Headlights for RH Drive 2016 DS5 for Europe

[mickthemaverick]

From the information Marc and Pete have provided it certainly looks like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place here Elaine. Unless a helpful HGV driver piles into the back of one of the few models sold I think it is unlikely that you will find a second hand set of lights easily. Therefore should you want to send the car back to the UK for sale, allowing for Covid restrictions and the new Brexit regulations, I think the overall net cost may not be much less than a pair of new lamps. You will have to decide yourself, just don't throw the baby out with the bath water!!

[GiveMeABreak]

Another possibility to consider (without knowing your circumstances of course) is if you have family or friends in the UK that you could leave the car with to sell on your behalf - (you can do an online Ad from anywhere these days) - and in the meantime get a cheap run-around for France, then use the funds to get something else over there.

[moizeau]

Headlamp deflectors aren't permitted.

OK, I'll re-phrase that. Officially they're not as the headlights must have the correct beam alignment using factory fitted (or agreed aftermarket) equipment. Otherwise you could just remove the headlights and bolt a couple of Cibies on the bumper! However rules are open to the individual tester's interpretation. For example, a chap's car failed it's CT because the single rear fog light was on the wrong side. I asked a tester if I could bolt a separate fog to the bumper (like in the old days pre-rear fogs)? He said that was fine because the rules just stated that it needed a fog on the offside. I fitted one, it went for a re-test and was refused by a different tester at the same station because it wasn't factory agreed equipment.
That said, if you know of a testing station that allows deflectors I'd be tempted to ring up DS in the UK and ask them for a set and where they are placed. As I said before, a fail still gives you two months breathing room.

Regarding Marc's comment about getting a cheap runabout....As you probably know they don't really exist in France hence why a buy my cars in the UK.

[elaine]

From the information Marc and Pete have provided it certainly looks like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place here Elaine. Unless a helpful HGV driver piles into the back of one of the few models sold I think it is unlikely that you will find a second hand set of lights easily. Therefore should you want to send the car back to the UK for sale, allowing for Covid restrictions and the new Brexit regulations, I think the overall net cost may not be much less than a pair of new lamps. You will have to decide yourself, just don't throw the baby out with the bath water!!

Loving your sense of humour here, Mick?, and to be fair you've given me an idea LOL, although we live in the middle of nowhere in a tiny rural village, we have a high no of HGVs going past. Maybe we should park the DS5 on the road and hope for the best LOL! Actually, that won't work because then the insurance won't pay out because we don't have valid MOT etc etc. Hear what you are saying about thinking it through a bit more, but right now I want to have a face to face with the MD of Evans Halshaw Cardiff and ask why his salesman told us the lights were automatically switchable for Europe when we specifically asked that question ggggrrrr! Anyway, tomorrow is another day ... onwards and upwards. I would like to thank you for all your help, ditto like Marc, if you are in my neck of the woods in the future, a beer is waiting on the bar

[elaine]

Headlamp deflectors aren't permitted.

OK, I'll re-phrase that. Officially they're not as the headlights must have the correct beam alignment using factory fitted (or agreed aftermarket) equipment. Otherwise you could just remove the headlights and bolt a couple of Cibies on the bumper! However rules are open to the individual tester's interpretation. For example, a chap's car failed it's CT because the single rear fog light was on the wrong side. I asked a tester if I could bolt a separate fog to the bumper (like in the old days pre-rear fogs)? He said that was fine because the rules just stated that it needed a fog on the offside. I fitted one, it went for a re-test and was refused by a different tester at the same station because it wasn't factory agreed equipment.
That said, if you know of a testing station that allows deflectors I'd be tempted to ring up DS in the UK and ask them for a set and where they are placed. As I said before, a fail still gives you two months breathing room.

Regarding Marc's comment about getting a cheap runabout....As you probably know they don't really exist in France hence why a buy my cars in the UK.

I've asked on Expat FB pages if anyone knows of CT centre close by who will pass on deflectors, and have had some positive responses. My problem with using the deflectors is the style of headlight we have. According to DS website their stance is just use universal deflectors (and then in the next sentence say they are hard to fit to XENONS!) I think we are going to take a punt this week on one of the CT stations nearby. We have been advised to just leave the deflectors on the seat and they will fit them. So fingers, toes and everything else crossed. Also heard about people failing on the fog light. Luckily ours is in the centre, so hopefully that won't cause a problem. I now know more about DS5 Prestige 2016/2017 headlights than I ever thought possible!!! Thanks for your help

[elaine]

Another possibility to consider (without knowing your circumstances of course) is if you have family or friends in the UK that you could leave the car with to sell on your behalf - (you can do an online Ad from anywhere these days) - and in the meantime get a cheap run-around for France, then use the funds to get something else over there.

Unfortunately the words 'cheap' do not enter the 2nd hand car market in France. It is unbelievably expensive, but appreciate the extra thought

[Hell Razor5543]

From the information Marc and Pete have provided it certainly looks like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place here Elaine. Unless a helpful HGV driver piles into the back of one of the few models sold I think it is unlikely that you will find a second hand set of lights easily. Therefore should you want to send the car back to the UK for sale, allowing for Covid restrictions and the new Brexit regulations, I think the overall net cost may not be much less than a pair of new lamps. You will have to decide yourself, just don't throw the baby out with the bath water!!

Loving your sense of humour here, Mick?, and to be fair you've given me an idea LOL, although we live in the middle of nowhere in a tiny rural village, we have a high no of HGVs going past. Maybe we should park the DS5 on the road and hope for the best LOL! Actually, that won't work because then the insurance won't pay out because we don't have valid MOT etc etc. Hear what you are saying about thinking it through a bit more, but right now I want to have a face to face with the MD of Evans Halshaw Cardiff and ask why his salesman told us the lights were automatically switchable for Europe when we specifically asked that question ggggrrrr! Anyway, tomorrow is another day ... onwards and upwards. I would like to thank you for all your help, ditto like Marc, if you are in my neck of the woods in the future, a beer is waiting on the bar

If you can PROVE that you asked that question (more than just "we said... he said" sort of thing) then Evans Halshaw could be in trouble for giving bad information that ended up with a sale going ahead with equipment that did not meet the buyers' needs (I am not sure what the legal term would be). If the MD does not help I wonder if your local (to the dealership) Trading Standards office would be able to?

[elaine]

Thanks Marc. I have emailed a lot of breakers nationally in France, but no one has come back. Also Bartebben said they might be able to help, but after I gave them VIN no, they haven't come back. Our biggest problem is we don't have a valid MOT so can't really drive the car! And we definitely can't afford the prices quoted. After posting on a FB French expat's page, many people say the MOT centres will pass car with deflector stickers, however, our friend here is saying unlikely our car will pass because of the 3 lights in the unit i.e. how can you fit the deflectors? Having said that DS's FAQs on website states Xenon have flat beam so shouldn't dazzle oncoming traffic, but to be on safe side add deflectors! So, going round in circles on that one too. Someone else (mechanic) mentioned many Xenon headlamps have a lever inside the unit of the nearside headlight to adjust the nearside headlamp, have you heard of that? You have been so helpful, if you get to my area in France, I need to buy you a beer! Elaine

Hi Elaine - no 2 systems are the same and these headlamps are directional. As such they have height correctors that measure the body height of the vehicle and inform the ECU that then informs the automatic electronic headlamp adjustment unit of how much to correct the lamp. There is no manual adjustment lever on these - I think it is a case of people not understanding the systems employed on this specific headlamp.

I have just confirmed this from a DS dealer in Exeter for you. A long term stay requires the headlamp replacement which is the law I understand - any masks are just for temporary visitation and wouldn't be permitted for a test. The technician also confirmed there is NO adjustment available - that's why there are separate versions for LHD and RHD. Furthermore this type of headlamp, even with the LEDs and Directional Xenons, the lamps will still 'kick up' the beam, so there is no avoiding a lamp replacement.

I appreciate you taking the effort to call the dealer, Marc. His response isn't what I wanted to hear. Having said that since 2019 it is possible to get cars through their MOT (CT) here in France with deflectors. My concern is the type of headlight we have. Even the DS website is ambigious. We are going to take a punt later in the week and see what happens. Hopefully it will pass fingers crossed, and then it gives us more time to come up with the HGV that shunted one of the rare models with our lights as per MicktheMavericks comment!

[mickthemaverick]

Anyway, tomorrow is another day ... onwards and upwards. I would like to thank you for all your help, ditto like Marc, if you are in my neck of the woods in the future, a beer is waiting on the bar

Thanks you for the invitation which you may live to regret As it happens my mate who lives near Torreviecha in Spain is currently over here staying at his sister's house. For various reasons he has to be home by April at the latest and the current intention is to use the chunnel and then two overnight stops around Poitier and Biaritz on our drive down. I am accompanying him to help with the driving as he is in his 70's now and has his little dog with him so it is better to have 2 in the car. Obviously Covid is in control of our plans at the moment but you never know we may well be able to have that beer on the way by at some point!! (Don't worry about Marc I can have one for him too! )
Meanwhile back to the problem, have you actually contacted your least favourite man in Cardiff and asked him about his salesman's comments? If not it will make you feel better if you do, and maybe he can arrange some exchange lights for you!

[elaine]

Anyway, tomorrow is another day ... onwards and upwards. I would like to thank you for all your help, ditto like Marc, if you are in my neck of the woods in the future, a beer is waiting on the bar

Thanks you for the invitation which you may live to regret As it happens my mate who lives near Torreviecha in Spain is currently over here staying at his sister's house. For various reasons he has to be home by April at the latest and the current intention is to use the chunnel and then two overnight stops around Poitier and Biaritz on our drive down. I am accompanying him to help with the driving as he is in his 70's now and has his little dog with him so it is better to have 2 in the car. Obviously Covid is in control of our plans at the moment but you never know we may well be able to have that beer on the way by at some point!! (Don't worry about Marc I can have one for him too! )
Meanwhile back to the problem, have you actually contacted your least favourite man in Cardiff and asked him about his salesman's comments? If not it will make you feel better if you do, and maybe he can arrange some exchange lights for you!

Actually, you're right about my least favourite company in Cardiff. I will do that tomorrow, although don't hold out much hope. We asked them something very simple yonks ago, and zero response. So, as to your intended trip. We are an hour south of Poitiers, maybe you could stay a bit closer??? And talking of T. in Spain, I can't spell it correctly and your spelling looks a little suspect too LOL, we spent 9 months in our RV just outside T. and have some good memories. Anyway, I digress ...

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, best of luck with whatever you do - Elaine - and Mick isn't allowed any beer by the way, SWMBO's orders.

[Hell Razor5543]

Ok, best of luck with whatever you do - Elaine - and Mick isn't allowed any beer by the way, SWMBO's orders.

But a large amount of a decent and suitable (for his dietary requirements) probably would not go amiss!

[elaine]

Ok, best of luck with whatever you do - Elaine - and Mick isn't allowed any beer by the way, SWMBO's orders.

OK obviously private joke between you? I really do appreciate all your help and will let you know what happens!

[elaine]

From the information Marc and Pete have provided it certainly looks like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place here Elaine. Unless a helpful HGV driver piles into the back of one of the few models sold I think it is unlikely that you will find a second hand set of lights easily. Therefore should you want to send the car back to the UK for sale, allowing for Covid restrictions and the new Brexit regulations, I think the overall net cost may not be much less than a pair of new lamps. You will have to decide yourself, just don't throw the baby out with the bath water!!

Loving your sense of humour here, Mick?, and to be fair you've given me an idea LOL, although we live in the middle of nowhere in a tiny rural village, we have a high no of HGVs going past. Maybe we should park the DS5 on the road and hope for the best LOL! Actually, that won't work because then the insurance won't pay out because we don't have valid MOT etc etc. Hear what you are saying about thinking it through a bit more, but right now I want to have a face to face with the MD of Evans Halshaw Cardiff and ask why his salesman told us the lights were automatically switchable for Europe when we specifically asked that question ggggrrrr! Anyway, tomorrow is another day ... onwards and upwards. I would like to thank you for all your help, ditto like Marc, if you are in my neck of the woods in the future, a beer is waiting on the bar

If you can PROVE that you asked that question (more than just "we said... he said" sort of thing) then Evans Halshaw could be in trouble for giving bad information that ended up with a sale going ahead with equipment that did not meet the buyers' needs (I am not sure what the legal term would be). If the MD does not help I wonder if your local (to the dealership) Trading Standards office would be able to?

Unfortunately nothing in writing gggrrr ... and I am usually a stickler for that. But I think I'm still going to write to the MD at EH in Cardiff, although I don't expect much of a response.

[mickthemaverick]

My spelling was the English for the "ch" sound as opposed to the "j" says he, squirming!!

BFTW

As regards contacting Evans Halshaw do you know the name of the Dealer Principle to address your comments to? It is always more productive to talk direct to the DP when dealing with a motor dealerships, don't be fobbed off with the "Sales Manager" who will only be a sales supervisor.

SWMBO says I can drink someone else's beer!!