How to adjust headlamps for driving in France?
 

I've been lurking on the forum for some time but never seen an answer to this question before. I have a 2003 D3 4.2L (absolutely brilliant car) with halogen headlamps. Later this year I'll be making a couple of trips across the Channel, how do I adjust the headlamps for driving on the right?

I've looked in the owner's manual - nothing. I've searched on-line - nothing. Someone must know, please....

Is there not a little lever inside the headlamp unit when you take the cover off, to do that?

We visit France a few times a year too, so I'd be interested to know the answer.

I fear, being Audi, it's not quite that simple...

There are two ways, depending which headlights are installed in your '8.

Manual adjustment. Remove the cover and see if there is a leaver. Move this leaver to its opposite position. This will remove the 'kick up' from your beam pattern.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1423580028
Remove cover

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1423580028
For Xenon

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1423580028
For Halogen


Second method, if there is no leaver, is by using VCDS (or a visit to the Dealer/Indy) to enable tourist mode.

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...8Xenon_Plus%29

or

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...ptive_Light%29

Edit: BE VERY CAREFUL DUE TO HIGH VOLTAGE!!
In the service manual Audi even suggests to disconnect battery ground.

Excellent post Matty. Much appreciated.

Enjoy France John +++

Not sure if any newer '8s have it as an option, but the steerable bi-xenons on our S5 have an MMI settings which moves a flap down to flatten the beam pattern, as another option to check

Good point Adrian.

Can anybody with MMI 3G confirm this?

Thanks Matt +++ I'd looked everywhere for this and not found it mentioned at all, ever, by anyone, anywhere...

Finally got round to this, and it works on my 2008 D3, using VCDS (don't know if the levers are inside the headlight cluster as I don't have toddlers' hands to reach in).

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...3759F2E7CD.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...82DF80CC01.jpg

Select Control Module - Select 55 Xenon Range - Select Adaptation - 10
Channel Number - Use the up arrow to move up to Channel 10
New Value - use the up and down arrow to change the ?0? to ?1? - Click Save to store the new value
A yellow Headlight Range Error should be displayed on the DIS together with a beep.
This will beep and show each time the ignition is turned on as a warning that the headlights are set
for European Driving.




Thanks again to Matty.