Background

Headlight leveling control (LWR)

From the year of construction 1990, headlight range regulation is required by law in Germany.

Until the middle of 2007, the non-function at the TÜV was still a minor defect and the vehicle nevertheless received a badge, but since July 1st, 2007 the guideline has been changed so that the non-function of the LWR has been classified as a serious defect and therefore the vehicle for this reason alone a Badge is refused.

Since 1990, most vehicles have had headlight range control. Initially, some manufacturers experimented with a vacuum control or a hydraulic control, including BMW, Citroen, Mercedes, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat and Volvo, to name just a few.

When the vehicle was new everything worked fine, but over the years a lot can happen and at some point there are problems with the lines and one or both LWR adjusters then no longer work. Since these vacuum or hydraulically controlled systems are maintenance-free and therefore closed systems, you cannot avoid replacing them completely if they are defective.

Depending on the age of the vehicles, spare parts are unfortunately no longer available here and if you want to take the next TÜV hurdle, only the conversion to electrical function offered here remains.

Even if spare parts (replacement of the complete hydraulic headlamp leveling system) are supplied and installed by the manufacturer, the problem of non-function is only temporarily eliminated as there is a design-related defect.

The general problem with hydraulic LWR is the temperature fluctuations to which the system is exposed. The heat from the engine, the cold in winter, at some point the plastic line becomes porous and the pressure drops. Experience has shown that a hydraulic LWR lasts about 2 – 3 years, i.e. with a bit of luck, the vehicle will come through the TÜV again after 2 years, but certainly not through the 3rd TÜV appointment.

There have also been attempts to “repair” (fill with new liquid), but this is usually only crowned with short-term success (a few hours or days), since it is almost impossible to find and repair a leak in the line.

For this reason, converting to electrical function is a permanent solution. This electrical solution is also ahead when it comes to cost comparison.

The conversion kits offered here are intended for vehicles whose hydraulic LWR is defective and which should therefore be replaced with electric motors.

We also offer customized hydraulic conversion kits for a few vehicles, so that repairs can be carried out at the lowest possible cost, but this can actually only be discouraged.