Driving a uk car in france
11-04-2007, 10:47 AM
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My Ride: 2005 520d M Sport Titanium Silver, 6-speed Manual, new style Start/Stop ignition, Black Dakota Leather, bluetooth, Nav via Tomtom One on a brodit dashmount
Hi all
I am going to be driving in france in the next couple of weeks and I remember you used to have a small rectangle marking on the car headlights that you covered with tape to stop blinding the oncoming drivers, however there are no markings on my 520d headlights so wndered what the deal was?
Anyone know if I even have to fit deflectors or is there an adjustment on the car somewhere?
Cheers guys
I am going to be driving in france in the next couple of weeks and I remember you used to have a small rectangle marking on the car headlights that you covered with tape to stop blinding the oncoming drivers, however there are no markings on my 520d headlights so wndered what the deal was?
Anyone know if I even have to fit deflectors or is there an adjustment on the car somewhere?
Cheers guys
11-04-2007, 12:51 PM
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It's in the manual...
For cars with Halogen headlights, see your dealer and you get a foil for the headlights.
For Xenon, there is a procedure in the manual, how to adjust them.
11-04-2007, 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Iceman' post='489897' date='Nov 4 2007, 09:51 PM
Attachment 39931
It's in the manual...
For cars with Halogen headlights, see your dealer and you get a foil for the headlights.
For Xenon, there is a procedure in the manual, how to adjust them.
It's in the manual...
For cars with Halogen headlights, see your dealer and you get a foil for the headlights.
For Xenon, there is a procedure in the manual, how to adjust them.
11-04-2007, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by redwhiteblue' post='489934' date='Nov 5 2007, 12:52 AM
What the heck is this rule in france? I am not understanding it-man that country is backwards
France and the UK are driving on different sides.
Therefore, the lights are blinding oncoming drivers if not adjusted.
11-04-2007, 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Palmo' post='489925' date='Nov 5 2007, 12:25 AM
Agreed - it's in the manual. There's also an adjustment on the Halogen lights (a lever that moves the beam pattern) so no need for a 'sticker'. Mine is an LCI but I would presume pre LCI cars will be the same.
11-04-2007, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by redwhiteblue' post='489943' date='Nov 5 2007, 01:00 AM
I guess I dont get it. The lights are not angled left or right to my knowledge so I do not see how they would be any different. On coming traffic is on coming either side you are on
On left hand drive cars the right side goes further, to illuminate the side where you usually find bikers or pedestrians.
On right hand drive cars it's the opposite.
So, when driving a right hand drive car (UK) on French roads, your LEFT side is the one that is illuminating the street further. That is the side you now have oncoming traffic... Therefore you are blinding oncoming drivers.
11-04-2007, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by redwhiteblue' post='489943' date='Nov 5 2007, 12:00 AM
I guess I dont get it. The lights are not angled left or right to my knowledge so I do not see how they would be any different. On coming traffic is on coming either side you are on
The lenses in the dipped headlights throw the beam out to the kerbside of the car - here in the UK, towards the left, and in Mainland Europe towards the right.
If you are driving on the right then the oncoming traffic is on your left, so a UK car will dazzle the oncomers, hence the need for masks or levers.
CravenSmythe;
Try Halfords or similar - they may have generic ones that you can cut to fit and stick.
Mike