[Sirshambling]

I think the main thing I don't like about my new Titanium Auto is the headlights. I'm used to having Bi Xenon lights on my old Focus.

Is it possible to have Xenon headlights fitted to the B-Max? Ford don't seem to have it as an option so there may be some technical reason why it's not possible to fit them.

Can anybody help me with this issue?

Many thanks.

 

[Davis_Zadian]

I don't see what the problem would be unless ford saw it as changing out the whole light cluster (left and right).... but to pull out the actual lamp from the back of the cluster, and replace it with a new bulb should be ok....

Personally I would go talk to Halfords. See what they can do for you.

 

[makem]

Am I right that HID Xenon headlights must have washers and wipers because dirt, dust, water on the outer lens can deflect the light and dazzle? The outer lens would also need to be changed.

If so, then the B-MAX is unlikely to have them available.

However, a Xenon gas filled bulb could be used I think, but would it make much differece? I find that with the lights adjusted as high as possible they are fine and I have not had complaints from other drivers.

Come to think of it, I had both of my headlights (complete) replaced because I found a small area of white substance on the projector lens. It looked as if a person assembling the cluster had something on his/her gloves and marked the lens.

Now I remember, before that, I myself complained about the lights not being very good! Maybe they have been changed for different designed ones?

Perhaps if would be possible to have them tested?

BTW, the only way to see the marks I refer to was by turning on the dipped headlights and staring directly at the lens. The service staff could not see the maks at first untill I showed them how. I only found them when I fitted lens adaptors for EU driving.

Edited by: makem

 

[Geriatricus]

Additional to Makem's comments, I seem to remember reading that HID lights also need to have auto levelling, but that may just be problems with my memory.

Geriatricus.

 

[Davis_Zadian]

I seem to remember reading that HID lights also need to have auto levelling

Yes indeed, page 46 of the manual states exactly that.

Also pages 142 to 148 cover replacing ALL the external lamps around the car. (fog, rear center, wing mirrors too)





Edited by: Davis_Zadian

 

[Sirshambling]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

My understanding of the law is that the rules say if a car has HID then self-levelling and headlight washers must work IF FITTED. If they're not fitted, then by implication they are not necessary.

I saw the item in the manual about Xenon headlights have self levelling as well. The ones on my old Focus worked that way but I read that to mean that the Ford ones work that way as they have a sensors on the axle. I did not take it to mean that retro fitted ones HAD to be self levelling.

But I will pursue the matter further with a specialist garage I think as I would want to make absolutely sure

a. that they're legal
b. that the beams do not cause difficulties for other drivers
c. that if they are fitted they are done properly and professionally.

I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[Sirshambling]

It looks like retro fitting Xenon headlights will count as a "modification" for insurance purposes and my insurer is looking into whether or not it will be possible.

In the meantime I've upgraded the headlight bulbs to Osram ones which has made an appreciable difference to the amount of light so that's something.

Unfortunately due to incompetence I couldn't get the push pins which are part of the installation of the light cluster back in once I'd removed them. Maybe my fingers aren't strong enough. Anyway I tried several different things to get them back in without success. And now they're way out of shape - broken.

So now I need two new pushpins. Can't find any on the Ford parts website. Can anybody suggest where I might find these things? Also any ideas on how to fix them back in once I buy them.

Thanks once again.

 

[Davis_Zadian]

Have a look on this site :http://www.clipsandfasteners.comas I am not sure what the push pins look like I am unable to help you further, but you may find them on that site..

 

[Sirshambling]

Thanks Davis_Zadian I'll have a good look through the items on the site. If its no go then it will be an embarrassing visit to my dealer!