I'm in the Armed Forces and have recently been posted to Germany. I have ordered a Skoda Superb Estate and was wondering if i needed to change the headlights over to drive on the continent. I am getting the Elegance model with the Bi-Xenon lights and have read that the tourist mode can be put on, the only concern i have is that we need to pass a light test to BFG the car. Thanks for any advice.

only concern i have is that we need to pass a light test to BFG the car. Thanks for any advice.

Bottom line is: yes, you do have to change the headlights.

I'm also in the services and have a colleague who has returned to Germany from deployment out here in Afghanistan. Having lived in Germany for some time, he is very aware of the rules, He has just bought exactly the same car as you and has had to make an additional order for the continental headlights, to be fitted by the dealer. The issue is as you surmise: you have to pass the light test and temporary solutions will not pass muster, I'm afraid.

I can confirm that you will need continental headlights to pass the test. Not sure if you will be able to get the normal continental Halogen one's fitted instead of the Bi-Xenon. It could save you a small fortune.

I used to have a jag S Type R. The xenon's on that had a little switch that you flick for continental driving. This was on the unit itself. Maybe the Skoda has somethign similar?

I used to have a jag S Type R. The xenon's on that had a little switch that you flick for continental driving. This was on the unit itself. Maybe the Skoda has somethign similar?

Yes it does, its called a 'tourist lever' (which on the Elegance IIRC is adjusted with the Maxidot) BUT this just flat beams the light, which is not good enough to pass the BFG test.

Personally i would see if the car can be delivered with LHD lights fitted and a new set of RHD lights in the boot for when you bring the car home - or try ebay.de, but they won't be cheap!

I can confirm that you will need continental headlights to pass the test. Not sure if you will be able to get the normal continental Halogen one's fitted instead of the Bi-Xenon. It could save you a small fortune.

This is the fact. A friend of mine has Bi-Xenon and had to buy LHD to pass the BFG light test. You're looking at about a grand for a brand new set. I have not seen any second hand advertised in local papers for sale.

Sorry to be the barer of bad news.

This is the fact. A friend of mine has Bi-Xenon and had to buy LHD to pass the BFG light test. You're looking at about a grand for a brand new set. I have not seen any second hand advertised in local papers for sale.

Sorry to be the barer of bad news.

I sort of knew that this was a strong possibility, just didn't want to hear it! I'll pop into a local Skoda dealer here and see what it will be for the lights, minus the MSWT. The car dealers could not supply LHD lights, or did not want to. Thank you for all your help.

Bottom line is: yes, you do have to change the headlights.

I'm also in the services and have a colleague who has returned to Germany from deployment out here in Afghanistan. Having lived in Germany for some time, he is very aware of the rules, He has just bought exactly the same car as you and has had to make an additional order for the continental headlights, to be fitted by the dealer. The issue is as you surmise: you have to pass the light test and temporary solutions will not pass muster, I'm afraid.

ARRSE! I'll try and square away some lights out here, another cost! Hope all is well in the Stan.

Hope all is well in the Stan.

Thanks very much. Now just 2 months to complete of a 12 month tour!

I'm also buying the Superb Estate: Amethyst, 170CR with a few extras, including a panoramic roof. The latter, of course, means that I have to wait...! Recently had a week at home on leave and test drove the DSG version around Hampshire country roads, up hills (even Hampshire has hills!) and on the motorway. Was suddenly struck by the simplicity of doing 25 miles of varied driving without my ever having to change gear. Was especially taken by how easily the DSG handled tight bends and steep inclines: it simply dropped down to 3rd and then the pick up was smooth and effortless. Seriously considering buying it with the DSG box now, whereas before I've been settled on the good old manual. Decisions, decisions....

Edited 19 August, 201015 yr by Afghan Hound