Any reason why headlamp washers would be removed?

[aPropertyMattR]

Hi all,
I've recently acquired a 2003 C2 cabriolet. Looking at the VIL the original spec seems to have included sports seats and headlamp washers, neither of which are on the car i have purchased, the tool kit had gone too. I can understand seats may have been changed, not suitable for one of the owners or damaged perhaps, although car has only done 52k. The thing i can't quite get my head around is the disappearance of the headlamp washers? I haven't seen a car up close with them fitted but images i've seen make it appear as if the wings may be slightly altered to accommodate them? Either way i wonder if anyone has had issues with them that would cause a decision to remove the system, i would imagine that is a fairly major undertaking, perhaps not. Alternatives are possibly worrying. The panels all look straight and the VIL is in place on the bonnet underside, there aren't obvious signs of a shunt.

 

[Motorhead]

Perhaps the front PU has been replaced at some time (due to accident damage?) or maybe the headlamp washers stopped working and were removed to pass the MOT.

Jeff

 

[Benjs]

I don't think the wings are altered for headlamp washers. The light has the piping coming through it to the silver headed cover. I'd have thought this would be as you say a right pig to remove.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Do your litronics work or still exist? Maybe they were replaced at some stage

 

[Tony Daniel]

If its got litronics/xenons is it not an MOT fail without washers fitted.

Edit:- Just looked it up and its not legal requirement.
[h5]Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system.

Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.[/h5]

 

[aPropertyMattR]

Standard lamps not litronics or HID so a bit of a mystery really. I just wondered if there was a history of problems with the washer systems, i haven't seen anything to intimate that but haven't researched thoroughly. Guess i have a niggling concern that the items on the VIL don't wholly match the car, may be perfectly plausible reasons and more research will ensue I assume HID lamps would show as a code on the VIL? If so they weren't an original addition.
Thanks all for responding, much appreciated.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

What is the code you are referring to? does anything else not match up? Yes Litronics do come up on the VIL and Come standard with washers (metal disc on the lights that raises up and sprays the headlamps) they rarely fail, but if used at high speed the discs have been known to fly off.

 

[Pieman7]

That's funny I was having the same discussion the other day when I explained to a member that my c4s has not got washers at all. I didn't know they had them till he showed me the chrome discs on his lights. But I must admit my lights look very new

 

[aPropertyMattR]

The codes on the VIL that don't seem to be present in the car are X58 carbon hand break lever
288 Headlamp washer
375 376 Left and right sports seats
VINs match on window, door plate, bonnet and paperwork

I don't know what the carbon hand break lever looks like, the one in the car matches the graphite grey leather interior so i can also understand someone may have changed it for a balanced look(if the carbon one is a different colour) again seats i can understand a change, kind of, just can't quite get my head around the missing headlamp washers

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[Richard_Hamilton]

Excuse the photo, but it was the only one I could find. Are you sure you haven't got them? They are shown by the arrow:

 

[Gordon Attar]

Reference your questions. You have the names of the last two owners on the V5 which should match with the paperwork which might give you there phone numbere Do they match!? because the missing parts on the car are very unusual and very suspect so a few phone calls to past owners would be well advised. Missing headlamp washers mens changed headlights costing c£1000 and the most likely reason would be front end accident!

 

[aPropertyMattR]

As you can see, definitely not there. The shunt is a distinct possibility but panel lines look excellent up close and i haven't spotted any obvious signs, will need to have a proper inspection done underneath.
Will let you all know what i discover

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[Rodney Naghar]

It could just be a case of one of the old lamps dying and the owner finding a cheap replacement on eBay or being advised to get a new pair (without integrated washer as they're cheaper)

 

[aPropertyMattR]

I'm hoping something like that, or someone perhaps deciding they prefer the look without the pop ups; I like the front end without them and I'm not sure i would put the washer system back but it would be nice to know quite why the change.

 

[Gordon Attar]

If you can take a picture or two of the area behind the carpets in the front (the plastic screws can be pulled of) I can tell you

The area underneath should only have over spray paint a paint label on the right and you should see shade of tan/brown mastic ( that looks like its been paint brushed on) showing through around the seams.

 

[aPropertyMattR]

I'll find a break in the rain and get a picture taken for you thanks

 

[nicktg]

Could it be that the bonnet has been swapped for a second hand one in the correct colour?

 

[Pieman7]

I have like I said before earlier there are no pop up washers on my lights some guy told me that they were a face lift light with halogens in? I must say that the lights are very bright at night and great on full beam. I still think they look better without them gimmicks always go wrong.