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Headlamp conversion for driving in Europe
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10-03-2006, 08:25 AM | #1 |
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Headlamp conversion for driving in Europe
What is the best method for adjusting my headlight beams so that I can drive safely in mainland europe?
BTW I have standard headlights as opposed to Xenon. Thanks in advance |
10-03-2006, 10:50 AM | #2 |
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What do you mean adjust them? Why would you need to change anything?
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10-03-2006, 11:21 AM | #3 | |
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ShereKhan, have you looked in the manual? I am sure on my E46 (non-xenon) you can slide a switch under the bonnet to change the direction. A bit like an Eagle Eye's action man
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10-03-2006, 01:18 PM | #4 |
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Possibly the easiest way is to use gaffer tape or black electrician's tape to cover the part of the beam that shines to the left. To be most accurate you would need to take it to a garage with the light adjusting meter. However, you may still dazzle oncoming cars and the light output is diminished by nearly 20%.
The more expensive option is to buy a continental set of headlamps and change them over just before you leave and then back when you return. Oh, for the days of sealed beams. Those silly orange or white fresnel lenses that stick to the headlamp are good only for taking your £ from your wallet and have absolutely no benefit for the first three or four miles that they are stuck on the light before falling off. Of course, if you really want them you can go to Coquelles and pull off onto the verge of the A16 about five miles from the Chunnel. There are bound to be numerous examples laying about. Damn, am I cynical or what?
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10-03-2006, 04:20 PM | #5 |
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... or what
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10-03-2006, 07:13 PM | #6 |
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I've had a look at the manual and can't seem to find any reference to this procedure that was done with its predecessor.
I know you shouldn't use gaffer tape as it will leave a heat spot on the plastic lense which will be in the form of a brown mark. So the lights will look dirty all the time and give a bad beam I've had a scour through the forum and can't find any reference to the procedure. I went to see the local dealer who informed me that I need to put the bits plastic on the headlight lense. The service chap said I didn't really need to buy the BMW accessory and generic brand will do. This begs the question how do I know where to place the patch/beam bender. As the plastic lense doesn't have any markings on it. Is it possible to scratch the lenses? How easy is it to remove these beam benders? |
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10-04-2006, 02:39 AM | #7 |
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A colleague of mine spends a few weeks every year in France so I asked him what he does.
He has an E46 and uses black insulation tape to cut off the beam. I asked him how he knows where to put the tape, and he told me that he drives up to a wall and works it out from there! Make of that what you will . I'll be interested to hear how it should be done, as I may be driving to DisneyLand Paris next year.
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10-04-2006, 04:30 AM | #8 | |
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10-04-2006, 12:16 PM | #10 | |
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10-05-2006, 01:58 AM | #11 |
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Just checked the german manual for e90:
Page 106: There is no switch (neither hologen nor xenon), but you can get some black sticker from BMW to cover the headlight partial. I have the direction switch on my e46 compact (Xenon), don't know why they got rid of this handy feature.
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10-06-2006, 02:06 AM | #12 | |
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I got special stickers from my dealer for my E46. Came with a template and instructions on how to fit them. Came off easily when I got back. Cost a few pounds - cheap. Well worth it. I assume there is the same for the E90?
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10-06-2006, 01:47 PM | #13 |
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Just checked with my local dealer and BMW customer service.
The stickers are £14+VAT - Quite expensive for a few stickers in my opinion. |
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