Conference terri::cars_uk

    FWIW -
    
    i)    Wack a masking kit on and plead ignorant if stopped abroad. Lets
          face it, you would be very unlucky to get stopped.
    
    ii)   If leaseplan don't want to know, get your CC to pay for the
          adjustment after all it is a business trip.
    
    iii)  Don't drive in the dark.
    
    
    Royston

    I guess that it is the elipsoidal/cats-eye headlamps that are causing
    the problem. Simple masking tape may not be enough to deflect the beam
    on the "wrong side".
    
    I am surprised that BMW can't offer a (cheap) solution - with all the
    "euro regulations" about goods complying to the law in all EC
    countries, this seems like a backward step.
    
    If it's a business trip, and as your requirement is urgent, i would
    expect that you could claim the conversion on expenses. Maybe Leaseplan
    can provide an alternate vehicle for your trip (although that defeats
    the object of having a nice car like a BMW!).
    
    Are you a member of Which?, because i am sure that they would be
    interested in this problem. Heck, you could even try calling the
    Freecall Watchdog number and get Anne Robinson on the job - i can see
    it now - the BMW washing line of shame!!!!!!
    
    Or, as .1 suggests, only drive in the day ;-)
    
    Cheers,
    
    mb

    Does the car have an internal adjuster to compensate for different
    loads in the car/boot?
    
    If so, use it to set the lights low so the pool of light is less likely
    (unlikely) to affect on-coming traffic.
    
    Or drive in daylight - like they said.
    
    Nick

I have a Calibra, and it has ellipsoidal headlamps.

There is a lever behind the bulb housing which, when 
moved, changes the angle of the bulb holder, thereby
moving the beam deflection from left to right.

Is there nothing similar for BMWs?

Huw.

    re. -1 - in a word NO!  Perhaps our German friends do not want to bring
    their cars to the UK (or anywhere else that drives on the right (left)
    side of the road).
    

    I should point out that some countries in continental Europe require
    headlights during the day if you are out of town. (Hungary is one
    example)
    
    /a

    I have a BMW 318is , which I have taken abroad several times.
    
    I used the same same mask as I had used on a Volvo Estate. I dont
    believe that it was causing a " glare " problem.
    
    If you look at cars that are crossing the Channel , a lot of people
    dont even bother putting on a mask.

    Just to update you.  I fiddled around with masks last night and reckon
    I can remove enough extraneous light to avoid annoying the
    continentals, while having enough left to drive by.  Time will tell.
    
    All other avenues have proved dead-ends, including Beam Benders which
    have absolutely no effect.
    
    Will investigate whether it is possible to change bulbs or lamp units
    to simplify problem in future.  (Leaseplan are supposed to be
    investigating this also.)
    
    

    Re .8 . It wasnt mine , honest . I borrowed it to go on holiday to
    Provence. 
    
    Going on holiday to Provence is probably just as SAD as being a Volvo
    Driver :>}                     

    Leaseplan called back today as promised and have confirmed my analysis
    of the situation.  Meanwhile they have noted on the account that there
    is a serious issue with the car, and will talk about options when I get
    back in a couple of weeks.  Meanwhile they are extending their
    enquiries.