Changing Headlights To Lhd Configuration

[Guest davet121]

Hi

I am looking to purchase a C5 for exporting to France and would like to know if it is possible to change the headlights to LHD configuration using the onboard computer.

[Johndouglas]

This question has been asked before and it seems that only the changing of the light units will satisfy the contrôle technique. Even HID Xenons that are suppposed to have flat beams are not acceptable.

[Guest davet121]

This question has been asked before and it seems that only the changing of the light units will satisfy the contrôle technique. Even HID Xenons that are suppposed to have flat beams are not acceptable.

[Guest Carnige]

I wonder why you are buying a C5 to export to France? It is so much easier to drive a LHD model in France, and be able to get all the parts if it goes wrong. Getting hold of some RHD model parts could prove difficult. You will also not have all the problems that can arise with getting all the 'rubber stamps' from the prefecture and tax office. Both can be very ignorant of what to do depending who you see. It might also work out cheaper.

[Guest davet121]

I wonder why you are buying a C5 to export to France? It is so much easier to drive a LHD model in France, and be able to get all the parts if it goes wrong. Getting hold of some RHD model parts could prove difficult. You will also not have all the problems that can arise with getting all the 'rubber stamps' from the prefecture and tax office. Both can be very ignorant of what to do depending who you see. It might also work out cheaper.

 

Its purely a matter of cost - a C5 in France is about 33 per cent more expensive

[paul.h]

A new headlight at eurocarparts range from about £150 to £500 depending on the chassis no. for RHD. Probably LHD would be similar so it is worth getting a few prices before commiting to a car.

[Johndouglas]

A cheaper option would be to look on Continental Ebay sites for headlamps. For instance here's a pair for around 280 quid.

 

http://cgi.ebay.fr/Set-CITROEN-C5-01-04-LHD-european-headlamps-headlights-/370123785559?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item562d18c557

[Guest davet121]

A cheaper option would be to look on Continental Ebay sites for headlamps. For instance here's a pair for around 280 quid.

 

http://cgi.ebay.fr/Set-CITROEN-C5-01-04-LHD-european-headlamps-headlights-/370123785559?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item562d18c557

That is brilliant. Thanks

[Guest Carnige]

Its purely a matter of cost - a C5 in France is about 33 per cent more expensive

 

I'm sorry but I still believe, and from experience of living in France that buying a "French" i.e. a LHD C5 is the best option. It is possible that the extra 33% could be lost, as I said before, with repairs to a RHD car and some of the cost of registering (immatriculation). My local prefecture would not accept an export certificate, (required apparently by DVLA) despite the fact we had a BX. Fortunately, I had a copy of my registration certificate. With all the other running around it worked out quite expensive, and paying for all the forms required. The upshot is: In France buy a French LHD car, and only from a reputable dealer, who will do all the paperwork for you.

 

Don't forget also, you will be on the 'wrong' side of the car when driving, which can be a nightmare in busy French traffic and if on your own. I drove my RHD C3 in Paris recently and spent some of the time wishing I still had my LHD C3.

[Johndouglas]

I'm sorry but I still believe that buying a "French" i.e. a LHD C5 is the best option.

 

Not all would agree with you. When I advertised my 2.1 Xantia Estate on Ebay in 2005 I had enquiries from two English guys, both living in France. One of them eventually had the winning bid. I picked him up at the airport, brought him home to 'do the business' - then he was off to Dover for the crossing.