Bi-Xenon Headlights (Driving Abroad)

[Red D]

Hi
Does anyone know how to change the R56 Bi-Xenon headlights, from right-hand drive to left-hand drive?
Thanks
Red D

[thetope]

have a look in this thread http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-coop...eadlights.html
seems pretty straightforward on the R56 - i haven't looked at my own yet, but it seems to be just a matter of removing the back off the lights then flicking a switch

[Red D]

thanks thetope

[Derek J]

Quote: Originally Posted by thetope (original)

have a look in this thread http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-coop...eadlights.html
seems pretty straightforward on the R56 - i haven't looked at my own yet, but it seems to be just a matter of removing the back off the lights then flicking a switch

Thanks too from me........ I have come online tonight to see if there was any info, 'cos the handbook was bl**** hopeless and there it was Cheers. DJ

[Derek J]

just been outside for a practise run and the whole unit looks different to your photos obviously upgraded the unit ( R55) so it's orf to the dealers tomorrow

Thanks anyway...it will be sumthing really simple I'm sure..... will let you know what happens

[Harpo]

Tip from Harpo.

Get a little (metal) camping mirror and keep it in the storage above the glove box.

Use it to inspect the interior of the light housing. You are looking for something about the size and shape of a USB plug which has a sort of neutral coloured plastic shrouding.

It's fairly deep inside and those with hands like a bunch of bananas will struggle.

It doesn't click like a light switch, but offers resistance until a solenoid-like noise is heard.

And that's it really.

[Harpo]

P.S.

Can't remember whether you switch it up or down for continental driving.

[Derek J]

that'll be a really good start to my visit to the dealers................

.............if you have small hands with long fingers will you come and stick 'em in me xenons while I watch you in a mirror ?

[Harpo]

Could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

[Derek J]

Quote: Originally Posted by Harpo (original)

Could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

just been out and had another look ..think I've found the lever and there was a quiet click , bit late to strike up the Diesel so I'll have a play tomorrow Cheers anyway - very helpful

[Red D]

Quote: Originally Posted by Derek J (original)

just been out and had another look ..think I've found the lever and there was a quiet click , bit late to strike up the Diesel so I'll have a play tomorrow Cheers anyway - very helpful

I've just been to have a look at the unit but as you say the R56 is different from the previos thread pics. I have found what looks like the switch (cream/white plastic?) Which way did you switch it, was it up or down?

Thanks

[Derek J]

Quote: Originally Posted by Red D (original)

I've just been to have a look at the unit but as you say the R56 is different from the previos thread pics. I have found what looks like the switch (cream/white plastic?) Which way did you switch it, was it up or down?

Thanks

Sorry to have not replied before now................

......................been to France and can report that to convert from UK to Europe the "plastic white lever" needs a gentle movement upwards on the passenger side and down on the drivers side. The levers need only a gentle nudge and as Harpo said above you will hear a slight click ( best done - at the docks - when there are no engines running nearby ) the first time take a torch to ensure you are touching the right plastic. it is very simple a very quick. the Xenons light beams have the perfect amount of cut off and give you a little extra down the nearside too

when you return to the docks ( Europe to UK ) you will be able to reset them back without a torch and you will hear the now familiar click. ( obviously the drivers side lever to go up and the passenger side to go down )

tip to remember .....which ever side of the channel you're on, the levers need to go in the opposite direction to what you want the beam to do

in any event if you're not sure your dealer will be able to confirm what is to be done, our local garage kindly faxed over a copy of the notes for the R55/R56, but the photos weren't clear so I'd go and see 'em.

have fun on your excursion

[Red D]

Quote: Originally Posted by Derek J (original)

Sorry to have not replied before now................

......................been to France and can report that to convert from UK to Europe the "plastic white lever" needs a gentle movement upwards on the passenger side and down on the drivers side. The levers need only a gentle nudge and as Harpo said above you will hear a slight click ( best done - at the docks - when there are no engines running nearby ) the first time take a torch to ensure you are touching the right plastic. it is very simple a very quick. the Xenons light beams have the perfect amount of cut off and give you a little extra down the nearside too

when you return to the docks ( Europe to UK ) you will be able to reset them back without a torch and you will hear the now familiar click. ( obviously the drivers side lever to go up and the passenger side to go down )

tip to remember .....which ever side of the channel you're on, the levers need to go in the opposite direction to what you want the beam to do

in any event if you're not sure your dealer will be able to confirm what is to be done, our local garage kindly faxed over a copy of the notes for the R55/R56, but the photos weren't clear so I'd go and see 'em.

have fun on your excursion

Thanks Derek, I will give it ago before