Bi-Xenon retrofit - again! You opinions please

[whitenemesis]

I have been doing some background reading around this subject and everything I have found supports the forum's generally held view that only genuine xenon lighting units (i.e not modded halogens with xenon bulbs) can be fitted and the car remain legal.

Also, that legally xenons must have an active auto leveling system fitted that adjusts the lights to compensate for the pitch and yaw of the car.

But what I haven't read in those same references is the requirement to fit headlight washers. Nowhere is this stipulated.

I believe I can fit just the units and leveling system and not bother with the washers. (I have never found these particularly efficient anyway)

Is this in line with the thinking of others here?

[television]

They must have washers

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

[MBManInKen]

Yes, Television is quite correct.

From the DfT website (http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps):


2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling

This page link has been posted before (although usually people are not as law-conscious as you are, they never seem to bother too much with the legalities of HID retrofits :rolleyes: ;))

[robert.saunders]

Good ol' DfT, I knew they'd be useful for something (apart from telling me how to do my job!)

[MBManInKen]

Good ol' DfT, I knew they'd be useful for something (apart from telling me how to do my job!)

Shouldn't you be in bed by now? :devil: ;)

[robert.saunders]

Shouldn't you be in bed by now? :devil: ;)

I'm allowed up late on a non-school night

[television]

I love Roberts post, he even talks like Holmer

[MBManInKen]

I'm allowed up late on a non-school night

Tss, the youth of today :p.

[robert.saunders]

I love Roberts post, he even talks like Holmer

Why thank you Malcolm :)

[MBManInKen]

I love Roberts post, he even talks like Holmer

I can do better: I love both your posts :D.

[robert.saunders]

Tss, the youth of today :p.

I know, terrible isn't it. I suppose you've had your afternoon nap

[MBManInKen]

I know, terrible isn't it. I suppose you've had your afternoon nap

Yes, the nurse made me :mad:.

[whitenemesis]

My nurse is called Ms. Dovgan...(хлебное вин)

She cures all known ills :D

[whitenemesis]

Yes, Television is quite correct.

From the DfT website (http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps):



This page link has been posted before (although usually people are not as law-conscious as you are, they never seem to bother too much with the legalities of HID retrofits :rolleyes: ;))


Will it be checked at the MOT?

[LastMinute]

Suspect not, unless everybody who's done it puts the standard bulbs back in on test day - which may not always be easy, depending on the specific kit and how and where the ballast is mounted.

I think the MOT test just checks the aim of the light.

[whitenemesis]

I would fit the MB genuine lights + auto-leveling, just not the washers.

[MBManInKen]

Will it be checked at the MOT?

I have no idea. :crazy:

I have a feeling the MOT is the lesser problem. Suppose you end up blinding another road user to the extend that an accident ensues. Will your insurance pay out if their examination discovers the retrofit?

[television]

Many regs are not checked and not part of the rules, while under going the MOT and Little bits are added from time to time when needed, like the most recent number plates check.

I can go down and read the MOT regs on this if you wish in the morning

[whitenemesis]

I have no idea. :crazy:

I have a feeling the MOT is the lesser problem. Suppose you end up blinding another road user to the extend that an accident ensues. Will your insurance pay out if their examination discovers the retrofit?

Again, I would fit the genuine MB bi-xenon light units with the MB auto-leveling system. So I don't think they would blind other road users, well no more than factory fit xenons!

I had headlamp washers on my previous car and apart from being excellent at drowning cyclists and pedestrians they didn't really clean the lights that well.
I can't see how leaving them out of the retro-fit would adversely affect the xenons. There is no way one can ensure drivers would use them anyway!

[MBManInKen]

Again, I would fit the genuine MB bi-xenon light units with the MB auto-leveling system. So I don't think they would blind other road users, well no more than factory fit xenons!

You're probably quite right there, but when it comes to insurance issues I have a feeling that they will be able to use the fact that a certain legal aspect has not been adhered to, to refuse cover. You know how these companies are like!

I had headlamp washers on my previous car and apart from being excellent at drowning cyclists and pedestrians they didn't really clean the lights that well.

:D I must say that the wipers I had on the V140 S500 did quite a good job. My current s-class (with xenons) comes with high pressure jets and I'm not convinced they are as good. The wipers have gone because they just don't fit a modern design, but I think they were more effective.

Will try the cyclist drowning this afternoon :devil: :D.

I can't see how leaving them out of the retro-fit would adversely affect the xenons. There is no way one can ensure drivers would use them anyway!

Yes, sounds fair enough, but as per above: will the insurance company recognise that or just use the legal niceties to bail out? :confused:

By the way, would the washer system be a pain to fit as well in your case?