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Differences between US and Canadian headlights

3.4K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  yiminlu  
#1 ·
I just noticed that US and Canadian cars have different parts numbers for the headlights 60510877 and 60571341, respectively (right side). Wherein lies the difference? Is it only a matter of approval stamps in the glass or do they have a different beam pattern?
 
#3 ·
Nothing different on my 164S in Canada. Headlights do not automatically stay on all the times. (Other makes like BMW have headlights always on in their Canadian version, whereas US headlights can be switched off)

One thing weird about my 164 though: it has speedometre and odometre in mileage, as opposed to kilometrage supposedly on Canadian Alfas; but at the same it does not have headlight washer nozzles on the bumper, which does indicate it is a Canadian 164:confused:

Headlight washer is the only visible difference on US and Canadian 164's: the former has, the latter does not.
 
#4 ·
There appears to be some holes in this wikipedia article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytime_running_lamp

But it appears that cars manufactured after Jan 1., 1990 (ie practically all 164s) and sold in Canada must have some type of DRL. Initiatially based on running the low beams all the time (as in Scandinavia), later by this method, by running the high beams with reduced intensity, or the front turn signals.

Therefore, I don't see any need for extra bulbs in the Canadian cars. In additon to Yiminlu's experiences, it would be interesting to hear from Canadians with different model years have different experiences. It doesn't sound likely, but Yiminlu, is your 164 of extremely early production (ie before 1/1/90)? Could a PO have disabled the DRLs?
 
#5 · (Edited)
DRL's do not need special bulbs.
The US and Candadian are all the same. They are all NA headlights. No difference. The DRL's have nothing to do with the headlight itself.
DRL's usually have a unit that runs at approx. 80%. The reflector and lens of the headlight is the same as the US. We just did not have the DRL. I persoanlly would have liked to have this option as I drive with my lights on most of the time, can't have enough security with these maniac's on the roads these days!!

As far as different part numbers, most likley the number difference is the coding on the lens, minus any DOT coding if you will!
Jason
sonny said:
There appears to be some holes in this wikipedia article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytime_running_lamp

But it appears that cars manufactured after Jan 1., 1990 (ie practically all 164s) and sold in Canada must have some type of DRL. Initiatially based on running the low beams all the time (as in Scandinavia), later by this method, by running the high beams with reduced intensity, or the front turn signals.

Therefore, I don't see any need for extra bulbs in the Canadian cars. In additon to Yiminlu's experiences, it would be interesting to hear from Canadians with different model years have different experiences. It doesn't sound likely, but Yiminlu, is your 164 of extremely early production (ie before 1/1/90)? Could a PO have disabled the DRLs?
 
#6 ·
sonny said:
I don't see any need for extra bulbs in the Canadian cars. In additon to Yiminlu's experiences, it would be interesting to hear from Canadians with different model years have different experiences. It doesn't sound likely, but Yiminlu, is your 164 of extremely early production (ie before 1/1/90)? Could a PO have disabled the DRLs?
I've changed both headlight bulbs w/in 4-yrs-ownership. No special need. My car was manufactured in 12/90, a typical 91' model. Only odd combination to me is mileage gauge but no headlight washers while the car checked out accident-free its whole life. ( I like those washers:rolleyes: )