Headlights: Difference between LHD and RHD?

[Lukeis]

On the quest to upgrade my headlights I can find the Xenon LHD pair for a lot cheaper than the RHD set (almost 50% of the costs).

Does anyone know the difference? I'm assuming the main beam points forward on both models and this would only affect the light if you had corner beams fitted? or is there something else I need to consider?

[BMKal]

The "cut-off" for low beam is different between LHD and RHD headlights. ;)

If you shine your headlights against a wall on low beam, you will see that the "cut-off" for your left headlight is significantly higher than for the right headlight.

For a LHD vehicle, this is reversed. If you install lights from a LHD vehicle - you will lose vision off to the left side of the road as your left headlight "cut-off" will be too low, and you will be blinding the drivers of oncoming vehicles with your right headlight as the "cut-off" will be too high.

[Lukeis]

There you go, learning something every day.

I assume this is not adjustable?

[Tombie]

There you go, learning something every day.



I assume this is not adjustable?



You assume correctly.

[rufusking]

Have a look in the Owner Handbook (around page 40)

HEADLAMPS - DRIVING ABROAD
Depending on the vehicle specification, the headlamps are either manually adjustable for travelling in countries which drive on the opposite side of the road, or adjustment free. Adjustment free headlamps: If the top of the headlamps are marked with the symbols shown above, they are adjustment free. no mechanical adjustment is required or the need for any external obscuration decals.
Manually adjustable headlamps: If there are no symbols on the headlamp, there is a lever in each headlamp which allows you to manually adjust the beam pattern.
When new, the lever will be set to the correct position for the country in which the vehicle is sold. To change the pattern for driving on the alternate side of the road, move the lever to the alternate position, see 40, ADJUSTING XENON
HEADLAMPS or 41, ADJUSTING HALOGEN
HEADLAMPS.
Note: The headlamps must be removed in order to change the beam pattern, see 182,
HEADLAMP REMOVAL.
Note: On LHD vehicles fitted with halogen headlamps, the lever is on the left hand side of the bulb aperture.
Note: When changing the beam pattern using the lever, ensure that you change the lever position on both headlamps.
Note: If the Auto high beam feature is enabled, you should also configure the system for the side of the road on which you are driving. See
52, INTERACTIVE CONTROLS. .
ADJUSTING XENON HEADLAMPS
1. Lever in the correct position for the market where the vehicle was originally sold.
2. Lever in the correct position for when driving in countries where they drive on the opposite side of the road. With the domed cap removed, move the lever to the appropriate position.

[Lukeis]

That raises an interesting point, drivers in Europe coming from the UK (or vice versa) would definitely not stop and change their head light settings so I wonder just how noticeable it would actually be.

[sheerluck]

Whenever we drove from the UK over to mainland Europe (which we used to do pretty frequently, as my wife's sister lived in Holland) we just put the headlamp adjustment all the way down, and that was it. Never had anyone flashing us, as is the norm if you're dazzling them.

That doesn't help you attempting to buy LHD headlights though.

And to cover your last point, it is VERY noticeable having incorrectly set headlights.

[jonesy63]

I suspect it would also be dependent on the market where the car was sold. In North America - the whole lot is LHD so no need for a switch. Same for Oceania. Whereas in UK, driving to the continent is common. I reckon a second hand set from UK would be cheaper than here. Like at this place: http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic132623.html

[Lukeis]

No, it's doesn't help but good info none the less Dave. I'm surprised that happens in practice, is that common practice do you think?

The hunt continues.

[Tombie]

Defenders when travelling to France would have to fit a cover onto the light to force a cut off.

[sheerluck]

No, it's doesn't help but good info none the less Dave. I'm surprised that happens in practice, is that common practice do you think?

The hunt continues.


Defenders when travelling to France would have to fit a cover onto the light to force a cut off.

Generally there was 4 options when travelling from the UK over the Channel
1) stick some shields over the relevant parts of the headlamp lens so that the part of the beam pointing to the left were cut off (a pain in the arse, as even a few hours use of the headlamps gave enough heat to bake the damned things on, and make them difficult to scrape off)
2) some newer vehicles had the switch to cut out part of the beam internally
3) use the electric height adjustment to just point them downwards
4) do nothing and have everyone flash at you, and have the gendarmes hunt you down

Or just travel in daylight only :angel: