Driving On The Continent + NEW XXX PICS

[DELANO]

Has anyone had occasion to drive their X5 into Continental Europe from the UK or visa versa? I am planning a trip to France and Holland and would like to know if there is an easy way to ensure the headlights comply with local requirements. This is what I have read from the AA website:

Modern high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights
These can't be adapted by applying an external mask. Fortunately, many feature an internal 'shutter' that can be moved into place by a screw or lever adjustment at the back of the headlamp unit. But some designs are less convenient and the dealer will need to make the adjustment.

I have contacted my dealer however as usual they do not seem to have an answer for me. I have made about 4 calls to various people without any result. It would make sense that with such a modern vehicle it should be a simple electronic adjustment; however, I have been unable to find a solution.

Any help would be appreciated.

[trueX5er]

Are you asking if the xenons are adjustable?
Nothing to worry about, they auto-level every time you start the car, and while driving it!

[DELANO]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Are you asking if the xenons are adjustable?
Nothing to worry about, they auto-level every time you start the car, and while driving it!

Thank you for your response trueX5er . What I am referring to is that in the UK the right headlight is slightly more dipped than the left, in order to avoid blinding on-coming traffic. Vehicles on the continent are the exact opposite; therefore, when traveling from a left hand drive country to a right hand drive country you must make changes to the vehicle in order to ensure blinding does not occur. This is not a problem you would face in the US and not a problem that I faced when living in Canada. This question will most likely need to be answered by someone in Europe, unless there is someone else out there who is very familiar with the lighting system.

[trueX5er]

I get what you mean now. You would probably need to have the dealer do this, if it can be done at all. And, when you are there, make sure to not have the lights on auto, but use the normal headlight setting. This way, any swiveling by the lights will not unintentionally blind others (beacuse that function will be deactivated).

[DELANO]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

I get what you mean now. You would probably need to have the dealer do this, if it can be done at all. And, when you are there, make sure to not have the lights on auto, but use the normal headlight setting. This way, any swiveling by the lights will not unintentionally blind others (beacuse that function will be deactivated).

Thank you again. I will take you advice and attempt to get more out of this forum and my dealer. Cheers

I have located some info on the E90 post which gives me hope: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6704

[Meiac09]

is it that big of a deal? What is to stop you from just going there? What do people do on ED trips, I can't see why its a major issue.

[Boston X5 4.4]

I think that there are screws that you can adjust the height on the 3 series - don't know about the E70.

Have your tried the 'Eurolites' stick-ons? - don't know how well they work with Xenons but you could try them against a wall to see if they do anything.


(Side note: We used to paste some yellow goop on the headlights back in the day when going to the continent for family camping holidays and it was my job to wash and scrape it off afterwards - good times )

[DELANO]

Originally Posted by Meiac09

is it that big of a deal? What is to stop you from just going there? What do people do on ED trips, I can't see why its a major issue.

It is unfortunately a big deal, potentially resulting in hefty fines, vehicle seizure and or being turned away at the border. The major issue is that very serious accidents can be caused by blinding the occupants of on-coming vehicles.

[Meiac09]

Originally Posted by DELANO

It is unfortunately a big deal, potentially resulting in hefty fines, vehicle seizure and or being turned away at the border. The major issue is that very serious accidents can be caused by blinding the occupants of on-coming vehicles.

Whoa.
How does that work with ED's?

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by Meiac09

Whoa.
How does that work with ED's?

Because continental Europe drives on the same side as you guys in the USA so there's no issue.