I just picked up a new steering column to retrofit auto lamps and rain sensing wipers. In the real oem part picture, there is a wheel under the turn stalk. On every column I've seen including both which I have, its just a blank plate.

So, what is it?

 

It is the manual headlamp beam adjuster that is required in Europe, so that you can adjust your headlamps' aim to compensate for rear seat passengers or loads in the trunk. Xenon cars have to have automatic adjustment but halogen lamps can be manually adjusted. It started back when French cars had ultra-soft suspension, so loading the car up resulted in the headlamps pointing at the sky, not the road.

 

thanks! I need not worry about such Frenchy ***** then

 

Are you doing the install yourself? Also did you have MFSW before you did this?

 

yes I will be. However I have other modifications on the docket ahead of this project. I buy the parts as they pop up. Even though this is a few months away, I'd like to have it done by early summer at the latest. My car does have the MFSW.

I'm not one to hide. I'll be creating a 'build' thread and I take lots of pictures of my mods!

 

I would strongly strongly suggest having a mechanic do this work. I had the dealership do mine because you can destroy your car if you do it wrong.

 

Good advice

What can go wrong? I'm not being sarcastic. Actually asking.

It seems rather simple. Insert column, plug in/wire light/rain module and code the car

 

The first thing I can think of is you bought the wrong part. Second you have to remove a hell of a lot of stuff to get into there. Being that it needs to be programmed to work you car might not start or possibly will not steer when you turn it on. I would ask the dealership or a good MINI mechanic in your area how much they would charge you for the install. I already know how expensive that part is so I no the road you have been down this far. When I had MFSW retrofitted I spent $1100 total between parts and labor of it. So the good thing is that is about the max you should have to spend.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep you posted