Factory Xenon upgrade query

minty2 · 26th September 2018, 13:29

Hello All
I have an opportunity to replace the standard reflectors on my Mk 1 75 with Mk 1 (originally factory fitted) Xenons. The question is, will they be MoT safe without the self-levelling mechanism (or is that part of the xenon unit anyway?). My car already has the jet washers. Also a knowledgable expert from these parts thinks the Xenons are not as capable as standard halogen proj's and that I should just keep my existing reflectors or upgrade to halogen proj's if I have to!

So, what's the opinion on the self-leveling and whether a Xenon upgrade is worth it?

TIA

David

suzublu · 26th September 2018, 14:02

Fitted mine 8 years ago never had a problem

If you look on the o/s suspension arms, you'll see if you have self levelling or not, or, if you have a thumbwheel adjuster on the lsm you don't have self levelling.

stevestrat · 26th September 2018, 14:05

This is "borrowed" from a post by Rick-sta regarding new MOT regulations:

Section 4.1.5 Levelling devices
“Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps MAY be fitted with a suspension or headlamp self-levelling system. WHERE SUCH SYSTEMS ARE FITTED, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self-levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.”

The self levelling is controlled by two sensors, one on the offside front suspension, the other on the rear offside, front only on newer models.

minty2 · 26th September 2018, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevestrat

This is "borrowed" from a post by Rick-sta regarding new MOT regulations:

Section 4.1.5 Levelling devices
“Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps MAY be fitted with a suspension or headlamp self-levelling system. WHERE SUCH SYSTEMS ARE FITTED, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self-levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.”

The self levelling is controlled by two sensors, one on the offside front suspension, the other on the rear offside, front only on newer models.

Thanks for that. So, if I’ve understood correctly, as no self-levelling mechanism was ever fitted to my car (it has the thumbwheel) it cannot be failed for it not working. But how then, is level adjustment achieved on retrofitted factory xenons?

suzublu · 26th September 2018, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by minty2

Thanks for that. So, if I’ve understood correctly, as no self-levelling mechanism was ever fitted to my car (it has the thumbwheel) it cannot be failed for it not working. But how then, is level adjustment achieved on retrofitted factory xenons?

With your thumbwheel

Rick-sta · 26th September 2018, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by minty2

Thanks for that. So, if I’ve understood correctly, as no self-levelling mechanism was ever fitted to my car (it has the thumbwheel) it cannot be failed for it not working. But how then, is level adjustment achieved on retrofitted factory xenons?

that is correct. You'll be able to adjust the level manually using the adjuster wheel on your light switch

stocktake · 26th September 2018, 14:42

David,
You can fit them safe in the knowledge that your car will not fail the MOT, mine have been fitted 8 yr.
As for light output, I found them to be a good improvement but you must use good quality burners.
As for the self levelling, they don't, simple as that. As said previously stated you adjust them with your thumb wheel.

minty2 · 26th September 2018, 15:47

Hi Dave. What do a couple of good quality burners for these units cost these days? In case they need replacement.

Rick-sta · 26th September 2018, 18:59

Osram and Phillips tent to be the best ones.

Osram £70 for pair: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Osram-Xen...b2Gya9O4J_4seQ

Phillips £41 for pair: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-PHILI...d=172061346445

P-Nut · 26th September 2018, 19:04

Mine just past the MOT and I have the manual adjustment

26th September 2018, 13:29	#1
minty2 Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Leeds Posts: 494 Thanks: 68 Thanked 76 Times in 43 Posts	Factory Xenon upgrade query Hello All I have an opportunity to replace the standard reflectors on my Mk 1 75 with Mk 1 (originally factory fitted) Xenons. The question is, will they be MoT safe without the self-levelling mechanism (or is that part of the xenon unit anyway?). My car already has the jet washers. Also a knowledgable expert from these parts thinks the Xenons are not as capable as standard halogen proj's and that I should just keep my existing reflectors or upgrade to halogen proj's if I have to! So, what's the opinion on the self-leveling and whether a Xenon upgrade is worth it? TIA David

26th September 2018, 14:05	#3
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,465 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	This is "borrowed" from a post by Rick-sta regarding new MOT regulations: Section 4.1.5 Levelling devices “Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps MAY be fitted with a suspension or headlamp self-levelling system. WHERE SUCH SYSTEMS ARE FITTED, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self-levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.” The self levelling is controlled by two sensors, one on the offside front suspension, the other on the rear offside, front only on newer models. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

26th September 2018, 14:42	#7
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,587 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	David, You can fit them safe in the knowledge that your car will not fail the MOT, mine have been fitted 8 yr. As for light output, I found them to be a good improvement but you must use good quality burners. As for the self levelling, they don't, simple as that. As said previously stated you adjust them with your thumb wheel. __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

26th September 2018, 18:59	#9
Rick-sta This is my second home MG ZT 2.0 CDTI+ in Typhoon, MG TF 135 in Typhoon & Rover 75 Connoisseur CDTI SE in Pearl Black Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Norfolk Posts: 7,534 Thanks: 2,718 Thanked 2,827 Times in 1,462 Posts	Osram and Phillips tent to be the best ones. Osram £70 for pair: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Osram-Xen...b2Gya9O4J_4seQ Phillips £41 for pair: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-PHILI...d=172061346445 __________________ How to retrofit Cruise Control on a diesel with no OEM wiring in place: Link How to retrofit heated electric memory seats with no OEM wiring in place: Link How to operate FBH and ATC via text Link How to restore cloudy projector headlights Link

26th September 2018, 19:04	#10
P-Nut Gets stuck in MG ZT 190+ Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Shields Posts: 561 Thanks: 143 Thanked 170 Times in 103 Posts	Mine just past the MOT and I have the manual adjustment __________________ Approved food eater

26th September 2018, 14:02	#2
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,912 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	Fitted mine 8 years ago never had a problem If you look on the o/s suspension arms, you'll see if you have self levelling or not, or, if you have a thumbwheel adjuster on the lsm you don't have self levelling.

26th September 2018, 15:47	#8
minty2 Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Leeds Posts: 494 Thanks: 68 Thanked 76 Times in 43 Posts	Hi Dave. What do a couple of good quality burners for these units cost these days? In case they need replacement.