I'm considering upsizing from my 500 hatch to a 500X, and a 1.4 Multiair Lounge appeals most, looking at used examples. I note that this spec comes with bi-xenon (HID) headlamps. I thought that, by law, cars with HIDs had to be fitted with a self-levelling beam and headlamp washers. I've studied pictures of examples for sale and can't spot any evidence of washers. Has the law changed, or are they just cleverly concealed?

TrevC said:

I'm considering upsizing from my 500 hatch to a 500X, and a 1.4 Multiair Lounge appeals most, looking at used examples. I note that this spec comes with bi-xenon (HID) headlamps. I thought that, by law, cars with HIDs had to be fitted with a self-levelling beam and headlamp washers. I've studied pictures of examples for sale and can't spot any evidence of washers. Has the law changed, or are they just cleverly concealed?

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I have the bi-xenon headlamps and I have to say they are fantastic, but as for self-levelling and headlamp washers, I don't think I have either of those.

I have the manual wheel for levelling headlamps and whilst headlamp washers frequently appear in the specs for my model I don't see any evidence that I have them, so I can't really answer your query.

Thanks Alan. This won't affect my purhase decision, I am just curious.

TrevC said:

I'm considering upsizing from my 500 hatch to a 500X, and a 1.4 Multiair Lounge appeals most, looking at used examples. I note that this spec comes with bi-xenon (HID) headlamps. I thought that, by law, cars with HIDs had to be fitted with a self-levelling beam and headlamp washers. I've studied pictures of examples for sale and can't spot any evidence of washers. Has the law changed, or are they just cleverly concealed?

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If the output from the heradlights are below 2000 lumen, neither auto-leveling nor washers are required and the 500X uses the new 25W xenon bulbs which is below 2000 lumen.
Many manufactures using LEDs as headlights also stay below 2000 lumen and thus can choose to ignore auto-leveling and washers (my own Mazda CX-3 has full LED headlights and only has auto-leveling and no washers, because the output is below 2000 lumen).

I think it is also worth pointing out that the 2000 lumen limit is relevant ONLY to those cars manufactured post legislation change and accordingly homologate.

I believe that retro fits of unit with below 2000 lumen limit still require self levelling and washers.

How here in the UK MOTs will pick up on this I don't know but any accident investigation certainly will especially if somebody claims they were dazzled.

Very comprehensive and informative. Thanks guys.

Test drive in a 65 reg Multiair Lounge booked for Tuesday!

Just reviving this as I have noticed our Cross Plus which has the Bi-xenon lights as standard - the NSF light occasionally does not illuminate initially. Cold weather may be affecting but usually once noticed if I switch off the lights then back on again it comes on so cannot be the bulb can it? Anyone else had this?

Can't help much I'm afraid. I bought the car I mentioned above and the lights have behaved themselves. Could be the "bulb" or the driver circuit that has a marginal/intermittent fault. Have you an indy specialist locally? Not good for d.i.y. investigation, lots of volts involved (as I'm sure you know).

Nello said:

Just reviving this as I have noticed our Cross Plus which has the Bi-xenon lights as standard - the NSF light occasionally does not illuminate initially. Cold weather may be affecting but usually once noticed if I switch off the lights then back on again it comes on so cannot be the bulb can it? Anyone else had this?

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Probably going to be the igniter on the way out. Have to say, i wish mine had these lights- the standard H4's are a bit shoddy even with uprated bulbs.

Nello said:

Just reviving this as I have noticed our Cross Plus which has the Bi-xenon lights as standard - the NSF light occasionally does not illuminate initially. Cold weather may be affecting but usually once noticed if I switch off the lights then back on again it comes on so cannot be the bulb can it? Anyone else had this?

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Most likely it IS the bulb. The power supply will only make a limited number of attempts to strike the lamp. This may warm it up enough for it to work when you turn it off and on. Turning it off resets the strike attempt count.

Robert G8RPI.

Whichever way it'll be expensive & awkward think i'll stay with H4's which take 30 secs to change unless i want to pay Halfords £8 to fit it upside down.

Anyone know what the Xenon bulbs are and where to get from? Just pulled out the ballast and look simple enough to change

Nello said:

Anyone know what the Xenon bulbs are and where to get from? Just pulled out the ballast and look simple enough to change

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I'm not sure I'd do it myself, risk of electric shock apparently

D5S bulb. Just throw that into google and it will come up with a good number of suppliers.

Alanw47 said:

I'm not sure I'd do it myself, risk of electric shock apparently

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As the OP has already pulled the balast he has done the "dangerous" part. Just make sure it's been turned off for 10 minutes before working on lights and don't turn it on when the lamp is out of the housing or disconnected.

Robert G8RPI.

Pedrolami said:

D5S bulb. Just throw that into google and it will come up with a good number of suppliers.

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Nello

The D5S is a complete ballast and lamp. Unless there is a bad connection it must be the fault so all you can do is change the whole thing. Being integrated makes it simple but also expensive.

Robert G8RPI.

For everything you need or want to know about modern headlight systems
https://www.dalroad.com/wp-content/...chnical_handbook_valeoscope_en_998542_web.pdf

Robert G8RPI.

Thanks for the info all - ouch they are pricey. Its strange I pulled the ballast and reseated and the light appears to come on with no flicker now however I'm not sure its quite as bright as the other initially and it certainly takes longer to reach max output. I'll keep an eye on and see but I think a new one may be required. Anyone else experienced this with the Cross Plus xenon's? I thought they would last longer than 3 years?! Are they 25W?

The D5 is 25W, just under 2000 lumen. They should last more than 3 years but random failures can happen anytime.

Robert G8RPI