The final word regarding HID's (?)

[TERRA Operative]

So would spinal columns and teeth.....

[wilbo666]

Ok, besides the 16kg spring joke,

Does anyone disagree with my interpretation?

That is levelling is only needed if loading of car causes beam to go outside acceptable range

Cheers
Wilbo

[Chrisso]

I don't disagree, but I wonder why a manufacturer such as BMW would put levelling devices on their headlights, and whether that's done for all their headlights, and how they referrence a level setting?

If it was purely a horizontal alignment then inclines and declines would produce odd illumination effects.

Also - Wilbo, if these ADRs apply only to post-89, where does this leave the pre-89ers? Are we forever consigned to driving with candles for headlights, or is this a loophole for a truck headlight conversion?

The reason I ask is because I am considering trying to fit some beamer headlights on the shitbox (pre-89).

[greywolf]

My understanding is that pre-89 cars are covered by relevant state legislations. So what's legal in QLD may not be legal in NSW. Check with your local road authority on what's legal chrisso.

[TERRA Operative]

I would assume if your pre 89 vehicle complies with the above standards, you shouldn't have too much problems.. (well, apart from retrofit not being compliant anyway, but you know what I mean... )

Re. the levelling thing, Lens geometry differences between low and high beam (and also position of the discharge arc in the lens assembly) will affect the direction and level of the beam. I assume this is the reason that the dip mechanism is nessecary, to refocus the high beam arc or bulb position to prevent glare.

[wilbo666]

Re. the levelling thing, Lens geometry differences between low and high beam (and also position of the discharge arc in the lens assembly) will affect the direction and level of the beam. I assume this is the reason that the dip mechanism is nessecary, to refocus the high beam arc or bulb position to prevent glare.

Your response doesn't address my question!

You state that you NEED self levelling of HIDs,

So there you go, after all the lawyer speak and technical jargon. If the HID fitting isn't self levelling, doesn't have a headlamp cleaning system and isn't white (as in, white), then it's illegal.

Where as my reading of the ADRs points me to say, that I think self levelling is only needed if the loading of the car (as described in annex 5) causes the beam angle / etc of the beam to go outside the accepted range...

6.2.6.2.2. However, devices which are adjusted manually, either continuously or non- continuously, shall be permitted, provided they have a stop positon at which the lamps can be returned to the initial inclination defined in paragraph 6.2.6.1.1. by means of the usual adjusting screws or similar means.
These manually adjustable devices must be operable from the driver's seat.
Continually adjustable devices must have reference makes indicating the loading conditions that require adjustment of the dipped-beam.
The number of positions on devices which are not continuously adjustable must be such as to ensure compliance with the range of values prescribed in paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. in all the loading conditions defined in Annex 5.
For these devices also, the loading conditions of Annex 5 that require adjustment of the dipped-beam shall be clearly marked near the control of the device (see Annex 8).


6.2.6.2.1. In the case where a headlamp levelling device is necessary to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs 6.2.6.1.1. and 6.2.6.1.2., the device shall be automatic.

Thoughts?

I think your blanket statement of NEEDING self levelling maybe incorrect...

Cheers
Wilbo

[The Witzl]

You could be onto something Wilbo.
I have looked closely at the OEM HID headlights on many new cars, and noticed that there is no facility for autolevelling on many models (esp holden, honda, and other non-euro brands), and also there is no lens cleaning facility.

..... i just assumed it was the normal ADRs turning a blind eye to new car manufacturers.

I live in an area populated by 4WD soccermums, and sooo many of their cars have HID headlights and absolutely no autolevelling. I am constantly blinded on my way home from work each night, to the point where i am seriously considering installing an HID "reversing" spotlight to prove my point to them.

as for those aftermarket HID bulb replacements..... well i personally think they should be made illegal to sell.