Replacing UK headlamps for continental ones

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Ken, Jul 31, 2004.

  1. Ken

    Ken Guest

    Hello all,

    I have a post April 97 306 DTurbo.

    I am moving to Germany permanently and I need to swap my UK headlamps for
    ones for 306s sold on the continent so they point the right way when dipped
    so I can pass a German MOT.

    Can anyone advise if I need to change the entire headlamp unit or if I can
    just replace the surround for example?

    If I need to replace the entire unit, does anyone know where I might be able
    to source them? Been trying lots of online spares dealers without much luck
    so far.

    Many thanks for your time,

    Ken
     
    Ken, Jul 31, 2004
    #1
  2. Ken

    Gunslinger Guest

    I assume you just need to have a spare set of headlight 'dipped' bulbs
    purchased on the continent and change them in the normal way. Dipping to the
    left or right is surely a function of the bulb, not of the surround or the
    headlamp unit?

    I should be interested in responses to this as I have frequently pondered
    whether to buy a spare set of bulbs while abroad and simply to swap them
    over as and when necessary, rather than mess about with those fiddly stick
    on adapters. Something to do while waiting for the ferry to load!

    Anybody know whether this works?

    Incidentally I have never, ever, seen a foreign registered vehicle in the UK
    with black stick on adapters such as Brits use over there, so either there
    is another simpler solution to the problem or they just all drive illegally!
     
    Gunslinger, Aug 8, 2004
    #2
  3. The headlight beam is produced by the headlight itself, usually by the front
    lens (ever wondered why the glass is thick and has a pattern on it - it
    optically bends the light) its nothing to do with the bulb. The newer
    headlights (aka 307) with the plastic lens, uses the reflector behind the
    bulb to make the beam pattern.

    Having lived in Germany for a few years (BFPO) we always have to change our
    headlights over to get the cars through the German MOT (TUV)

    I think you will have three choices to make this easy...

    1) Buy a set of headlights from any Peugeot garage once you get over their
    (Best have garage fit as you will need to have the alighnment set up)

    2) Buy second hand lights - look for the local English paper and the small
    adds.

    3) Look on eBay (the german version!)

    BTW, the beam benders (the things you stick onto the lens) will not get the
    car through a TUV, although you can use them for up to a month in country.

    HTH.

    John.
     
    John West Berks, Aug 9, 2004
    #3
  4. Ken

    brian Guest

    Actually it is the fitting of the bulb in the reflector which governs the
    direction of dip. The bulb is fitted at a slight angle, either left or right
    of vertical, the notches in the reflector mate with the prongs on the base
    of the bulb. Many years ago, Cibie produced a lamp unit which had a little
    lever built into it so that it could work either right or left dip.
    The lens just helps to get the beam in the right place.

    Having lived in Germany for a few years (BFPO) we always have to change our
     
    brian, Aug 11, 2004
    #4
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