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Changing headlights to flat beam

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Old 05-18-2011, 09:32 AM
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Changing headlights to flat beam

Hi

Does anyone know if it is possible to change the rx8's xenon headlights from an angled beam to a flat beam, and if so how to go about doing it. I have continental headlights fitted and I am moving back to the UK next week and cannot afford to buy a complete new set before i have to MOT my car.

Thanks
Old 05-18-2011, 09:35 AM
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what do you mean by flat and angle?
you mean the cut off shape?
Old 05-18-2011, 09:38 AM
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in the uk the beams are angled upwards at the left hand side of the beam to illuminate the side of the road and in the EU the right hand side is angled up. But ive heard that you can make the beam completely flat which is acceptable in the UK
Old 05-18-2011, 10:00 AM
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Youre going to have to find some way to access the cut off plates inside the projectors. You are better off finding replacement headlights if you dont feel like tearing apart your headlights.
Old 05-18-2011, 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by geesik383
in the uk the beams are angled upwards at the left hand side of the beam to illuminate the side of the road and in the EU the right hand side is angled up. But ive heard that you can make the beam completely flat which is acceptable in the UK

Hmmm...how does it look? Any pics to show us? I didn't know it's different in the UK. Why is that, just curious.
Old 05-18-2011, 11:37 PM
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Paint a great big American flag on your car and tell those limeys youre blinding to suck it.
Old 05-19-2011, 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted by monchie
Hmmm...how does it look? Any pics to show us? I didn't know it's different in the UK. Why is that, just curious.
Because we are a Left hand driver country, the headlights are focused more to the right. In the UK, being a Right hand driver country, this would cause the headlights to shine into the eyes of the oncoming driver. This has to be changed so his car can pass a MOT test. If it doesn't pass this test, the car can't be licensed/get plates.

I say you call up some UK salvage yards and see if they have the headlight housings available.

As you are in Germany and you want to take the car to the UK, I suggest you post this question on http://www.rotaryheaven.net/. They are a European centered rotary forum. They may have members that have experience with this type of thing.
Old 05-19-2011, 08:31 AM
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you have to take them apart and change the cutoff plate, by cutting or adding metal to it, like this

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=514509
Old 05-19-2011, 09:27 AM
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Thanks for the info. ive had a look at bimmerforums and looks like i mite have to resort to that if i cant find any from the breakers.
Old 05-19-2011, 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by alnielsen
Because we are a Left hand driver country, the headlights are focused more to the right. In the UK, being a Right hand driver country, this would cause the headlights to shine into the eyes of the oncoming driver. This has to be changed so his car can pass a MOT test. If it doesn't pass this test, the car can't be licensed/get plates.

I say you call up some UK salvage yards and see if they have the headlight housings available.

As you are in Germany and you want to take the car to the UK, I suggest you post this question on http://www.rotaryheaven.net/. They are a European centered rotary forum. They may have members that have experience with this type of thing.

I learned something new today, and that's why they drive at the right...thanks!
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