[calumblair]

Hi....anyone know or can provide diagram for how to alter the main beam dip so it dips right rather than left ? Problem is I'm going on hols to France so need to alter my UK F10 520d. Apparently there is a lever behind the headlights but it's really hard to find/operate. Any help/guidance appreciated as those French police are really picky and enjoy giving out fines.

[N16E]

You probably sorted this out by now...but I had the same question so I called my dealer and they told me that all F cars have a flat beam pattern and therefore don't need adjusting. Seems to make sense, when driving at night there is a definate horizontal cut off on my car (xenons).

Regards

N16E

[F11Black]

Nice to know thanks. I am off to France on Friday and have spent some time looking for the beam adjustment lever today. Shame they don't bother to tell us this in either the paper or built in manuals

[N16E]

Same....might see you on the slopes..we're going to Meribel...snow chains at the ready!!

[delvek]

hmm ... not sure I understand but want to since I drive into France often. Could you please explain this headlight situation and if the F10 is already in compliance. I agree, less reason to give the French to pull me over the better, its already tough enough obeying their speed limits!

[Redandy]

N16E,

Just want to clarify you say it applies to all F Models and is nothing to do with Xenons - this applies to standard headlights also ?

We will be driving in Europe in the summer so would be grateful to hear please.

[barney1]

Originally Posted by calumblair

Hi....anyone know or can provide diagram for how to alter the main beam dip so it dips right rather than left ? Problem is I'm going on hols to France so need to alter my UK F10 520d. Apparently there is a lever behind the headlights but it's really hard to find/operate. Any help/guidance appreciated as those French police are really picky and enjoy giving out fines.

It seems the facility is to be deleted in any case from week 9 build

[N16E]

Redandy when I called my local Dealer - Rybrook Warwick and asked the question, they told me all F cars did not need adjusting..my car happens to be fitted with Xenons and the beam seems very flat and neutral. A second opinion might help to clarify....I've just e-mailed BMW UK, I'll let you know.

N16E

[Redandy]

Ok, thanks very much, look forward to hearing what they say.

Pick the car up 2 weeks tomorrow (not counting!!) so can check then also if you don't hear.

[eripers]

Originally Posted by delvek

hmm ... not sure I understand but want to since I drive into France often. Could you please explain this headlight situation and if the F10 is already in compliance. I agree, less reason to give the French to pull me over the better, its already tough enough obeying their speed limits!

Don't worry. This only applies to the UK guys with the steering wheels on the right and additional headlight range to the left. If you ask me they should fine for the steering wheel on the wrong side as well, very confusing with these driverless cars.:-)

[N16E]

Reply from BMW - note you have to submit your registration number, from this they picked up I have xenons, so I can't be 100% sure it's the same for halogen.

Thank you for your online enquiry dated February 14, 2011.

I can confirm that along with the xenon technology incorporated into your vehicle's headlight system, it also uses flat beam technology. To make sure that vehicles driving towards you or ahead of you are not dazzled by this stronger light, BMW xenon headlights incorporate a projection lens which directs the light beam straight to the road. As such, no changes are required to be made to your vehicle for safe driving in France, in respect of your headlights.

I trust this information answers your query satisfactorily. Should you require any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

N16E

[Redandy]

Thanks for taking the time to make the enquiry.

Sounds as though it is applicable to the xenons only but will check when I collect the vehicle and let others know on here.

[FrequentFlyer]

I am off to Switzerland tomorrow and my handbook shows that there is a changeover lever for either Halogen or Xenons (Week 45 build car) and describes how to do it. I have just come back in from a frustrating hour outside in the freezing cold with the following discoveries (Halogen Lights):

1. The access to the low beam lights is in the front wheelarches behind a panel that is held in with 2 screws.
2. There is not enough clearance between the tyre and the wheelarch to use the screwdriver supplied in the toolkit so you have to turn the wheels to full lock.
3. The wheels need to be turned to full opposite lock to access the headlight panel on the other side of the car.
4. Find out that the manual is wrong and that the changeover feature is already deleted from week 45 build cars.
5. Sit in the drive and point the lights at a wall and realise that the beam is indeed flat and will not blind French/Swiss drivers.
6. Come back in covered in c**p from the wheelarches/tyres and fondly remember the days when you just pulled a rubber cap off from the back of the headlights to change the bulb.

I hope this helps . . .

[Redandy]

thanks for the detailed update.

So am I to take your evaluation that the flat beam is applicable and nothing is required when travelling abroad?

[Hopalong]

Hi all, Just wondering if there is any further clarity on the requirement to change beams in F10 for driving on the continent. I have a 520D F10 with Halogen lights. Heading to France on Saturday so all information would be appreciated...

[Ewymac]

Originally Posted by Hopalong

Hi all, Just wondering if there is any further clarity on the requirement to change beams in F10 for driving on the continent. I have a 520D F10 with Halogen lights. Heading to France on Saturday so all information would be appreciated...

Can you clarify what you did to your lights on you trip? Are the f10s flat beam?

Many thanks in advance

[Ewymac]

I've had the call from BMW and all new 5,6,7 series have flat beam tech. Therefore no alteration required for travelling on the continent!

[alohia]

Originally Posted by Hopalong

Hi all, Just wondering if there is any further clarity on the requirement to change beams in F10 for driving on the continent. I have a 520D F10 with Halogen lights. Heading to France on Saturday so all information would be appreciated...

Hi All ,

Mine is BMW F10 2011 UK Model and I am currently using it in Europe. Yesterday it was failed in technical control of Luxembourg due to Headlight Compliance. I took it to local BMW dealer and they says these lights does not come with adjusting option/lever. And they need to be changed. This model have standard Halogen lights. Need your help if I can adjust them anyhow rather then changing all assembly??

Thanks