[W126 Coupe] Enlightening question

[Mister McGoo]

I have been asked a question about the "European" headlights.  The specific question pertains to an SEL, but would be apply to the SEC also.  
 
The "European" headlight throws illumination that noticeably "flares" away from the oncoming traffic.  For instance, in countries where (sober) people normally drive on the "right" side of the road, (Canada, USA, Germany etc) the light flares to the right side.  In countries where people drive on the "wrong" side, (Britain, Australia, Japan) the light flares also to the wrong side.
 
(The lights also "dip" away from oncoming traffic:  low beam setting.)
 
IF you import a car (or replacement European headlights) from the "wrong" country, in Canada you are required by law to change the headlights so they "flare" (and "dip") the right way.  Mercedes W126 models OEM headlight assemblies have replaceable lenses.
 
The question for our knowledgeable friends world-wide here is:  To change the "flare" pattern, must you change the entire headlight assemblies including the reflector and bulb holder, or just the front glass lens?  In other words, is the headlight light pattern only due to the cut of the lens, and the rest of the assemblies are all identical? 
 
-Bellamy
 
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