Headlamp replacement

[arcturus]

Hi, I had a stone smash my nearside headlamp glass the other day and the only replacement I could get quickly was the one in the photo with an internal reflector. Is this OK? I doesn't seem so bright as the other one. Is it for a special application?

[142 Guy]

The 1A6 002.395-031 is the go-to Hella lens assembly for use with an H4 bulb. The Hella website says that part number is for right hand traffic. I am assuming that means drive on the right hand side of the road which would be correct for Portugal. However, when I look at your photograph of the right side headlight it looks like the angled pattern cut off is on the left side of the lens which would suggest that it is for a drive on the left side jurisdiction which would alter the perception of light and irritate on coming drivers. The photograph is not great (and skewed 90 deg) so it is difficult to be definitive about the lens pattern.

The part number says it should be correct for driving on the right side of the road and usng an H4 bulb.

[arcturus]

Thanks.The spec when buying didn't say whether for left of right. It will have to do in the short term.Need to drive to the airport and return Sunday evening.

[arcturus]

If these reflectors are for RH traffic, I assume that means LHD cars,European,then I could fit another on the offside to make a match. What do you think?

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by arcturus

If these reflectors are for RH traffic, I assume that means LHD cars,European,then I could fit another on the offside to make a match. What do you think?

Might save it being boseyed!🧐👀

[Derek UK]

If they have flat glass, I have used a pair of these. MKI Golf used them with the small bulb covers. Didn't notice any problems. I don't think they affect the beam angle, that is done by the lens pattern I think.

[142 Guy]

Originally Posted by arcturus

If these reflectors are for RH traffic, I assume that means LHD cars,European,then I could fit another on the offside to make a match. What do you think?

Right hand traffic would mean left hand steer which most people call LHD; but, LHD is ambiguous. Some people interpret LHD as drive on the left hand side. The term right hand traffic pretty much avoids that problem and describes traffic in North America and all the parts of Europe that I have visited.

I have attached a photo of the Hella 1A6 002.395-031 that is sold in North America. Notice the area circled in red on the lens. This is the part of the lens that establishes the nice low beam cut-off while allowing illumination of the ditch on the right (for right hand traffic). I have attached a picture of what the low beam illumination pattern should look like.

In the photo you posted of your lens it looks like the lens cut off is on the wrong side. However, the photo requires me to tilt my head 90deg and it is not exactly front on to the lens. If your lens looks exactly like the lens picture I attached then it is correct lens for Portugal. Getting another lens to have a matched set would be a good idea.

[313jg]

To avoid any confusion -
Left hand traffic LHT is right hand drive ie UK or any other country with steering wheel on right hand side of car when sitting in it.
Right hand traffic RHT is left hand drive ie Europe -US ETC

The standard headlights for us in Uk on both the Amazon and the 140’s are 7” headlights. Many original lights were sealed beam which had to replace as a unit but the later H4 type is much better. They are readily available as they were in the day the standard headlight for most manufacturers. Mini’s MG’s Fords etc. as well as imports.
I would be tempted to replace both headlamps and use uprated but e-marked H4 bulbs. (Halfords or ABD Southampton) You will find a marked difference to standard.