Beam deflectors for Europe on left-hand drive Ducato-based MH

[Dan in Vauxhall]

Hi guys

We just bought a left-hand drive 2005 Burstner Marano (based on a Ducato) and want to go on an extended trip to Europe. Now I’m trying to figure out what the deal is with the vehicle’s headlights which have Eurolite beam deflectors stuck to them (see pics attached). Since this is originally a left-hand drive import from Germany I wasn't sure if the headlights are the original ones or UK replacement ones. Are they a) UK headlights with beam deflector stickers for Europe or b) European headlights with stickers for the UK (if the latter exist at all)?

Any advice would be highly appreciated!

Many thanks and all the best!

Dan

 

[Wildbill]

take them off for Europe but when we went I left them on as I never drove at night you will have to replace for uk driving.
bill

 

[wingman]

One way to find out is to 'shine' the headlamps at a wall and see which way they dip (or put more accurately, see what part of the beam is nulled out).

It's difficult to see from the photo, but they don't look all that expertly applied!

When/IF you take these off (the adhesive is a bugger) don't use any spirit that will attack the lens if the lens is not glass.

Hope that helps? Let us know.

Headlamp deflectors are a source of much debate on here. Some fall into the "I never used them.... I've never been stopped.... I don't drive at night.." lobby. Others fit them (A) to comply with laws and (b) so as not to dazzle at night or in daylight rain and poor vis'.

 

[Lenny HB]

As bill says point at a wall see which way the beam kicks up, should kick up on the nearside to illuminate pedestrians.

Or drop a lamp out and get the part number should then be able to Google it or ask a Fiat dealer.

If the vehicle was brought into the UK before 2011 it probably has LHD headlamps but would need beam benders to pass an MOT.

 

[Techno]

Mine is 2008 LHD with LHD headlights
I have beam deflectors fitted permanently to suit UK
There is no need to remove them once fitted

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Techno]

If they are LHD the reflector will have a completely smooth quarter from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock
If RHD this will be at 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock

 

[Dan in Vauxhall]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your swift replies - this is a fab forum!

 

[Dan in Vauxhall]

take them off for Europe but when we went I left them on as I never drove at night you will have to replace for uk driving.
bill

Hi HappyBrewer - makes sense, thanks. If indeed they are European ones in the first place, I suppose.

 

[Dan in Vauxhall]

Thanks wingman and Lenny. I might do that once we've picked it up. Sounds fairly straightforward, but you never know...

I agree, Lenny re: the way the stickers are applied. Looks rather random.

One way to find out is to 'shine' the headlamps at a wall and see which way they dip (or put more accurately, see what part of the beam is nulled out).

It's difficult to see from the photo, but they don't look all that expertly applied!

When/IF you take these off (the adhesive is a bugger) don't use any spirit that will attack the lens if the lens is not glass.

Hope that helps? Let us know.

Headlamp deflectors are a source of much debate on here. Some fall into the "I never used them.... I've never been stopped.... I don't drive at night.." lobby. Others fit them (A) to comply with laws and (b) so as not to dazzle at night or in daylight rain and poor vis'.

As bill says point at a wall see which way the beam kicks up, should kick up on the nearside to illuminate pedestrians.

Or drop a lamp out and get the part number should then be able to Google it or ask a Fiat dealer.

If the vehicle was brought into the UK before 2011 it probably has LHD headlamps but would need beam benders to pass an MOT.

 

[Dan in Vauxhall]

Thanks Andy, something to consider if we decide to mostly use the MH here in Britain.

Dan

View attachment 56137 Mine is 2008 LHD with LHD headlights
I have beam deflectors fitted permanently to suit UK
There is no need to remove them once fitted

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Dan in Vauxhall]

That's super useful, Andy. Will check that first before embarking on Chinese shadow play.

View attachment 56141 If they are LHD the reflector will have a completely smooth quarter from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock
If RHD this will be at 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock

 

[Techno]

Thanks Andy, something to consider if we decide to mostly use the MH here in Britain.

Dan

As I said whether driving here or abroad you do not need to take them off once fitted