually wind the two adjusters towards the end of their travel that gets the MOT cut offs acceptable.
As the main and dip are one assembly this moves the main beam down and around 10 degrees to the left but no one checks or worries about that.
No problems here then except the crap silvering on the XM reflectors.
Tarnished or damaged silvering are the normal cause of XM MOT headlight failures.
Tarnishing comes first, damage is virtually certain when you try and clean them so edmundator read the advice on here before making the attempt.

In hindsight I do not think anything in this post is off topic.

John

[xmexclusive]

Have looked at some recovered door lock assemblies this evening.
Need a test done.
Lower the drivers window fully.
From outside the car lock it with the key.
Then try to push down the internal lock button and see if this locks the door.

John

[edmundator]

John, following the above procedure, the door seems to lock satisfactorily. I think I heard an electronic/motorised "click" when I pressed on the door pin.

[xmexclusive]

Hi ed

If I get the time I will play with a drivers door this evening and see if I can work out what does the latching.
Not sure that it is electrical yet.
Can you confirm that when you turn the key in the drivers door the other 3 doors lock.
No point in you pulling it all to bits until we know what needs replacing.

Hopefully going to sort out some bits from Southerner in the next day or so.
I do not have any Mk1 door catch spares only Mk2.
I will get the mechanics from his drivers door just in case you need it.

John

[edmundator]

Yes, all door pins go up and down with a turn of the key and the three other doors are secure when locked.