Projector Headlights And Beam Deflectors/Benders

[Killwilly]

I shall be driving through France in September. My CLC has Projector headlights and I have read that it is not possible to use stick-on beam deflectors with these lenses.

Does anyone know if it's possible to convert the lights for continental driving, if so how? I have read some reports that claim it is possible, but not for my car specifically. If any CLC owner could comment, it would be very much appreciated.

[Killwilly]

No one?

[r129sl]

What does it say in your vehicle's handbook? The topic will be addressed in there somewhere. It will probably say that you need to (1) visit the dealer (who will be mystified) or (2) fit masking strips or (3) flick an incredibly hard to find switch withing each headlamp assembly.

But it's not worth worrying about. Sometimes I can't be bothered to switch my lamps over and nobody ever flashes me. If you are merely driving through France, presumably you'll be on the autoroute driving during the day anyway.

[Killwilly]

r129sl said:

What does it say in your vehicle's handbook? The topic will be addressed in there somewhere. It will probably say that you need to (1) visit the dealer (who will be mystified) or (2) fit masking strips or (3) flick an incredibly hard to find switch withing each headlamp assembly.

But it's not worth worrying about. Sometimes I can't be bothered to switch my lamps over and nobody ever flashes me. If you are merely driving through France, presumably you'll be on the autoroute driving during the day anyway.

Many thanks for your reply. The handbook does say contact your dealer who can provide beam deflectors. I have driven many thousands of miles through France over the past 15 years, solo and towing a caravan without issue. The problem arises if you are stopped by the police for any minor offence, they will then check everything on the car, including lights, I have seen it happen. It is an offence in France to drive a car, either in daylight or in the dark without altering the headlights to deflect the beam. I have no intention of taking a chance. I know that it is possible to alter projector headlamps, but at the moment I am unable to find out how to do this on the CLC.

[r129sl]

Everytime the French police have stopped me, they have been utterly charming. Likewise the British police for that matter. If the handbook says fit masking strips, then I doubt there is the mechanical adjustment available on some of our cars. The other possibility, I suppose, is that the lights can be adjusted using the diagnostic computer that the dealer has.