Self levelling Xenon lights DIS warning

[HPsauce]

I think you'll find that the above comments are not accurate, things are somewhat laxer (except in Northern Ireland).

Firstly, this type of lighting isn't even covered by the UK regulations. The regs were drafted before and haven't been updated adequately. But HID lights have been accepted de Facto due to the EC type approval process.

I've been following discussions on other Forums where a LOT of people have updated their headlights and it's an interesting and debatable topic.

Basically if you have "aftermarket" HID's without suitable adjustement/levelling and cleaning you "may" be at risk from a VOSA roadside check as they probably (almost certainly) don't comply with C&U regs.
There's a vague possibilty of the Police stopping you, especially if badly-adjusted and blinding oncoming traffic - just under general lighting regulations.
And (except in NI) there's NO requirement to have levelling or washers to pass an MOT. BUT that doesn't make them legal.

[IT]

I believe, but cant easily check - That the Late, Prefacelift S8 had xenons, but no self levelling......

[HPsauce]

My late PF has Xenons (dipped only) and the little levelling sensor units are definitely there too.
(and the manual describes the levelling system too)

[IT]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

My late PF has Xenons (dipped only) and the little levelling sensor units are definitely there too.
(and the manual describes the levelling system too)

Cool, was hoping someone would verify one way or the other..

[Adrian E]

The changing requirements for MOT result from changes to minimum standards for EU Directives regarding roadworthiness inspection

The requirement for factory fit systems is that if fitted with self levelling and washers at manufacture they should function and not produce a fault code.

Where it's less clear is whether just having HID bulbs fitted in filament compatible headlights will mean an automatic fail without levelling/wash or not, if the beam pattern isn't too horrific (most are)

The AA cover it in simple form:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice...nges-2012.html

C&U regs haven't been updated in over 20 years, bar a few minor amendments, and for construction purposes are now entirely redundant as any ECWVTA approved vehicle must be accepted for use in the UK under the Vienna Convention in any case. For use, they're the lowest standard a vehicle that can be used on UK roads must meet. Obviously there is then an enforcement issue and for the most part we've not had substantial change to the annual test since the introduction of emissions testing until this year. Generally you were OK to do what you like unless the catch-all section of C&U about causing danger to other road users could be applied - it was a pretty wide definition!

[Dezzy]

Originally Posted by Adrian E

The AA cover it in simple form:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice...nges-2012.html

Is that for all vehicles or just after a certain date? My Land8 will struggle with some of those and to be fair would have from new, like:

Visible wiring that is insecure, inadequately supported or likely to cause a short will also result in a failure as will wires bared by damaged insulation.

Seats
It must be possible to secure the driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism in two or three different positions. On electric seats the motors must move the seat fore and aft.

Doors must be easy to open and close – hinges, catches and pillars will be inspected.

[Adrian E]

I think there's an element of common sense supposed to be applied for vehicles built in a different era - this is about stuff that shouldn't go unfixed rather than things that left the factory in a 1970s British leyland style of build quality lol

[Night Train]

Just to be contrary, my late pf, although not equipped with HID's , checked my manual and there's no mention of self levelling in it although there's mention of xenons, HP's must be really really late 98 (mine's August)

[IT]

There were a number of versions of the handbooks, and then addendums often came into play inbetween too

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Night Train

HP's must be really really late 98 (mine's August)

October 98, one of the very last PF's I believe.
But I have seen the levelling sensors myself and had a garage techie tell me what they are.