Quote:
Originally Posted by Pentium
Why there are some differences between EU and USA in the lights? is there any legal issues about them here just like the Auto Park in the 7 Series?
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The US vehicle lighting codes are ancient, and requires changes to allow variable output devices - it essentially requires a switch from high beam to low beam, and nothing in between along with a specified beam pattern, and maximum and minimum luminosity over specified areas. The laser light system in no way corresponds to one of the current allowed configurations. The document is huge, but look at section 7
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR...ol6-sec571-108 and you'll see why the Euro lights are not legal in the USA. As you might imagine, changing one of these regulations when working with he government can be tedious, and rarely goes as one might plan. Same issue with the way things happened with the i3 and the REx and the restriction with the sunroof on the CFRP chassis (code in the USA requires metal around the sunroof opening for strength...doesn't matter if the CFRP is stronger than metal...the code says metal!). The USA requires side marker lights in certain positions, Europe does not, so in most cases, they are not there. This means they must make two versions of things like fenders. It would be cheaper for all involved if we'd ever agree, but a US agency giving up its control? It would take some serious political push from the top, and has the US Congress done anything worthwhile in a long time?
At some point, for better or worse, with the negotiations that have gone on for years, a vehicle certified for sale on one of the approved countries, would be legal for sale in all of those in the group. The US has been talking this, but no results, forever.
Don't hold your breath...it could get delayed, again.
Anyone actually seen the amendment?