I have ordered a new Audi A6 with Xenon lights which I am hoping to pick up in the next few weeks. Shortly after this I am off to France and will need to "correct" the beam for driving on the right.
However, I have been told that Audi xenons can only be adjusted in this way by a dealer. Can anyone confirm that?
My former BMWs both had xenons and had a small lever behind each light to adjust RHD/LHD, so it was the perfect job whilst waiting in the queue for the ferry!
Now it seems I have to visit a dealer then dazzle everyone as I drive to / from the ferry port (100+ miles) or else find a dealer at the ferry port who is open when we return at 9.30pm ... unlikely ... or one in France! Any suggestions?
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I have a Mondeo with Xenons and drive abroad alot. That too requires a £60 dealer visit before and after. I just dont bother, otherwise i'd be in the dealer 20-30 times a year. Putting tape over light is not recommanded either as it can mark the lense....
I think the Audi (if its same as Passat and Superb) requires bumper removal to do it.
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Neil T
Mondeo Ghia TDCi 130 Estate, SEAT Toledo 20VT Sport, Various Montegos...
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Thanks for the info, Neil.
Mad isn't it? Little lever on a BMW and a major piece of work on an Audi. I much prefer the Audi brand values, but would have expected it to be the other way around, given Audi's "design led" ethos.
I think I agree with the "leave it alone" idea, given how little driving I will be doing over there at night. Better than spending £120 AND definitely annoying UK drivers, rather than possibly annoying the French drivers (nothing against the French, just the real probability of actually driving in the dark!)
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Progress is I think what it's called...
On my Renault with polycarbonate lenses apparently you have to put the correct deflectors on otherwise the lens can overheat and discolour the lens. £8 from a car assessory shop for one use. Next time I'm taking a chance that I won't drive at night.
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Better than spending £120 AND definitely annoying UK drivers...
I'm not sure how your adjusters correct the beam, but with the Xenons on my Vectra, when you move the lever located inside the main beam lampholder, all it does is block out the asymmetric part of the beam for driving on the continent.
By adjusting the beam the day before I set off to the continent, I wouldn't be annoying drivers in the UK as I'm not generating an asymmetric beam to the offside, just cutting out the asymmetric beam to the nearside. The only inconvenience will be to me - having to drive at night with a flat light pattern. As I'm driving on (mainly) lit motorways down to the ferry, I don't think it will be a problem and (not to my knowledge) illegal. Could somebody confirm whether that's the case or not?
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So you live in Luton,say, get your Audi lights set for the Continent, and then drive with technically illegal lights to Dover - doesn't seem too clever to me! What happens when Le Plod Francais stops you for having a blown headlight bulb, you produce the spare that you are required, by law, to carry and then you have to get to a dealer to have it fitted.
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Possibly no help but my VW Passat has Xenon lights that are fitted with RHD/LHD adjusters. It took the dealer two attempts at contacting Germany to actually find out their location. Possibly they may be the same manufacture as your Audi. The adjusters are accessed by removing small rubber bungs at the side of the lamp housings under the bonnet. They consist of levers that are moved using an allen key. Air cleaner trunking had to be removed on the offside to get at the bung but it only took a few minutes.
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Hmmm, interesting. Given the close ties within the VAG group, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that the Audi will have a similar (undocumented) feature!
I've e-mailed Audi UK to ask them, so we'll see what happens!
As far as the comment on carrying spare bulbs with Xenon lights - I did have a Xenon light blow on the 330Ci in France and had to get a new one fitted under warranty out there. Not great, but BMWs multiligual call conferencing facility made it a lot easier to discuss technical issues with the dealer!!
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rp, Halfords sell a product called "eurolights". You get 2 round light "deflectors". They are pricey, about £7 but I found you only need to use one, on the pass side headlight. Ive used them before with xenons, no problems. Drove a bit at night aswell and got no one flashing me. Easily removed and Ive got one for next time.
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Mnay thanks for this - certainly sounds cheaper and easier than going into the dealer on both legs of the journey.
Also, gives me an excuse to get out of the car at the ferry port for (ahem) serious mechanical tinkering leaving Mrs RP to entertain the 18 month old young fella whilst I do!!
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