View Full Version : Replacement car headlight bulbs
The Black Adder
24-01-2019, 19:22
Hi all.
Has anyone ever replaced their headlight bulbs to the brighter type?
My car has the standard H1 bulbs but recently I found that technology has moved on quite a bit. Osram, Philips, Sylvania all have extra bright bulbs.
Apart from synvania they have a long life too.
Anyone changed over to them?
One thing I really don't want to do is go with blue coloured bulbs as they look boy racer prattish.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
The results differ; some say they don't last as long, some they they are as reliable as normal bulbs. I have a set of Osram nightbreakers waiting to be fitted, that were cheap on Amazon. Keep an eye on them coming down in price again.
The Black Adder
24-01-2019, 19:36
Hi, thanks. Yes it was the night breakers I was looking at.
Are you having them fitted soon. It would be interesting to know your opinions.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Jo, this is what you want (scroll down and watch the video): https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/xenon-hid/
Anything else is like driving with candlelight!;)
Marco.
I have the GE Megalight Ultra +130 fitted.
They are bright, and work well.
Keep your fingers off the glass when fittingbthem, and they should last quite a while.
Jo, this is what you want (scroll down and watch the video): https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/xenon-hid/
Anything else is like driving with candlelight!;)
Marco.
Conversion kits are illegal and dangerous as HID need a different reflector compared to normal bulbs.
Fit a kit and you have a high chance of failing the next MOT.
I've got those automatic headlights. Adjust to traffic and light. I just leave them in auto all time. Seem plenty bright to me.
Conversion kits are illegal and dangerous as HID need a different reflector compared to normal bulbs.
Fit a kit and you have a high chance of failing the next MOT.
Then why are they feely for sale all over the place? In any case, the conversion angle wasn't really my point. It was more to have Xenons fitted, if necessarily from scratch, as performance-wise, they piss all over any other lights! :exactly:
Marco.
Then why are they feely for sale all over the place? In any case, the conversion angle wasn't really my point. It was more to have Xenons fitted, if necessarily from scratch, as performance-wise, they piss all over any other lights! :exactly:
Marco.
They are for “off road use only”. What you really need is the new LED lights.
The Black Adder
24-01-2019, 20:09
Xenon are brilliant. My last car had them but not this one.
The cost of conversion is prohibitive unfortunately.
So I'm just trying to improve on what I have.
The current bulbs are like driving with candles and I get so dazzled with LED headlights on other cars. IMO LED lights should be banned, they are way too bright.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
They are for “off road use only”. What you really need is the new LED lights.
What, the conversion kits or Xenons in general? It's certainly not the latter, as mine were fitted by Mercedes as standard. In what way are the new LED lights better?:)
Marco.
Xenon are brilliant. My last car had them but not this one.
The cost of conversion is prohibitive unfortunately.
So I'm just trying to improve on what I have.
The current bulbs are like driving with candles and I get so dazzled with LED headlights on other cars. IMO LED lights should be banned, they are way too bright.
Looks like LEDs are out then:eyebrows:
Noted on the cost issue, dude. Just get the best you can within your budget:)
Marco.
walpurgis
24-01-2019, 20:28
Non standard lights may also void insurance cover. They'll use the slightest excuse to dodge paying out.
The Black Adder
24-01-2019, 20:29
Yeah... They are really.
I wish all headlights were standardised in brightness. If you have an older car like mine, having mega bright LED headlights in your mincers in the dark its really quite dangerous.
They are like a nuclear blast going off compared to normal halogen.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
What, the conversion kits or Xenons in general? It's certainly not the latter, as mine were fitted by Mercedes as standard. In what way are the new LED lights better?:)
Marco.
The HID conversion kits for standard headlights.
Pigmy Pony
24-01-2019, 21:29
More carrots in your diet, that's the way to go :)
May I say you're looking exceptionally fetching today, shweety. I think it's the new hairstyle.
Marco.
Hi, thanks. Yes it was the night breakers I was looking at.
Are you having them fitted soon. It would be interesting to know your opinions.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I'll probably fit them this weekend. I'll let you know what they are like.
Yeah... They are really.
I wish all headlights were standardised in brightness. If you have an older car like mine, having mega bright LED headlights in your mincers in the dark its really quite dangerous.
They are like a nuclear blast going off compared to normal halogen.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I fitted LED H7 to my wife’s BMW Mini, they are far better than any halogen bulb for the very reason you give. So much better lighting up the n/s with on coming traffic. Make sure they are CANbus ready if your car reports bulb failures.
willbewill
25-01-2019, 00:42
Not a fan of HID or LED as they can be dazzling and/or distracting to other road users, especially for elder members of the driving population.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1771460/
I have used upgraded headlight bulbs for years and have learned several things.
Bulbs I have used are Hella, Piaa and Sylvania silver star ultra in the last couple of years in several cars both driving lights, fog lights and pencil beams.
1. They all draw more current than stock bulbs.
2. How long they and your car last depends on a couple factors ,
Factor A. the gauge wiring used in the headlight circuit.
Factor B. Will the contacts in the relays, head light switch and sockets carry the extra load and heat.
Factor C. Climate if it is very hot where you live 110F or 45C it may cause premature yellowing of your plastic head light lenses due to the extra heat.
I have found some cars will not handle the really hot bulbs but I have had good luck with the Sylvania silver stars my Hyundai could not handle the Ulta version of that bulb they burned out very quickly I suspect due to voltage drop as the wiring is not very heavy duty.
My 88 Ford T bird had both headlight switch and relay problems with some strong Piaa bulbs.
Hella fog bulbs and pencil beams have a very long life if you have good wiring.
Bright lights are good, but pull to big a load on a circuit not rated for the load and things will fail sooner than later.
The truck is 4 wheel drive and once I had to chain all 4 tires to get through closed logging roads.
My wife has gotten nerves a few time as we have gone through some pretty deep stuff, When it gets real bad only tire chains do the job.
Nice truck. See you have a bit of that wander lust [emoji106]
jollyfix
25-01-2019, 06:03
Yeah... They are really.
I wish all headlights were standardised in brightness. If you have an older car like mine, having mega bright LED headlights in your mincers in the dark its really quite dangerous.
They are like a nuclear blast going off compared to normal halogen.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Yep, same here, nighttime driving these days is such a pain, and dangerous id say. The amount of times i am blinded from the front and rear.. These new bulbs like having full beam on .
Have a look at Autoexpress online. They do bulb tests and will offer you a guide to the best option for brighter, legal bulbs.
Nice truck. See you have a bit of that wander lust [emoji106]
Thanks Grant,
Since these pictures it sits up a couple more inches has a big roof rack now seen in one picture, It is very low geared and has true possi traction in the rear ,limited slip in the front.
Not great for corners but dose real well in mud and snow. I don't look for big rocks to climb over or try to find challenges that press the limits.
I just want to get to secluded places to camp or just piss in the snow if I feel the urge. It dose that just fine. I like Donner summit . Have been on a lot of snowed up trails.
Once it got pretty deep and we where not far from where the Donner party got snowed in. I pity them being in that with just horses and wagons.
You cant walk in deep snow it's just exhausting and freezing even in modern snow pants with layers. Poor souls didn't have a chance.
I have been camping in weather close to 0 degrees and even with heavy sleeping bags and a tent heater Nosheen objected . We where at Goose Lake last day they allow visitors before it snows in.
I had 2 propane heaters our tent is big 14 x 10 ft. the other campers around us where freezing , I slept on top of my bag it was so warm inside.
we also use cots to stay off the ground.The heat was like smoke coming off the top of the tent.
Ah yes donner pass. I read a book about that. Harrowing. 1840's. Many became cannibals.
You certainly travel in style. Well done
icehockeyboy
25-01-2019, 08:27
They are for “off road use only”. What you really need is the new LED lights.
I swapped my Merc CLS which had xenons, to a brand new C class which has LED’s.
I think that the xenons are superior.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Pigmy Pony
25-01-2019, 08:35
May I say you're looking exceptionally fetching today, shweety. I think it's the new hairstyle.
Marco.
Thank you for noticing, I had it done at "Turn Your Head And Coiffe". A bit pricy, but worth it.
They are superior for the driver, but the scatter of xenon light is much worse than LED in my opinion.
not sure why folk want these silly bright lights anyway. normal ones work fine.
walpurgis
25-01-2019, 09:37
I find the carbide lamps on my 3hp horseless carriage perfectly adequate even at its maximum velocity of seven miles an hour :).
I swapped my Merc CLS which had xenons, to a brand new C class which has LED’s.
I think that the xenons are superior.
Most interesting, Craig, and pretty much what I'd expected. May I ask in what way were the Xenons, in your opinion, superior?
Sounds like I'll be sticking with Xenons:)
Marco.
not sure why folk want these silly bright lights anyway. normal ones work fine.
Depends what you mean by "silly bright lights" and "work fine"... I have good eyesight, and with the Xenons I rarely need to use full beam at night, even on some dark country roads, as the road is amply illuminated with normal beam.
Therefore, I don't have the annoying inconvenience, with full beam on, of having to dip my lights when oncoming traffic approaches, and repeating the process every time it happens, and so drivers aren't momentarily blinded until my lights are dipped. So apart from it being more convenient, it also makes things safer:)
The Xenons on my car are so bright (but not "silly bright") that I only ever use full beam when it's totally pitch black!
That wasn't the case with normal lights - far from it (it was like driving under candlelight in comparison), so for me, "work fine" wasn't the case. Normal lights were grossly inferior. I think the light from LEDs is very glaring and piercing, more so than that produced by Xenons, which is why it hurts your eyes more.
Marco.
P.S Very cool truck, Jeff!:respect:
the problem with very bright lights is that although you see better others see worse, so a balance has to be struck
Not if you don't often use full beam, to cause said annoying brightness, and so others aren't affected. There's no issue at all I'm aware of on normal beam, certainly with Xenons. As long as other cars don't have their full beams on, it shouldn't affect you, LEDs, Xenons or whatever.
I can't remember the last time I needed to use my full beam - and I've been driving plenty at night! Therein is the benefit of Xenons (if your eyesight allows, of course):)
Marco.
It all has to do with the adjustment of the housings and a lot has to do with the defusion of the reflector.
A well dispersed light. Aimed at the road does not bother other drivers. Even a standard light bulb can be blinding if focused directly in the oncoming drivers feild of sight.
And color temperature matters to a blue light is less irritating than white.
If care and common sense is taken you can have both good night vision and responsibility to others sharing the road.
The Black Adder
25-01-2019, 16:19
I tend to disagree, Marco. When your driving a car with normal dipped bulbs and come across someone using dipped LED or whatever the amount of light is blinding especially on roads with no street lights.
Even worse if the opposite car has a higher lighting position like a 4x4 etc.
On a road with no street lights, when they drive past everything is black, sometimes I have to stop the car to let my eyes readjust. Nothing wrong with my eyes, they are just too bright.
So to counteract the dazzle I'm looking for a brighter bulb, that's the theory. They won't be as bright but the more I can illuminate the road the better.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I tend to disagree, Marco. When your driving a car with normal dipped bulbs and come across someone using dipped LED or whatever the amount of light is blinding especially on roads with no street lights.
You're entitled to disagree, Jo, if that's what you've experienced:)
That's not the case for me though, as I've never been 'dazzled' by any car lights that aren't on full-beam, whether they're using LEDs or normal bulbs. Perhaps my eyes are less sensitive to these things than others? I don't know...
Do you wear glasses or have issues with your eyesight? Maybe that's influencing things?:hmm:
So to counteract the dazzle I'm looking for a brighter bulb, that's the theory. They won't be as bright but the more I can illuminate the road the better.
Well, I'd be inclined to take Jeff's advice, as he's experimented a lot in this area and seems to know what he's talking about, especially with his point on reflectors.
Marco.
Depends what you mean by "silly bright lights" and "work fine"... I have good eyesight, and with the Xenons I rarely need to use full beam at night, even on some dark country roads, as the road is amply illuminated with normal beam.
Therefore, I don't have the annoying inconvenience, with full beam on, of having to dip my lights when oncoming traffic approaches, and repeating the process every time it happens, and so drivers aren't momentarily blinded until my lights are dipped. So apart from it being more convenient, it also makes things safer:)
The Xenons on my car are so bright (but not "silly bright") that I only ever use full beam when it's totally pitch black!
That wasn't the case with normal lights - far from it (it was like driving under candlelight in comparison), so for me, "work fine" wasn't the case. Normal lights were grossly inferior. I think the light from LEDs is very glaring and piercing, more so than that produced by Xenons, which is why it hurts your eyes more.
Marco.
P.S Very cool truck, Jeff!:respect:
You need a newer car that dips your headlights automatically for you. Another step closer to not having to think for yourself when driving. :doh:
Lol - aye that'll be shining bright!:nono:
No pun intended;)
Marco.
icehockeyboy
26-01-2019, 12:14
Most interesting, Craig, and pretty much what I'd expected. May I ask in what way were the Xenons, in your opinion, superior?
Sounds like I'll be sticking with Xenons:)
Marco.
I just found that the xenons seemed to illuminate the road better, although the salesman assured me that LED were better!
Plus the xenons were part of a fully adaptive lighting system that negated the need to switch to full beam and back.
It also had the cornering light thing, but that was a feature of the car rather than it being xenon related.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
walpurgis
26-01-2019, 14:20
If LED automotive light bulbs are as reliable as domestic house lighting types, you'd be changing them every three weeks.
I just found that the xenons seemed to illuminate the road better, although the salesman assured me that LED were better!
Plus the xenons were part of a fully adaptive lighting system that negated the need to switch to full beam and back.
It also had the cornering light thing, but that was a feature of the car rather than it being xenon related.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
mine are adaptive too. camera up front picks up the info. the thing has all round radar too
I just found that the xenons seemed to illuminate the road better, although the salesman assured me that LED were better!
Well, they would do, wouldn't they, as they've been trained to sell the latest thing... Just like with hi-fi, latest or newest doesn't necessarily mean best! I haven't yet driven a car with LEDs, so can't comment, but given the superb light the Xenons produce, I simply couldn't imagine LEDs being any better, and it seems I'm right.
Plus the xenons were part of a fully adaptive lighting system that negated the need to switch to full beam and back.
It also had the cornering light thing, but that was a feature of the car rather than it being xenon related.
Yeah, my Merc's got the cornering light thing too - a really useful thing!
Marco.
Well, they would do, wouldn't they, as they've been trained to sell the latest thing... Just like with hi-fi, latest or newest doesn't necessarily mean best! I haven't yet driven a car with LEDs, so can't comment, but given the superb light the Xenons produce, I simply couldn't imagine LEDs being any better, and it seems I'm right.
Yeah, my Merc's got the cornering light thing too - a really useful thing!
Marco.
Where does it say you are right?
Well, I trust Craig's opinion, and also my gut instincts on LEDs, so for the moment, that's good enough for me.
Marco.
Well, I trust Craig's opinion, and also my gut instincts on LEDs, so for the moment, that's good enough for me.
Marco.
But how can you have a gut instinct on LED when you've never driven a car with them, but more importantly never been dazzled by ANY car when driving at night.
i get gut instincts all the time...they are usually accurate
But how can you have a gut instinct on LED when you've never driven a car with them, but more importantly never been dazzled by ANY car when driving at night.
The same as I can have a gut instinct about many things (including hi-fi), which later when tested is proven right! I'm pretty sure if I drove a car with LEDs, and compared them with Xenons, I'd reach the same conclusions as Craig.
What relevance does my statement about not being dazzled by car lights, when not on full beam, have to do with anything?
Marco.
i get gut instincts all the time...they are usually accurate
A rare skill - do you use it for good or evil?
i get gut instincts all the time...they are usually accurate
Indeed - it's how humans have survived for centuries: on their gut instincts!
Marco.
The same as I can have a gut instinct about many things (including hi-fi), which later when tested is proven right! I'm pretty sure if I drove a car with LEDs, and compared them with Xenons, I'd reach the same conclusions as Craig.
What relevance does my statement about not being dazzled by car lights, when not on full beam, have to do with anything?
Marco.
Because part of the whole conversation about headlight bulbs was regarding their beam pattern and diffusion - the effect on the oncoming traffic. If you've never ever been dazzled by a car with xenons then you'll not know the way a headlight can badly dazzle the other side of the road.
A rare skill - do you use it for good or evil?
It's not a rare skill at all. Intrinsically, we *all* have it. Some of us just refuse to use it, and would rather be 'told' what to think by some supposedly 'superior authority';)
Marco.
Because part of the whole conversation about headlight bulbs was regarding their beam pattern and diffusion - the effect on the oncoming traffic. If you've never ever been dazzled by a car with xenons then you'll not know the way a headlight can badly dazzle the other side of the road.
Sure, but that's got nothing to do with your point on gut instincts. I can't comment on what others see (it has no influence on me), only what my own eyes do.
You do appear to enjoy arguing for the sake of arguing, Joe. Is this what you've joined the forum for, or has your presence here got a constructive purpose?
Marco.
gut instinct, or intuition is something you learn from experiences. Some of course cannot relate to this, but such is the life of the sub conscience
gut instinct, or intuition is something you learn from experiences. Some of course cannot relate to this, but such is the life of the sub conscience
Absolutely, but some folks can't trust their gut instincts/intuition, for fear of being 'fooled', and so restrict their learning to what they read in books!:doh:
Marco.
Sure, but that's got nothing to do with your point on gut instincts. I can't comment on what others see (it has no influence on me), only what my own eyes do.
You do appear to enjoy arguing for the sake of arguing, Joe. Is this what you've joined the forum for, or has your presence here got a constructive purpose?
Marco.
It's another viewpoint. I could say you are arguing with me for the sake of it, but I won't.
Bottom line is that the newest LED headlights give a brighter, more focussed beam with less scatter and diffusion. It's just a case of moving with technology, and one's gut makes no difference to that.
That's my final word on it.
gut instinct, or intuition is something you learn from experiences. Some of course cannot relate to this, but such is the life of the sub conscience
Grant , gut instinct is your super power!
Well, Joe, if you continually give me cause to respond, then who's responsible for continuing the argument? There is the option of simply agreeing to disagree, and moving on.
Bottom line is that the newest LED headlights give a brighter, more focussed beam with less scatter and diffusion. It's just a case of moving with technology, and one's gut makes no difference to that.
Ha - now we're getting to the bottom of things... You're an LED fan, and so don't like your choice of lights being criticised!:D
No, it's not the 'bottom line' at all, but simply your humble opinion, which I respect but don't necessarily agree with.
And I don't 'move with technology' unless I consider it's worthwhile doing so. I make up my own mind and do what I consider is right. I'm not a sheep who simply follows the herd, just to be 'fashionable'.
Marco.
I don't have LED in either car. I've had xenon and the wife had xenon currently. I have also seen LED (previous tech) which were abysmal, and the current LED bulbs which give a better performance than the previous LED and (in my opinion) xenon. You are an MB fan and by extension a fan of xenon lights - but with no experience of being on the other end of xenons OR any experience of LED, you are on a sticky wicket
Not arguing or anything, just presenting another viewpoint.
Humbly,
Joe.
Audio Al
26-01-2019, 18:03
Please , not another car driver blinding everyone coming the other way :(
Please , not another car driver blinding everyone coming the other way :(
Not by me - both my cars have normal bulbs.
Got led running lights but didn't want led heads so went for normals. Led headlamps are quite dear too. Rear clusters are all 3d and weird looking. You can stare at them for ages lol.
Audio Al
27-01-2019, 11:51
Not by me - both my cars have normal bulbs.
Thank you , I have std bulbs also :)
Pigmy Pony
27-01-2019, 12:56
Me too - the standard bulbs on my Civic are easily good enough for me to find my way in the dark :)
I remember having a similar conversation with a friend back in the mid 80's .
In the late 70's every one had round incandescent head light bulbs, 6 volt people then where upset the 12 volt bulbs where to bright, then in the 80's my friend complained the new halogen bulbs where blinding on a dark road with no street lights. The complaint remands the same only the technology is different .
A well adjusted head light in the correct reflector is not blinding, any light source that beams directly in your eye that is adjusted to the dark will blind you for a second while your eye re compensates the size of the pupal .
If this doesn't occur.
There is a solution to this problem, go to your doctor and ask him to remove the deer eyes from your head and replace them with human eyes that can quickly adapt to changes in lighting conditions.
Pigmy Pony
28-01-2019, 06:50
I remember having a similar conversation with a friend back in the mid 80's .
In the late 70's every one had round incandescent head light bulbs, 6 volt people then where upset the 12 volt bulbs where to bright, then in the 80's my friend complained the new halogen bulbs where blinding on a dark road with no street lights. The complaint remands the same only the technology is different .
A well adjusted head light in the correct reflector is not blinding, any light source that beams directly in your eye that is adjusted to the dark will blind you for a second while your eye re compensates the size of the pupal .
If this doesn't occur.
There is a solution to this problem, go to your doctor and ask him to remove the deer eyes from your head and replace them with human eyes that can quickly adapt to changes in lighting conditions.
Or the people who feel that standard bulbs are no longer good enough for them should consult a specialist about the feasibility of having bats' ears fitted :D
I remember having a similar conversation with a friend back in the mid 80's .
In the late 70's every one had round incandescent head light bulbs, 6 volt people then where upset the 12 volt bulbs where to bright, then in the 80's my friend complained the new halogen bulbs where blinding on a dark road with no street lights. The complaint remands the same only the technology is different .
A well adjusted head light in the correct reflector is not blinding, any light source that beams directly in your eye that is adjusted to the dark will blind you for a second while your eye re compensates the size of the pupal .
If this doesn't occur.
There is a solution to this problem, go to your doctor and ask him to remove the deer eyes from your head and replace them with human eyes that can quickly adapt to changes in lighting conditions.
Hahaha - spot on, mate! :lol:
You've hit the nail on the head with the bit in bold, which is probably why I've had no issues that I'm aware of, of my lights blinding anyone. Certainly I've had no adverse reactions so far from drivers.
So.... The solution, as indeed is the case with anything else, is to use the correct item (in this case lights and reflector), in the first place, and ensure that it's all set up properly, and yer delicate peepers will remain blissfully 'unmolested'!
:exactly:
Marco.
Or the people who feel that standard bulbs are no longer good enough for them...
Lol - well, so would you, if you had conducted a comparison...
There's simply *no* comparison, in terms of how well roads are illuminated, between standard bulbs and the likes of Xenons - and for *everyone's* safety, whom I'm sharing the road with at the same time, especially at night on the darkest roads, I want to see, as clearly as possible, what's in front of me!
As Jeff says, if your lights are right and have been set up properly, there will be no issues. It's all about not allowing any light source (standard bulbs, Xenons or LEDs) to beam directly at your eyes, when they should be beaming lower down at the road.
There is no shortage of badly adjusted lights on cars on the roads, but if they're only fitted with standard bulbs, it's less of of an issue. The only reason that badly fitted or adjusted Xenons will blind or dazzle you more, is because they're much brighter, which makes them better!! Ensure that they're properly fitted and adjusted, and all will fine.
:exactly:
Marco.
StanleyB
28-01-2019, 09:49
When fitting high power bulbs it's best to have a headlight assembly that is self levelling, or can be adjusted for beam height.
StanleyB
28-01-2019, 10:00
Conversion kits are illegal and dangerous as HID need a different reflector compared to normal bulbs.
Fit a kit and you have a high chance of failing the next MOT.
I had some 150W HID fitted to my SAAB soon after they came on the market. No problem with the MOT over several years.
Just sold the car actually due to the impending ULEZ regime coming into force in London. I fitted 72W LED bulbs to the new car.
When fitting high power bulbs it's best to have a headlight assembly that is self levelling, or can be adjusted for beam height.
Yup... It boils doing to the usual thing Stan: a) applying some common sense and b) doing a job properly in the first place.
Too many folks will either be trying to fit uprated lights to cars that are unsuitable for them, or cutting corners by trying to fit them themselves (without the necessary skills or experience), and not doing the job properly, blinding everyone else in the process when using them, rather than leaving it to a professional, to ensure a professional result!
I've never been into bodging jobs, just to save money, or attempting ones I'm incapable of doing, as it usually ends up being a false economy.
A car, just like a hi-fi system, is a collection of multiple parts that need to work together *as a system*. You can't just fit something any old way, in this case uprated lights, which was never designed to be there in the first place, or that isn't optimised for use with the existing infrastructure, just because you want them on the cheap!:doh:
Golden rule in life: if you're going to do a job, then do it right or not at all.
Marco [fighting against all forms of 'bodging'].
icehockeyboy
28-01-2019, 10:27
Well, I trust Craig's opinion, and also my gut instincts on LEDs, so for the moment, that's good enough for me.
Marco.
Thanks Marco, now, where’s the blushing emoticon?
Joking aside, My ‘relationship ‘ with xenon headlights, through Mercedes started when I bought my first brand new one in late 2004, every Merc I have had since, bar 2, have had xenons.
The latest one as you know has LED’s, and one had bog standard whatever it is type lights that were about as effective as using candles, so that got the elbow fairly soon afterwards!
All bar one had front fog lights, which definitely helped in lighting up the road, and I cannot understand for the life of me, why Merc think they could do away with these in the latest models!
I’m planning a major size downgrade later this year, due to some roads down here in the South West only being Scalextric sized, probably to a Mini Cooper Convertible, but it will have xenons and front fog lights on it!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I had some 150W HID fitted to my SAAB soon after they came on the market. No problem with the MOT over several years.
Just sold the car actually due to the impending ULEZ regime coming into force in London. I fitted 72W LED bulbs to the new car.
That does not change the fact that they are illegal, unless you fit the HID headlamp assembly.
The aftermarket inversion kits can be badly adjusted, and as the reflectors are not made for HID lights, they can be dangerous.
StanleyB
28-01-2019, 10:33
A very valid point there Marco. Getting 4 LED bulbs fitted cost me £200 all together, but at least I know that the garage spent a lot more time getting it right than I would have done. They checked the height of the beam to make sure that I could drive off and go to for a MOT test without failing it. Not that I'll need an MOT test for a few years yet, but you get the message.
Bksabath
28-01-2019, 10:58
Maybe out of topic …#
I have xenon on my Audi
One stopped working and then back on for a while then off again for bulb
Normal garages wont touch xenon …
so visit to Audi
Conversation between me and Receptionist
I have a broken bulb can you book me in please?
Rec. : sure Friday next week ok
Well can't you do earlier
Rec.: no
Ok how much I like to know just in case I need to sell the childrens?
Rec. well we can't say for sure but around £300
OK and what if is not the bulb as It came on and off so could be the transformer?
Rec.:well can't really say about £700 for the transformer
Ok not sure if I can sell the childrens by next Friday will let you know
Back home I have found a site
https://www.hids-direct.co.uk/
2 Xenon Bulbs and one transformer just in case £55 fitted by myself in half an hour
hope it helps
That's absolutely fine, Sandro, if what you've bought is 100% compatible with your car, and you're able to do just as good a job of fitting and setting it up as the dealership (or some other trained professional), without compromising the end result.
That simply wouldn't apply to me, so it would be £55 down the drain:)
Marco.
Joking aside, My ‘relationship ‘ with xenon headlights, through Mercedes started when I bought my first brand new one in late 2004, every Merc I have had since, bar 2, have had xenons.
The latest one as you know has LED’s, and one had bog standard whatever it is type lights that were about as effective as using candles, so that got the elbow fairly soon afterwards!
Exactly my experience, Craig. Two of the last three Mercs I've had came with Xenons, all professionally fitted as standard and properly set up, so as to point the light where it should be pointing, not where it shouldn't, and not dazzle anyone...I wouldn't settle for anything less!
I guess if I buy a new(er) Merc next time, I'll have to put up with LEDs, because that seems what's being sold now as 'superior'. However, it's doubtful that my next car will be a Merc; most likely an Alfa Giulia, as I haven't done the 'Alfa thing' yet, and being Italian, that's somewhat of a sacrilege: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://www.alfaromeousa.com/content/dam/alfausa/redesign/desktop/Giulia-VLP/VLP-Gallery/AlfaRomeo_2018_VLP_Giulia_Gallery1_Desktop.jpg.alf aimage.700.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.alfaromeousa.com/cars/giulia&h=700&w=700&tbnid=FrCASPFZf2oZyM:&q=alfa+giulia&tbnh=186&tbnw=186&usg=AI4_-kTmE5LXmI8_3Sdl-2yJ_inC_21OAA&vet=12ahUKEwizr9XLs5DgAhURtnEKHd9xAeMQ_B0wGHoECAUQ Bg..i&docid=djzBUa-zFE0NkM&itg=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizr9XLs5DgAhURtnEKHd9xAeMQ_B0wGHoECAUQB g
I’m planning a major size downgrade later this year, due to some roads down here in the South West only being Scalextric sized, probably to a Mini Cooper Convertible, but it will have xenons and front fog lights on it!
No worries, mate. Let's hope you get that option!;)
Marco.
That does not change the fact that they are illegal, unless you fit the HID headlamp assembly.
Yes, but correct me if I'm wrong, didn't you say that it would automatically lead to an MOT failure if they were fitted? If not, someone else did earlier, and I can't be arsed scrolling back. So Stan's proved now that's not the case, if they've been installed and set up properly.
The aftermarket inversion kits can be badly adjusted, and as the reflectors are not made for HID lights, they can be dangerous.
That's a valid and important point. The key then of course, if they're not *indisputably* illegal (and the jury's still out on that one for me, a bit like the discussion we had with LDRs;)), is to ensure that they're not "badly adjusted", and also used with the correct reflectors.
As usual though, folk blame the item itself for problems it causes, rather than the human element responsible for not carrying out the job properly!
Marco.
A very valid point there Marco. Getting 4 LED bulbs fitted cost me £200 all together, but at least I know that the garage spent a lot more time getting it right than I would have done. They checked the height of the beam to make sure that I could drive off and go to for a MOT test without failing it. Not that I'll need an MOT test for a few years yet, but you get the message.
Indeed, and I agree 100%. It's simply about doing things properly, rather than half-assed. I'm a perfectionist (or try to be), and value quality, so I'd rather do without something I wanted, if I couldn't afford it, or optimise it, than settle for something inferior or that’s not 100% right.
Marco.
It will lead to an MOT failure if the guy can be bothered to check.
According to the Department of Transport are illegal.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aftermarket-hid-headlamps/aftermarket-hid-headlamps
So are you saying that the person who passed Stan's car for its MOT was negligent?
Marco.
If he did not have a headlight wash system fitted to his car, then yes the MOT tester did not do a proper job.
They are illegal. They are sold for off road or show use only. Read the adverts....
Well then, Stan, over to you. Looks like your MOT isn't worth the paper it's written on.....;)
Marco.
As he no longer has them fitted then I doubt he is bothered.
to my knowledge yes they are illegal unless done by the manufacturer of lamps, where the whole assembly is fitted; also washers have to be fitted, BUT it is not in the MOT to check this. The tester tests for the type of headlamp fitted, not the bulb. he tests that they operate correctly and the beam they omit is within spec. It is not on the Test to check bulb matches headlamp afaik yet.
Xenons are only legal as they are EU accepted, thus MofT couldnt ban them.(again afaik)
I might add all headlamps that produce over 2000 lumens require lamp washers. modern xenon 25 watt lamps do not need lamp washers....just to complicate things.
oh and in the usa you dont need them at all.:eyebrows:
As he no longer has them fitted then I doubt he is bothered.
Perhaps not, but it's the premise it sets that's important. Something is either right or wrong [in this case how an MOT is carried out], legal or illegal. There should be no grey areas.
Marco.
to my knowledge yes they are illegal unless done by the manufacturer of lamps, where the whole assembly is fitted; also washers have to be fitted, BUT it is not in the MOT to check this. The tester tests for the type of headlamp fitted, not the bulb. he tests that they operate correctly and the beam they omit is within spec. It is not on the Test to check bulb matches headlamp afaik yet.
If true, then there was nothing wrong with Stan's MOT, in respect of his lights. This is what I mean about grey areas!:doh:
What we need is a statement, from an official source, of *exactly what* an MOT tester is currently required to test for, in relation to car lights and bulbs, which is totally unambiguous [and without having to read through reams full of prose, via some website link, to try and decipher that information].
Only when we can all see that, clearly written in black and white in front of us, can this argument be settled one way or another.
Marco.
If the kits are illegal but this is not checked in the MOT and you obtain an MOT you still run the risk of insurance companies refusing to pay out in the event of a claim. Many years back my dad's car was broken into causing a lot of damage, first thing the insurance assessor did when he came round was start checking the tread on the tyres!
'Existing halogen headlamp units shouldn’t be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.' - no mention of LED, which are mentioned elsewhere. Also, if the bulbs are fitted to a car pre-2009 then they don't have to have headlight washers.
All they are concerned about in this case is beam width and pattern. So Stan's MOT was most likely 100% correct, unless his car was post 09 and the washers didn't work etc etc.
'Existing halogen headlamp units shouldn’t be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.'
Could we have a link please, directly to the source of what you've just quoted?:)
Marco.
https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/class3457/Section-4-Lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment.html#section_4.1
Cheers, I'll have a read after my lunch:)
Marco.
If true, then there was nothing wrong with Stan's MOT, in respect of his lights. This is what I mean about grey areas!:doh:
What we need is a statement, from an official source, of *exactly what* an MOT tester is currently required to test for, in relation to car lights and bulbs, which is totally unambiguous [and without having to read through reams full of prose, via some website link, to try and decipher that information].
Only when we can all see that, clearly written in black and white in front of us, can this argument be settled one way or another.
Marco.
last time i saw an mot test check list it wasnt on it, although im sure it will be sometime. may be an instruction tho. ive a friend who does mots so will ask next time i see him
Hi, thanks. Yes it was the night breakers I was looking at.
Are you having them fitted soon. It would be interesting to know your opinions.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Fitted today; I'm on the road at 5am tomorrow for a 100 mile commute so I'll let you know how I get on.
StanleyB
28-01-2019, 18:12
Well then, Stan, over to you. Looks like your MOT isn't worth the paper it's written on.....;)
Marco.
I shall file a complaint with the MOT station and demand my money back.
The Black Adder
28-01-2019, 20:33
Fitted today; I'm on the road at 5am tomorrow for a 100 mile commute so I'll let you know how I get on.Cool, thanks [emoji41]
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I shall file a complaint with the MOT station and demand my money back.
Tell them Marco sent you.
Cool, thanks [emoji41]
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
The Osram Nightbreaker H7 bulbs I fitted yesterday did indeed give a brighter light ahead of me. A lot of my journey is through the smaller roads of Wiltshire and Dorset where it is pitch balck at 6am, and i was very happy with my lights. They aren't HID, that's for certain, but they are an improvement over my old bulbs.
The Black Adder
29-01-2019, 10:56
The Osram Nightbreaker H7 bulbs I fitted yesterday did indeed give a brighter light ahead of me. A lot of my journey is through the smaller roads of Wiltshire and Dorset where it is pitch balck at 6am, and i was very happy with my lights. They aren't HID, that's for certain, but they are an improvement over my old bulbs.Superb... Thanks for the update.
I'll buy some today. Don't know how easy they are in install on my car so might get a garage to do it.
That's great, thanks again.
I wonder what the GE ones are like?
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Superb... Thanks for the update.
I'll buy some today. Don't know how easy they are in install on my car so might get a garage to do it.
That's great, thanks again.
I wonder what the GE ones are like?
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Which car are they being fitted on?
The Black Adder
29-01-2019, 10:58
Which car are they being fitted on?VW Beetle. I know it looks really fiddly on the passenger side as the battery is in the way.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
VW Beetle. I know it looks really fiddly on the passenger side as the battery is in the way.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I have a Skoda Octavia, and the instructions linked below are very similar to mine - easy. The whole headlight comes out, which seems daunting, but isn't.
Hopefully the model of Beetle shown in the link is the same as yours.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Volkswagen+New+Beetle+Headlight+Bulb+Replacement/6582
The GE ones are better. I replaced my aging night breakers with the GE.
The best are supposed to be the Philips +150 in H7.
The Black Adder
29-01-2019, 12:36
I have a Skoda Octavia, and the instructions linked below are very similar to mine - easy. The whole headlight comes out, which seems daunting, but isn't.
Hopefully the model of Beetle shown in the link is the same as yours.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Volkswagen+New+Beetle+Headlight+Bulb+Replacement/6582Thanks for that, Joe... Lol I may give it a go.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
The Black Adder
29-01-2019, 12:38
The GE ones are better. I replaced my aging night breakers with the GE.
The best are supposed to be the Philips +150 in H7.We're you previous bulbs the nightbreaker
'laser' version? Just wondered if the laser version is an update to the night breakers.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
I doubt it. They were in the car for a few years.
Have a look here for the Autoexpress test results: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/76760/best-car-headlight-bulbs-2018
I have read that the suggested lifetime of the Philips +150 bulb is 200 hours. I would not touch them with a bargepole!
The Black Adder
11-03-2019, 17:27
Just to conclude as I hate threads which just stop with no outcome.
Got the GE Megalight Ultra +130s fitted.
Very good indeed, much better than the candles I had in before.
Thanks for all of your advice, chaps... :)
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/mf4AAOSwkIBbIic8/s-l400.jpg
All's well that ends well:)
That should stop you knocking down rabbits now!:D
Marco.
The Black Adder
11-03-2019, 20:10
Oh.. I like bunny bumping... Lol
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.