Aftermarket HID's and the law

[Rappey69]

The shape of the reflector is not good, neither is the focal point obtainable with the incorrect bulb as the HID lamps are longer than standard bulbs, thats my under standing of it all

That is actually correct.. I came across a web site that showed in great detail a halogen reflector and the way the light reflects, then a hid in same reflector and how it did not reflect correctly due to moved focal point.
It also showed images of the headlight beam machine used on a mot and how the extra light escapes over the cutoff point, but most testers dont regard it as a fail as the cutoff line is still prominent and they probably dont realise light over the line is extra light scatter..

The most blinding oncoming lights actually seem to be new cars with xenon projector type lights as any raising of the front of their car, be it under acceleration or a raised part of the road and its right in your face, next second it fine...

 

[sbryantgb]

On a side note, how does one comply with beam adjustment on projector headlights when abroad? If there is no lens pattern. I have a set of projection lights waiting to be fitted, but now wonder if I will be able to use this vehicle in France.

 

[The Pan Man]

Now this post from Benzworx::

""Most people running around with one headlamp working is because 90% of cars made in the last 10 years require the headlamp unit removing in order to renew the blown bulb and this is a lot of work on most makes hence a hefty price for a simple bulb change!""

Reminded me of Eureopean motorcycle trips when you had to carry a spare bulb kit to change at the roadside, anyone ever tried at night??? Modern motorcycles have next to no spaces so it's a top fairing off at best and worst might also need one side of the lowers removed for access. Thank God they changed the laws on this. So in those days your basic kit consisted of::
Bulb Kit, Tyre weld, Gaffer tape, WD40 (Other brands available) and cable ties. The theory was and proved on more than one occasion, If you can't fix it with Gaffer tape you have not used enough. If it does not move and it should apply WD40. If it moves and it should not and the gaffer tape failed you need the cable ties. We have in the past got may a motorcycle back to the UK using many combinations of the above. This was the same sort of time that Leatherman and Gerber multitools became very popular with the motorcycling fraternity. Sold my spare just before Xmas but still have two. You never know what's round the corner.

 

[Naraic]

There is an irony in a country (France) demanding that car owners carry a full set of spare bulbs, and yet the worst offenders for making it impossible to change a headlamp bulb at the side of the road are...French car makers.

 

[M80]

If you can't fix it with Gaffer tape you have not used enough. If it does not move and it should apply WD40......
and if at first you don't succeed use a bigger hammer, a well utilised engineering principle

 

[television]

There is an irony in a country (France) demanding that car owners carry a full set of spare bulbs, and yet the worst offenders for making it impossible to change a headlamp bulb at the side of the road are...French car makers.

My hands are too big

I can see the new 2014 rules now.

Before you buy this car you must prove that you can change all the exterior bulbs in the dark.

 

[Troon]

My old Mondeo was great for changing bulbs: you had to remove the front grille and headlamp assembly to change the bulb, but this could be done without tools in under a minute.

Saw an old 7-Series on the M40 this morning with aftermarket HIDs in the dipped beam and in the front fogs, which were also on despite no fog. Ridiculously dazzling - if I were a copper he'd have a ticket by now.