DB9 Headlights, RHD to LHD
Discussion
After some searching yet no definitive answer...
I would like to bring a DB9 from the UK to Germany whilst I live here, due to EU law I will need to register on a German plate with Tüv etc...
But I don't really want to buy a new set of headlights.
So on a circa 2005/6 model, are they switchable?
I would like to bring a DB9 from the UK to Germany whilst I live here, due to EU law I will need to register on a German plate with Tüv etc...
But I don't really want to buy a new set of headlights.
So on a circa 2005/6 model, are they switchable?
Yes they are 
Continental Conversion (UK Spec only)
1. Disconnect the vehicle battery.
Gain access to the headlight unit by removing the access ‘0’. panel in the road wheel arch liner.
Warning
HID bulbs start-up voltage can be as much as 1000v.
Ensure power to HID bulbs has been disconnected before attempting to service them. Failure to do this may result in a severe injury or death.
Remove both rubber covers.
4. Disconnect the dipped beam bulb unit wiring harness plug. Remove the spring clip and withdraw the bulb unit.
5. Locate the conversion switch and move up / down until Bulb Renewal a positive ‘click’ is heard.
6. Install the dipped beam bulb unit. Connect wiring harness plug.
7. Install both rubber covers.
8. Install the access panel in the road wheel arch liner.
9. Connect the vehicle battery.
Continental Conversion (UK Spec only)
1. Disconnect the vehicle battery.
Gain access to the headlight unit by removing the access ‘0’. panel in the road wheel arch liner.
Warning
HID bulbs start-up voltage can be as much as 1000v.
Ensure power to HID bulbs has been disconnected before attempting to service them. Failure to do this may result in a severe injury or death.
Remove both rubber covers.
4. Disconnect the dipped beam bulb unit wiring harness plug. Remove the spring clip and withdraw the bulb unit.
5. Locate the conversion switch and move up / down until Bulb Renewal a positive ‘click’ is heard.
6. Install the dipped beam bulb unit. Connect wiring harness plug.
7. Install both rubber covers.
8. Install the access panel in the road wheel arch liner.
9. Connect the vehicle battery.
So I replaced my passenger side light (US) about a year ago. Bought on eBay. I had to max out the upward adjustment to get it level with my existing driver side.
Could it be I purchased a non-US light? Not sure what the difference is when you write of European vs UK lights. Or I just need to get in there and turn the adjusting bolts on the mount?
Could it be I purchased a non-US light? Not sure what the difference is when you write of European vs UK lights. Or I just need to get in there and turn the adjusting bolts on the mount?
Well bloody hell Sportie ... thanks.
Excellent, saves me 2500 euro that can be better spent on fuel
Now ... What about the fog light, speedo is in MPh / KMh so that no problem.
perhaps for more info;
https://www.astonmartintechinfo.com/login.aspx
You needto pay /register but I believe the workshop manuals are available
Sorry if the link is not allowed, just for information, not linked to me.
Excellent, saves me 2500 euro that can be better spent on fuel
Now ... What about the fog light, speedo is in MPh / KMh so that no problem.
perhaps for more info;
https://www.astonmartintechinfo.com/login.aspx
You needto pay /register but I believe the workshop manuals are available
Sorry if the link is not allowed, just for information, not linked to me.
Edited by Trexthedinosaur on Thursday 28th July 10:47
I believe switching headlamps from LHD to RHD and Visa versa only shutters the "kick up" on the lamps to prevent blinding oncoming traffic allowing temporary use and does not actually convert the lamps from LHD to true RHD. As such, a critical inspection or MOT test will show that there is no kick up and should fail.
8Tech said:
I believe switching headlamps from LHD to RHD and Visa versa only shutters the "kick up" on the lamps to prevent blinding oncoming traffic allowing temporary use and does not actually convert the lamps from LHD to true RHD. As such, a critical inspection or MOT test will show that there is no kick up and should fail.
Hi, may you explain why it wouldn’t be compliant with mot regulation ?Activating the continental mode wouldn’t be sufficient ?
I’m buying a UK AM to bring it to France. I’m worried about the French mot compliancy.
Thanks for your help
Regards
I dont know the specifics of the DB9 headlamps.
On the V8V (which is most likely similar) there would be an option:
open the headlights & replace the metal orific, which gives the cut-off.
You would need to mirror the orifice...or maybe its good enough to mirror the hole-pattern and flip the orifice.
I seem to remember some posts, where people opened DB9 headlights - either here or on 6speedonline.
good luck...
On the V8V (which is most likely similar) there would be an option:
open the headlights & replace the metal orific, which gives the cut-off.
You would need to mirror the orifice...or maybe its good enough to mirror the hole-pattern and flip the orifice.
I seem to remember some posts, where people opened DB9 headlights - either here or on 6speedonline.
good luck...
Thank you.
Actually AM is charging me 1500 euros for the COC ! As I have the COC number on the V5, I think it could be sufficient.
I read here that there was a procedure on the DB9 to activate the continental mode.
The AM specialist was not aware of that and still don’t know if it will be ok with the French mot.
Actually AM is charging me 1500 euros for the COC ! As I have the COC number on the V5, I think it could be sufficient.
I read here that there was a procedure on the DB9 to activate the continental mode.
The AM specialist was not aware of that and still don’t know if it will be ok with the French mot.
try donna.kalek@astonmartin.com
extract from her email last September:
“This is a chargeable service and the cost is £199 plus VAT for each document. In order to proceed I would need to see proof of ownership and identification (scanned copies will suffice) for GDPR purposes”
I know inflation is high, but….
extract from her email last September:
“This is a chargeable service and the cost is £199 plus VAT for each document. In order to proceed I would need to see proof of ownership and identification (scanned copies will suffice) for GDPR purposes”
I know inflation is high, but….
May I suggest sending her a message informing her you have been communicating with other owners/exporters on social media who have informed you the cost should be £199 + vat and you plan to release your thoughts widely on social media.
This type of blatant gouging should not go without consequence. The individual in question may well be on commission.
Whatever, this is a shocker, extremely damaging for the reputation of the company and deserves some sort of consequence.
The CoC is a printed sheet of A4.
This type of blatant gouging should not go without consequence. The individual in question may well be on commission.
Whatever, this is a shocker, extremely damaging for the reputation of the company and deserves some sort of consequence.
The CoC is a printed sheet of A4.
I was also informed yesterday that it costs £1000 plus VAT. Here’s what she wrote:
The price is £1000 (+ VAT if applicable) and other owners quoting they paid £199 in the last few months is misleading. We had a review of our prices early 2022 and there was an increase on 1st June 2022.
The prices were set to be in-line with like documents provided by other luxury car brands and prior to our price review we were very much undervaluing our brand and the value of the documents.
_
£1000 is NOT in line with other manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz charges £199 plus VAT, for example). Fortunately I have worked in communications in the car industry for 25 years and am in touch with a great deal of motoring journalists around the world, many of whom will be rather interested to see how Aston is blatantly ripping off its loyal customers. I’m also an Aston Martin shareholder, so hopefully my reply to them will be taken seriously. I love my Vantage but this is really putting me off the brand and I certainly won’t buy another if this is not resolved.
The price is £1000 (+ VAT if applicable) and other owners quoting they paid £199 in the last few months is misleading. We had a review of our prices early 2022 and there was an increase on 1st June 2022.
The prices were set to be in-line with like documents provided by other luxury car brands and prior to our price review we were very much undervaluing our brand and the value of the documents.
_
£1000 is NOT in line with other manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz charges £199 plus VAT, for example). Fortunately I have worked in communications in the car industry for 25 years and am in touch with a great deal of motoring journalists around the world, many of whom will be rather interested to see how Aston is blatantly ripping off its loyal customers. I’m also an Aston Martin shareholder, so hopefully my reply to them will be taken seriously. I love my Vantage but this is really putting me off the brand and I certainly won’t buy another if this is not resolved.
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