Adjusting Headlights for Driving in Europe - MB Document with Diagrams

[BeeJay]

For models:
117, 156, 164, 169, 171, 172, 176, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220, 221, 230, 242, 245, 246, 251


Having read numerous threads, I started searching around and found this.

I hope it is of use to members.

http://www.mercedesforum.nl/forum/download/file.php?id=184820

 

[Col in France]

Hello, I'm new to this forum so forgive any errors I make. The piece on adjusting headlamps for Europe is great - except I can't identify the whereabouts of the three digit code defining the particular type of lamp. Where do I look? Second how can I determine whether the adjustment can be made through the control panel? I have a 2008 W211 estate.

 

[LostKiwi]

The code is part of te cars datasheet (build document). If you decode the VIN you'll see the datacard with all the options your car is fitted with.
To decode the VIN post it on here and someone will do it for you or use the Android MB VIN decoder app.

 

[Col in France]

I only have the French registration document (carte grise) with details copied from the original British document. I think the VIN is WDB2112082B317305. Can anybody decode this for me please?

 

[AMGeed]

I only have the French registration document (carte grise) with details copied from the original British document. I think the VIN is WDB2112082B317305. Can anybody decode this for me please?

Here is your datacard Col.

 

[Col in France]

Thank you very much

 

[Col in France]

Thank you very much

It seems I have another related problem with headlamps. Does any body know if I can replace a Xenon headlamp unit with a halogen unit?

 

[LostKiwi]

You'd need to replace both and possibly recode the car.
One question... Why would you?

 

[Graham Pritchard]

I have a similar problem.....am looking to register my B200 CDI (2013) in France.
Can anyone confirm if I have intelligent lighting system /need to adjust?
my Vin is: WDD 246201 2J 166714

I would have thought Mercedes dealer in Uk could have told me...bu they say they need to see car.....(am already in France)..could. Trying to avoid any further costs after paying £120 for a double sided piece of paper (Certificate of Conformity)...what a rip off!)

 

[tode]

Graham:
If your car has already been registered in the UK, you shouldn't need to produce the CoC for French registration (since the UK is still (just) part of Europe).

 

[Graham Pritchard]

Unfortunately it seems to be a requirement (confirmed by Mercedes) of obtaining a Carte Gris......to confound matters it was also in German - I suspect that the French authorities will want it in French(!), even though MB says German must be accepted!

 

[tode]

Can you confirm that the car was registered in your name in the UK ?

If so, then you do not need the CoC (which is only required for new cars and cars imported from outside the E.U.).

There is no longer a service "Carte Grise" in the Prefectures, it has to be done online.

Here is the official site (ANTS): https://immatriculation.ants.gouv.f...hicule-d-occasion-en-provenance-de-l-etranger

and the page concerning an imported car that's been already registered in the EU here: https://immatriculation.ants.gouv.f...edemment-immatricule-dans-l-Union-Europeenne2

As you can see, there is no requirement for the CoC.

PS on no account use one of the many sites that offer to process your carte grise - they're a rip-off.

 

[thebiglad]

Trying to avoid any further costs after paying £120 for a double sided piece of paper (Certificate of Conformity)...what a rip off!)

Hello Graham, this is french Dave here - living in France for about 17 yrs.

I recently bought a UK reg CLK and have registered in France within the last month. As you may know the immatriculation system in France changed significantly recently and it is now 100% on-line.

It took 4 months to reg my wife's RAV4 - starting last November '17; but they must have had a huge kick up the backside, because I got my CLK done, on-line, in 10 days.

I did have to provide a digital CoC; it was in German, but it did go through the system quickly and without question.

I was talking to a friend yesterday who had also just reg. a UK vehicle in France and his vehicle was 1st reg; after 2009 and he did not need a CoC.

To summarise, you may need a CoC but being written in German should not be a problem.

 

[Graham Pritchard]

Thanks yes, aware it's now online..... four months!!!! Hope mine gets done in the 10-day timetable(!) It seems I cannot insure the car without it being re-registered!!!

 

[Craiglxviii]

Now this IS interesting.

According to the doco, a W215 with code 614 or a W220 with code 618 (both bi-xenon headlamp) have the cutoff lever.

My datacard shows a W215 with code 618 (bi-xenon headlamp).

I KNOW it has D2S (single xenon) low beam with H7 (halogen) high beam.

My user manual states that lens stickers are required for right-hand-traffic driving........ so I never bothered looking in the lamp.

I may very well do now!

 

[thebiglad]

Thanks yes, aware it's now online..... four months!!!! Hope mine gets done in the 10-day timetable(!) It seems I cannot insure the car without it being re-registered!!!

Normally a French insurer would give you at least 1 months leeway for registration. But due to the recent problems they are giving more latitude.

 

[tode]

And don't forget that you need proof of a 'Contrôle Technique' (French equivalent of MOT) dating from less than six months, carried out in the EU.

 

[thebiglad]

The french authorities accept any EU country controle technique, so long as it is less than 6 months old, for the registration process. I used the UK mot for the registration process, but there is a doubt about whether the French Ins company (in the event of a claim) would accept the UK mot (once the car is on French plates) as adequate proof of roadworthiness, so I'm going straight for a CT toute de suite.

 

[Graham Pritchard]

The car has been here in France for almost one year (but off road in our garage whilst we were n Thailand). Waiting to clarify headlight situation before going to Controle Technique.....

 

[Graham Pritchard]

ok.....I also have a French registered Peugeot, and so took my Mercedes to the local Peugeot dealer who carry out pre CT checks.
They tested the lights on my Mercedes and NO adjustment is necessary - they are perfect for driving in France and for CT.....this is because they ARE halogen and are SYMMETRICAL.
On another topic...my Peugeot failed it's CT ....due to the front number plate not bearing the EU flag and blue side colour (classed as a MAJOR fault...>!). My reading says that should only be for plates issued SINCE 2009 (mine are 2003), but hey ho.....not worth arguing.
HOWEVER.....it raises another point with my Mercedes. I need a CT to re-register...BUT bound to fail this as no EU flag/blue on front or rear plates.....and cannot get because not registered!! catch 22....