Masking Headlights for LHD Use

Masking Headlights for LHD Use.                       Mike Fishwick

Most models of BMW car headlights can be set for use in either RHD (UK) or LHD (Europe) areas, the exceptions being, paradoxically, the older models which were manufactured in great quantities, the E36, Z3, and E46.

These models require that an area of the glass or polycarbonate headlamp cover be masked off to prevent the dipped beam from dazzling oncoming drivers. 

Where do you apply the masking?  Look at your headlamp covers, and you will see that there are two sets of ‘corners,’ each set marking a rectangle.  Assuming that your lights are for RHD use, and that you wish to use them in a LHD country, the object is to cover the ‘rectangle’ on the left-hand side as you look at the headlight – the ‘Drivers’ side.

It must always be remembered that this does not ‘convert’ the headlamps into true LHD form, and from the driver’s point of view the dipped beams are rendered virtually useless.  This means that when suddenly entering an unlit tunnel from strong sunlight you will be almost blinded by the change in lighting conditions, making the wearing of sunglasses a wise precaution, as they can be lifted on entry to reduce the amount of change and so maximise whatever vision you have.  (Photochromic glasses are NOT the answer, as during the time taken for them to clear you can never be sure that a cyclist, stray sheep, or deep pothole will not be in your way.)

The official means of masking the headlamp covers is by use of  the BMW ‘Masking Set, Foil’ kit, which comprises two sets of self-adhesive water-resistant stickers, with alcohol-impregrated tissues for removing any adhesive residue.  The part number is:  63.1.290.71687.

LHD Z3 headlight masked for use in RHD country, using 50 mm PVC tape

Alternatively, you can use self-adhesive electrical insulation tape, which works just as well, and is a lot cheaper – with my nearest dealer being 50 miles away, and having to order the foils, it would take a total of 200 miles driving to order and collect them!   I therefore use  PVC tape, cleaning off the (virtually nil) residue with Rain-X water dispersant, which is basically alcohol.  (Do not be tempted to use the Rain-X on your windscreen, as it will cause dreadful smearing!)

The use of alcohol is the important thing, as the polycarbonate covers of the Z3 (I do not know if those of the E46 are glass or polycarbonate – perhaps someone can advise?) will rapidly be damaged by the use of any hydrocarbon-based cleaning solvent.

Many owners are horrified at the idea of placing a non-BMW product in intimate contact with their headlamp covers, but the choice is up to them; with a dealer convenient to home, and making only one occasional trip to Europe it is easy enough to follow the BMW route.

I have, however, been using PVC tape and Rain-X on the polycarbonate covers of my Z3 headlights for the past twelve years (OK – on two sets of headlights) without any problems.

Whichever means of masking you decide to employ, if your car uses polycarbonate covers, remember to clean off any dirt or grit before application, or the covers will inevitably become scratched when you wipe away the adhesive residue.

Fitting and removal is an easy task, even though it appears beyond the ability of many British drivers and motorcyclists, who take the attitude that they do not need to bother, as they do not plan to drive at night.  They conveniently forget that they may have to, or will drive in fog or rain, when headlight use is mandatory.  As such use is ‘Strongly recommended’ by the governments of France, Italy, and Germany, non-use may be a factor in the satisfactory settling of an insurance claim.

Some drivers, of course, never think about dazzling others, are basically ill-mannered, too lazy, or seem to think that dazzling the French is revenge some kind of historical slight – please don’t join them!