C5 (X7) bi-xenon conversion to LHD

[chris_reade]

Has anybody any experience of successfully converting the beam pattern for driving on the continent? I am aware that for temporary visits no modification is required, but I need to put mine onto Spanish plates. The kick-up on the beam pattern prevents this as it is configured for UK use.
I was hoping to find an internal lever in the projector units, but no joy. I don't suppose they can be configured via a Lexia? Thanks in advance.

[GiveMeABreak]

The Xenon Bi-Directional headlamp units on the C5 have automatic levelling units linked to the body height sensors and require no masks or other beam corrections for driving on the continent. In fact covering these Xenon headlamps with any masking or other material will damage the headlight unit (another reason why they must have headlamp washers fitted to keep the surface free of muck).

I just found this from a previous query some years ago:

The latest information obtained from our Technical Department confirms that there is no legal requirement for the fitment of headlight templates for the Citroën C5 model range. Vehicles with non-Xenon light fitments have an internal beam adjustment (please refer to owner's manual) to ensure that lights can be lowered to avoid dazzling on-coming continental drivers and vehicles with Xenon light fitments have automatic adjustment and the fitting of a template can damage the light unit.

I hope the above clarifies matters and I would like to thank you for taking the time to contact us.
Yours sincerely
CITROËN UK LIMITED

[chris_reade]

Hi, yes I was aware of that. However the automatic adjustment is not suitable for a Spainish MoT. Nor is a template. There is a metal mask somewhere inside the projector which produces a 'kick-up' to the left hand side of the beam and it is this which needs modifying. New lamp units are out of the question because of the cost.

[GiveMeABreak]

There are 2 settings for the height and the azimuth (f & g below), but no other adjustment that I can detect as this is done by the beam height correctors.

X7 Xenon Lamp

It you are that concerned, why don't you ring up Citroen UK and get some further clarification. I can tell you that there are different headlamps for left hand drive vehicles from the factory - but the issue of continental touring must of been considered - and the fact that there are no headlamp protective covers for the X7 (like there were for the Mark II facelift, as I had a pair) where you could then apply a mask, seems to rule that option out.

[chris_reade]

Thanks Marc, not concerned, it's just that this is a Spanish MoT fail situation, which I need in order to register the car on Spanish plates. I'll play with those adjusters and see what effect they have, if any. There's also a height adjustment screw (2 in the diagram) which helps. If all else fails apparently there is a place a couple of hours from me where the specialize in disassembling xenon lights and physically reconfiguring the beam pattern internally. Has to be a cheaper option than new units! Have already tried Citroen UK who weren't much help.

[GiveMeABreak]

No problems Chris, I hope you find a resolution and I totally understand. The adjustments above were supposed to be used in conjunction with a beam adjustment tool (regloscope), so this may help if you can get it within the tolerances they demand using a combination of these adjustments. It would be interesting find out if anyone else had an issue with continental 'MOT's with the X7. Best of luck.

[old'uns]

Is there a definite kick up on the pattern as per the old halogen types?
my C max has bi-xenons and i thought i would have to adjust mine when going to and from France, however after putting up it up to the wall outside our cottage to level out the lights better ( DS was higher) i noticed the pattern was more of a flattened Z so no definitive kick up, just a very slight difference in height each side, the pattern looks to be similar to my JDM Honda, 'flat' or American which is how it's tested at MOT.
I will admit the Spanish test 'may' be a tad strict, as my friends will testify, but surely worth double checking the pattern?

not had anyone flash me as yet, they used to occasionally with the X7 when i couldn't be bothered at 4am from Dieppe to at least attempt a mask.

Google 'bi-xenon beam pattern' images, most seem to be flat?

[chris_reade]

Having looked at the above diagram, my beam pattern is indeed like the top pattern, albeit with the small kick-up reversed. I will take the car to an import specialist today, who will officially be able to tell me one way or the other. I'll let you know. Thanks