MOT test due - chip/crack in headlamp

shinjukumaster

Does the MOT requirement for lighting require that there are no chips, or cracks, in any part of the headlamp? Or only in the beam path? My car (a 1995 BMW 3) has a rectangular twin headlamp assy. (main and driving lamp, with sidelight) which has a stone chip/crack on the top of the glass (its the part that sits under the bonnet), but not in the light/beam path. Is this OK? Or a clear fail? I've a feeling that it was like that at the previous MOT, but there is no comment in the advisory notice. Thanks in advance.

Hintza

Stick it in and keep your fingers crossed otherwise it will cost a lot of money.

However, it might pay to start checking EBay for secondhand ones just in case.

shinjukumaster

I have since found that if the beam/alignment is correct, it will pass. I'll get a replacement unit anyways, because its a matter of time before water gets in and the reflector degrades.

anewman

I'd put some of that glass repair tape over it so they can't fail it on "sharp edges".

catflea

My old man was driving round with a glob of araldite on a chip on his headlight - had it there for many years very obvious (it was yellow in colour) but no probs with MOT etc

shinjukumaster

Thanks folks!

goldspanners

my dads last car had a cracked headlight for years,passed every time.
as long as its not actually broken and doesn't affect the beam then it should be fine.

catflea

goldspanners wrote: »

my dads last car had a cracked headlight for years,passed every time.
as long as its not actually broken and doesn't affect the beam then it should be fine.

And theres no water ingress