Hi. Is there a simple, cheap way of doing this without using beam-benders?
Any tips or info would be much appreciated.

 

Replacement headlamps are frighteningly expensive although obtaining a used LH dip pair from the US is a lower cost option.

The direction of the dip beam is determined by a plate in the headlamp:



LH plates are available. Here's an ebay listing from one supplier:

JAGUAR XK8 XKR HEADLAMP LEFT HAND DRIVE 1998 TO 2006 | eBay

Alternatively, I understand RHD can be converted to LHD equivalent by cutting the existing plates but I don't have details.

Graham

 

Many thanks, Graham - anything must be better than repkacement of units!

 

Jaguar don't make it easy. The later XK has a lever to alter the headlamps but they have to be removed to operate it!

Do you take the XK8 from UK to Spain regularly or leave it down there?

I had my last 2005 XK8 down to Gaucin last year (here it is in Gibraltar) and will be taking my XK to Estepona in June.



Graham

 

Hi, Graham. Many thanks for yours- your "Big Cat" looks very tasty and comfortable in the sun!
Do you know if the lever arrangement went back as far as 2002?
I have not decided whether to base mine (when I get it from the UK dealer - we are waiting for repairs to the ABS before he can MOT it) in Spain or the UK. We'll see how things pan out, so I need to try and keep flexible at the moment.
In the meantime, I really appreciate your kind interest.

UKDude (aka Ray)

 

Ray,

The lever arrangement was introduced with the new aluminium bodied XK in 2006. It's not an option on the earlier 1996-2006 XK8/XKR.

You will presumably take quite a hit in registration tax if you move the XK8 to Spain for more than 12 months? I know from friends there that you can't have a Spanish ITV on a UK registered vehicle.

Graham

 

Hi, Graham. Is your knowlege without limit??! My thanks for the further info, and yes, the downside of Spanish location is the hefty import tax. That is one of the considerations needing to be borne in mind in our deliberations. Procrastination is another factor!
All the best.
Ray

 

UKdude,
Did you finally replace the plates inside the headlamps?

 

Hi, Bleujag.
Many thanks for your kind enquiry. Believe it it or not, they have only just traced an electrical fault, so at the moment it is still languishing in the UK waiting to be brought over - after a transmission check!.

Many thanks again.