Driving abroad with xenons and leds

[petebarrow]

Hi,
I have a New B class sport with xenon and LED lights.
Can any one help please with:

1 adjusting the xenons for driving on the left
2 carrying a spare set of blubs

Thank you

Peter

 

[whitenemesis]

Adjusting the xenons should be a setting in the cluster menus somewhere. If not then a lever inside the headlamp unit. Worst case is it can only be done using STAR..

 

[Peter Hill]

It's in the menus, but it is hidden. You need to scroll down to find the right bit. First time I went abroad I didn't look closely enough, and didn't use my close up glasses to see the menus in proper detail, and ended up driving around with the beams pointing the wrong way. Silly old me!

This from the Interactive Owners Manual -
Setting the dipped-beam headlamps for driving on the left/right

Press the

or

button on the steering wheel to select the Settings menu.

Press the

or

button to select the Light submenu.

Press

to confirm.

Press

or

to select the Dipped beams Setting for: function.

You will see the selected setting: Right-side traffic or Left-side traffic .

Press the

button to save the setting.

If you change the setting, conversion does not take place until the next time the vehicle is stationary.


This function is only available on vehicles with the Intelligent Light System.
You can use this function to switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical dipped beam more .
If you set the dipped-beam headlamps for driving on the left/right, then motorway mode and the extended range foglamps are unavailable.
You can also have the dipped-beam headlamps set for driving on the right/left at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.



There is not a lever in the headlamp, that was the previous model.

You can carry all the minor bulbs, in a pack, fancy MB or cheapy Lidl. The main beam bulbs though will need to be changed by a MB dealer anyway. I carry a message from MB which states that I asked about it and received that reply. Dunno what hapens if you get a tug (unlikely), I would expect to argue my way out (and procede immediately to a MB dealer)

They are not noted for failing, especially with a nearly new car.

P.

 

[Peter Hill]

Talking about all the minor bulbs, mine is a cheap Lidl special pack which has never been opened, I've had it for years, it's been in 3 or 4 different cars...

Don't forget the mandatory breath test device, the two tabards, a spare pair of driving glasses (If prescription), and don't drink at lunchtime... I carry a good torch too.
We always take a packet of travel sickness pills, just in case. Map reading and sight seeing can cause problems with twisty minor roads.
I also have a cheap simple camera in the boot just in case of an accident.

Have fun.

P.

 

[pipmk]

I carry a pair of normal headlamp bulbs,they won't fit but plod will never know and honour is satisfied.

 

[petebarrow]

Hi
unfortunately I dont have the intelligent light system.
So I think its either off to the dealer or sticky plastic lens adaptors.
I will just take the bulb pack from my ex Volvo V70.
Thanks for for the replys

Peter

 

[thefair1973]

you don't actually need a breathalyzer. Although it is the law to carry one, the penalty is not currently enforceable due to challenges in the French courts.

FROM THE AA WEBSITE: January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely

 

[Adeinfrance]

you don't actually need a breathalyzer. Although it is the law to carry one, the penalty is not currently enforceable due to challenges in the French courts.

FROM THE AA WEBSITE: January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely

The problem with the breathalyser was they realised that if you were stopped and breathalysed with a negative result, you cannot then continue your journey because now you don't have a working breathalyser in the vehicle, so you should carry two. The point about 2 Hi-vis vests is also a grey area because you should carry one for every passenger in the vehicle. So you get a breakdown, you and the misses put your vests on and move somewhere safe and have to leave the kids in the car! I drove a new van back 3 weeks ago to the south of France where I live and noticed at Dover there were signs everywhere trying to make people panic buy all these bits. I have been stopped many times in france and have never been asked for the vests, bulbs, triangle etc etc, they just want their 90€ if you were speeding and proof of insurance, mot and driving license. It may help the fact I can speak french, don't know.

 

[rjw55amg]

agree....also stopped again recently......no interest in bulbs, triangle, high viz vests, breath test kits, speed camera detector etc etc.....only interested in checking docs and collecting the 90 euro cash on the spot speeding fine....