Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone on here has any experience with coding Matrix LED headlights from RHD beam pattern to LHD beam pattern on an Audi Q5?

I bought an Audi Q5 from the UK and I'm currently trying to register it in Switzerland. I have paid all customs duties, VAT etc. but I cannot register the car fully until it passes the MFK inspection (Swiss MOT/NCT). I brought the car to the Swiss car inspection and they failed the car stating that the lights were setup for RHD and needs to be LHD.

I didn't foresee this problem as in the menu of the car, it states there's is no need to adjust the headlights as they automatically adjust themselves if I drive in a LHD country. I believe it does this based on the GPS location.

I brought the car to Audi. They plugged in the car but didn't change anything. They basically reiterated what was in the menu and gave me a letter to show at the MFK. However, I don't think this will be sufficient to pass the inspection.

When I pull the car up against a wall, you can still see the pattern is setup for RHD, see photo. Is there anyway that this can be coded to LHD pattern ?

Before you ask why I bother importing a RHD car to LHD country, I plan on bringing the car home with me to Ireland next year. This way I can save some money by avoiding the high VRT costs in Ireland as I will move the car as part of my personal belongings 🙂

I'm running out of time as I've been informed today that the authorities will revoke my licence plates by the end of the month if I don't register the car :(

Appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Vincent

Vincent.

I wonder if the automatic beam change is acceptable in Europe for temporary importation, such as holiday travel; but is unacceptable for permanent importation that requires registration. That's no help to you of course, but may be an explanation for the seemingly contrary opinions.

Hi Cliff

Yeah unfortunately I think that is the case. It flattens the beam a little but doesn't change the pattern. Hoping someone on here knows it it can be changed through software. Otherwise I'm looking at new headlights 🤦‍♂️

Replacing matrix headlights will be very expensive, as the units will be around £3k each after quick check on LLL Parts.

My understanding is they can be changed via long coding. Pretty sure this can be done with VCDS as the parts were original OE and not retrofitted.

What are the Swiss Facebook technical forums like. I know these services can be done in the UK. It potentially could be done remotely, but you’d need VCDS, genuine dongle and allow user to share laptop via Quick Assist. Long shot I know, but in principal it should work. Better though if you could take it somewhere.

If it can be done with VCDS, then check out Gendan (Rosstech.)

Hi Spartacus68,

 

Yes, the headlights replacement will be very expensive. Not too many VCDS coders around these parts. Might be worth trying to do it remotely as you said 👍

I've PM'd you link to private message someone called Nigel on Audisport. He's very knowledgable on all things Audi and well known in that field.

Quesions: can it be done, via daisylink chain with VCDS? If it can, then some sort of agreement between you both as to how it happens, payment, etc.

If it can work, you'll need genuine VCDS (lifetime updates), 3 VIN version would work, genuine OBD dongle from Gendan and a laptop running probably Windows 10 as you'll need Quick Assist or similar. Also WIFI, so potentially 4G dongle on laptop or decent strength from home router. No idea what your circumstances are. Access to Microsoft teams would be useful to talk through procedure. Normally with VCDS, install on laptop, but sometimes OBD dongle needs hardware update too which is straight forward. 

Am I talking nonsense? Potentially, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Bear in mind car is 2023, so it might even be dealer level diagnostics such as ODIS. I know on latest VW Golf for example, you can't even change rear pads without visit to dealership from what I've read.

Could you do return trip to UK? Even that's cheaper than replacing Matrix headlights. 

Anyway, best of luck to you.

Edited August 5, 2025Aug 5 by spartacus 68

I've been talking to a few vsds coders and the information I have so far is that I need to change the headlights 😕 not giving up just yes as I previously read on this forum that someone had them coded in an A5. Thanks again for the info. Ill also reach out to Nigel, thanks !!

Quicker, cheaper, easier to get headlight stickers. 

I doubt that would be acceptable under Swiss law. Or do you know otherwise?

No, just for short term holiday use, not permanent or for official records reasons.