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New French Motoring Laws
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AndrewE View Drop Down
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Points: 1200 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2013 at 6:41pm
Originally posted by Mike Fishwick Mike Fishwick wrote:

The BMW method of sticking blanking pieces on the headlamp covers loses most of the range from the dip beam, so is understandably not popular amongst those who plan to drive at night.

E36 lights are not supposed to be adjustable for LHD use, and I suspect that the screws are pitched too far apart to give the correct adjustment. 

When one looks at a projector headlamp, the amount of movement between LHD and RHD settings is very small, so while this dodge may give a decent dipped beam for the driver, it may be at the expense of dazzling oncoming people. 

Quite apart from that, as the bulb filaments are axial (that is, they run fore-and-aft) you can turn the bulbs for ever without making any difference to the beam pattern - that is what the prismatic lenses are for!




You need to inform BMW then!

Certainly, on the one I'm looking at, the bulbs fit into shielded holders and it's this that turns. However, I've dodged the bullet and managed to avoid the place for another year. Smile
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issus View Drop Down
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Points: 1337 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 8:22pm
................even I ...'who often tread where angels fear to tread follow the French Headlight procedures. Perhaps the person who suggested "does it matter" gives it a go
E46 320d Sport Myst Blue 054 reg - probably the best BMW ever
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SDean View Drop Down
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SDean Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2013 at 6:18pm
Hi everyone, this is an interesting thread. I am going over to France in August and what to do with the headlights is proving slightly confusing. I have 2011 E92 M3 without adaptive headlights. I have asked dealer for advice and have two options. The foils, or getting the headlight beam 'flattened'. I queried the flattened option as it is over an hours labour, so not cheap, and I didn't want to have the same work done when I got back, and each time I went! I was reassured that it was a once only job that left beam flat across left or right, so legal for UK and overseas.

Anyone had experience of this beam flattening, to drive overseas and then driving in UK when you get back?
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issus View Drop Down
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Points: 1337 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2013 at 6:27pm
I have a 320d Sport and when in France always used Halfords Beam Convertors which are under £10.00 set. Once in situ I never had a problem with the locals with my Xenon beams.
E46 320d Sport Myst Blue 054 reg - probably the best BMW ever
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EnthuZiaZT View Drop Down
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Points: 63 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote EnthuZiaZT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jun 2013 at 7:31pm
Originally posted by EnthuZiaZt EnthuZiaZt wrote:

Originally posted by EnthuZiaZt EnthuZiaZt wrote:

In the hand book of my E85 Z4, it says the lights can be altered by the use of a lever under the front wheel arch. Is this correct for all Z4 E85s, or some sort of optional extra?
Mike



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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Points: 2753 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 10:10am
Maybe this is a secret, known only to the Z4 high priests!

I would think that this lever is a standard fitting, as it obviously saves making different headlamps for RHD and LHD markets.  Anyway, your handbook confirms this.  You would probably have to remove the plastic cover over the back of the headlamp unit, as when you replace a bulb.

Anyway - instead of waiting around for someone to tell you, why don't you try looking?  All you have to do is take a wheel off, or perhaps even just turn them to full lock . . .
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EnthuZiaZT View Drop Down
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Points: 63 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote EnthuZiaZT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 7:16pm
I will do that Mike, but I am alerting others to the possibility that they may also have this feature on their cars.
Mike
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SDean View Drop Down
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SDean Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2013 at 7:36pm
I have the answer now! I don't have adaptives but do have xenons. Xenons on E92 M3 don't need adjusting as they are set up flat across the beam anyway. So I am ready for Europe! I noticed the beams looked flat the other day in multi-storey car park, so was wondering. BMW Park Lane service department confirmed this.
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