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Headlight pattern LHD/RHD

U

Ubermensch

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Hello all, I'm in the process of importing my 987.2 from the US to the UK and had a question regarding the headlights. As I'm sure many of you are aware the headlight pattern can be adjusted for LHD and RHD in some headlights either manually or in the on board computer. As best I can tell in my US version car neither is available. I've pulled the headlights and there is no switch to be found. As a last resort before I buy another set of headlights, I thought I'd look at the beam pattern and confirm that it was a problem for the IVA inspection. To my surprise the pattern is quite symmetric and flat across the top. It doesn't seem like it would dazzle people regardless of the lane I was driving in, but since I need to pass this test the first time around I'm hoping to get a more informed opinion. Below is a picture of the pattern and a comparison to my wife's UK BMW. Looks basically the same with a minor difference in position of the cut-off. I've looked at the MOT and IVA standards and it's a bit hard to interpret but I think it might be okay...is that possible? Thanks for any input!

[attachment=IMG_0037.JPG]


 
Hi there,

I have also imported a 987 into the UK and feel your pain. The UK xenon headlights have a manual switch on the rear of the headlight units to flatten the beam when driving in Europe as do the European LHD cars to drive in the UK. Sadly the USA headlamps do not have this feature. A tape on the front of the headlight is not acceptable for the IVA import test. I ended up purchasing a set of RHD units before I left the US (parts are cheaper).

Other things to do the sidemarkers to flash, this is a computer function, the mirror on the passenger side to a normal lens, and the fog light to the other side, you'll need to run a wire across from the other side.

btw. You'll need to reuse the bulbs and balasts from your old headlights.

Hope that helps.

 
Nick,

This is very helpful. Thanks you.

1. I took car of the fog light by switch the pcb from one light to the other. That's sorted.

2. Can you clarify the side marker flash? Mine do flash when I turn on the turn signal. Is that all there is to it, or is it the frequency of flash?

3. Not sure what you mean by regular glass on the passenger side mirror. I take it you mean it should be planar and not convex/aspheric?

4. I was worried I'd need to go own this path and buy the lights. I'm quite surprised given the beam pattern they're generating. There's no kickup and the pattern is quite flat on top and symmetric. Did you fail the test and then make the change?

Thanks,

S.

 
Hi there,

re:

1: Great

2: If they flash great, most US cars the ones on the side do not flash.

3. Yes, the one you need to change has text on it 'Objects appear to be closer' or something similar.

4. The light's will fail unless the pattern is correct. (Angled to the curb and away from oncoming traffic)

Nick

 
Thanks, Nick. I see what you mean about the mirrors. I'll get one on order.

In terms of the lights, I'm still struck by how flat and similar the beam patterns are on my car and the UK BMW that I posted above. Neither points to the curb. It's flat on top and uniform on the sides. When I look at the IVA inspection process it's clear that they need to aim down can't aim towards to the oncoming traffic, but in both cases above the pattern is symmetric and doesn't aim towards the curb or traffic...

 
For MOT purposes I have left my previous Cayman switched to continental which gave the pattern that you have best to check with the IVA maybe even sending them the photos before buying the UK/European lights, for the gen 2 and later with PDLS the pattern changes so that I have to switch over when going to and from Europe.

 
Hi

New member and new to Porsche! Not sure if this is where I need to be.

Imported a Boxster 718 from Germany this week. I need a LHD for my next move.

It is fitted with PDLS+ and have managed to switch the head lights for UK.

The fog light is on the left. Anyone know how to switch the fog light to the right please?

Thanks in anticipation

Christine

 
Christine,

I don't know if this is applicable to the 718, but on the 987.2 I was able to move the printed circuit board from one taillight to the other. That moved the fog light function without having to run new wires. I've got a few pictures, but I'm not sure if they'd be helpful for the 718. I'd give it a try since it's probably 30 minutes of work and has a reasonable chance of working.

-Shawn

Madeira718 said:
Hi

New member and new to Porsche! Not sure if this is where I need to be.

Imported a Boxster 718 from Germany this week. I need a LHD for my next move.

It is fitted with PDLS+ and have managed to switch the head lights for UK.

The fog light is on the left. Anyone know how to switch the fog light to the right please?

Thanks in anticipation

Christine
Click to expand...

 
Regarding the Rear Fog light, on the 987.1 the lines built into the lamps were different side to side and the left light on UK cars did also not have a bulb fitting, I have LED rear lights on my 987.2 and have not checked at all.

On a Boxster 986S I had some time ago there was a bulb holder in the left lamp and it was a simple job to connect a wire across and to fit a bulb.

Later cars 981 and 718 I can't advise on.

 
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