euro driving with uk car

[hem666]

Hi,
Quick question hope someone can reassure me!

Driving to Europe with my British e350 d6 2013 (facelift).

Remember the dealer telling me i had to do nothing with the headlights in Europe....

Is this correct or should i be doing something about it like stickers or a setting somewhere?

Thanks in advance......

Hem

 

[whitenemesis]

Your handbook will tell you, quite probably a setting in the cluster menu if you have ILS

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

Recent cars apparently have beam patterns that do not require adjustment. Looks like yours is one of those

 

[boxbrownie]

I have read several versions depending upon the lights you have, I think the intelligent lighting system senses what country your in from SatNav/GPS and changes automatically, or so I have read!
A lot of "normal" HiD systems do not need changing over as the beam pattern is very flat and without the pronounced "left kick up" used on halogen dipped headlamps.

Pop it against the garage door/wall, neighbour's white van etc etc and check the dip pattern first, if its very flat with just a small kick up in the centre then levels out on the left, that type do not need adjusting normally.

As above though, always a good idea to check in the manual first.

 

[Deadhead]

Recent cars apparently have beam patterns that do not require adjustment. Looks like yours is one of those

I was told the same thing about my 2014 S212 E220 estate. Been to France a few times since I got it. No complaints / flashing from oncoming vehicles so I guess its OK.

 

[Red C220]

Our E Class (with ILS) has a setting in the cluster menus to tell it when we're driving on the right.

 

[daveenty]

From my manual: -

Vehicles with static LED headlamps

It is not necessary to switch your headlamps to symmetrical dipped beam when driving in countries where vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the road to the country in which the vehicle is registered. Legal requirements are fulfilled without switching the headlamps to symmetrical dipped beam.

Vehicles with Intelligent Light System

Before crossing the border, set the headlamps to symmetrical dipped beam and after returning back to asymmetrical dipped beam via the "Dipped-beam headlamps for driving on the right/left" function in the on-board computer.
If the headlamps are converted to symmetrical dipped beam, the 2motorway mode" and "extended range foglamps" functions are not available.

Just confirming which system you have now. Mine is the intelligent system, and it actually states so at the base of the main headlamp.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

^+1

Excellent response. Hopefully those with ILS will read this and adjust their headlights accordingly.

As for other things you "have to do", you're meant to have breathalysers, hi-viz jackets and spare bulbs in France and many other countries. You're also meant to have a GB sticker, that's commonly on your numberplates, but for some reason I just assumed I had this from new and didn't have it on my plates when we had our European tour last year. Nobody seemed to take any notice!

 

[hem666]

you guys rock

 

[Stratman]

Be aware the high visibility jackets required in France must be carried inside the cabin, in the boot is not allowed.

The French rozzers love checking GB cars for jackets and two breathalysers

 

[daveenty]

The breathalyser thing seems to be dead in the water at the moment. The last ruling which I hear on it was:

'You MUST carry an unused, in-date, approved type breathalyser in your vehicle BUT if you're found not carrying one there will be no sanction'

So in other words you DON'T have to carry one...

FWIW I used to drive a lot in France and, if stopped, was never asked for a breathalyser kit. However, as Stratman posted above, Hi-Viz must be carried. In a British registered car I always put them over the seat backs so they can be seen from outside to save unnecessary pulls.