MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Audio / Security / Electrical => Topic started by: monkeybrain1234 on January 17, 2016, 23:39

Title: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 17, 2016, 23:39
Find the headlights not so bright on the Mr2 compared to my 350z lights.

Can you recommend better bulbs?

Or even better a HID conversion kit?  I know there a legal issues involved, but put one on my Alfa a few years back and it worked brilliantly with no mot issues or flashing from oncoming motorists.

Open to suggestions.   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 17, 2016, 23:41
Some nightbreakers made all the difference for me.  s:-D :-D s:-D  

Are you PFL or FL?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 17, 2016, 23:44
Quote from: "StuC"Some nightbreakers made all the difference for me.  s:-D :-D s:-D  

Are you PFL or FL?

2005 so I believe FL.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: theredone on January 17, 2016, 23:48
perhaps they need a polish. plenty info on forum re that.
as stu said - osram nightbreakers ultra should make a difference.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 17, 2016, 23:55
Quote from: "theredone"perhaps they need a polish. plenty info on forum re that.
as stu said - osram nightbreakers ultra should make a difference.

Cheers. Polished them up a few weeks ago and lens is nice and clear for sure. Just after more light output and distance!

May need to give the night breakers ago.

Any thoughts on HID kits for the MR2?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: martin_b on January 18, 2016, 07:18
Any thoughts on HID kits for the MR2?

Ive got an HID kit in my FL and its passed 3 MOT's with no issues.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 18, 2016, 08:52
Ah the oncoming traffic dazzlers. Love that club.

Edit: I think I could pass an MOT these days with my 5 year old daughter's electric Barbie car.
So many misaligned headlights, so many oversights, tyres worn, brakes shot, rust everywhere. Let's not forget the mighty clause of "can't remove plastics". MOTs have absolutely sweet bugger all to do with Road safety for the driver and other road users.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Bernie on January 18, 2016, 09:06
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234"
Quote from: "theredone"perhaps they need a polish. plenty info on forum re that.
as stu said - osram nightbreakers ultra should make a difference.

Cheers. Polished them up a few weeks ago and lens is nice and clear for sure. Just after more light output and distance!

May need to give the night breakers ago.

Any thoughts on HID kits for the MR2?

Thoughts on HIDs

They are not road legal if your MOT tester hasn't picked them up doesn't escape the fact and as a Club we can't condone their use
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jock on January 18, 2016, 09:50
The legal issue should be a lesser concern than ROAD SAFETY.

The thread is "improving headlights".  How that can be done by knowingly blinding other road users beggars belief.

Be involved or cause an accident with illegal lights and/or not told your insurance company and the consequences are not worth it   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  .

All those "I've not been caught brigade" need to look in the mirror.  Bathroom mirror   s:evil: :evil: s:evil:  !
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: theredone on January 18, 2016, 10:29
could try specsavers   s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Bernie on January 18, 2016, 11:02
Quote from: "theredone"could try specsavers   s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen:

Now that's funny !
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 18, 2016, 13:40
 s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

Whoops, seem like I have opened a can of worms here!  (Didn't mean to)

Was merely after the best light output from the MR2's lights as currently they don't seem too bright and would say that is a Road Safety issue in itself.

I do not intend to blind any oncoming traffic, I would like to think no one would purposely do this, just weighing up the different options.   s:crazyeyes: :crazyeyes: s:crazyeyes:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on January 18, 2016, 14:15
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234":shock:

Whoops, seem like I have opened a can of worms here!  (Didn't mean to)

Was merely after the best light output from the MR2's lights as currently they don't seem too bright and would say that is a Road Safety issue in itself.

I do not intend to blind any oncoming traffic, I would like to think no one would purposely do this, just weighing up the different options.   s:crazyeyes: :crazyeyes: s:crazyeyes:


I would say, as you have now cleaned the lenses. Try some powerful headlights. The nightbreakers and the x-tremes both get good ratings on here. Hopefully that should solve your issue at not too much of an expense.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 18, 2016, 14:25
You've been the victim of being the latest person to mention the frowned upon HIDs  s:) :) s:)  There were many before you haha.

I'm particularly sensitive to contrast so incorrectly adjusted lights, badly designed xenons and aftermarket HIDs really make my night driving dangerous for me.
To be fair, aftermarket HIDs make up about 20% at best of the above. I'd happy accommodate the occasional HID kitter if all the other issues were resolved.

But to your point; the light output on the 2 is rather pitiful. Best you can do is (as suggested) put in some very well-rated brighter bulbs.
Also mentioned was headlight clarity. Particularly if you have a 2003+ car with projectors, the lens clarity is of paramount importance in ensuring that light goes where it should go and isn't lost in refraction or diffusion caused by foggy or chipped lenses.

Polish them up good and proper until crystal clear, add some good bulbs, and the difference will be there.

Bear in mind that HID kits often do not increase visibility at all as people have a fancy for putting 8000+k bulbs in, which are far too blue/purple and actually means you can see LESS far.

Good luck
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: MisterK on January 18, 2016, 14:50
I must be lucky as the lights on my 04 roadster are some of the best I've come across, even as standard - far better than the standard lights fitted to my Auris Hybrid.  I fitted some Osram Nightbreakers years ago when one of the OEM bulbs blew & it did make the world of difference - I replaced both dip and main beam bulbs, as well as fitting LED sidelights.  The light output and spread is more than adequate for very spirited motoring at night down remote unlit country lanes in my humble opinion.   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: stewart@boro on January 18, 2016, 15:03
I've got the same set up as Mark and no complaints.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 18, 2016, 15:36
Great thanks for all your inputs.

Will order a set of Nightbreakers and go from there.  Are the bulbs H4 or H7 on 2005 Model. sorry for stupid question.   s:o :o s:o
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on January 18, 2016, 15:42
hopefully this helps. Quick little search  s:) :) s:)  

(copied from thread)

The are different codes for the same lamps, the ones that I can remember are:

Front side lights W5W, 501
Front indicators W21W, 580

Side indicator repeater (amber if you do not have amber lens) W5W, 501

Rear side light/brake light WY21W, 582 (side and brake in one lamp)
Rear high level brake light W5W, 501
Rear reversing light W21W, 580
Rear fog light W21W, 580
Rear indicator (amber) W21W, 580
Rear number plate W5W, 501

Interior light 30mm festoon, 269
Dash back lights 286

PFL headlights H4 (dip and full in one lamp)
or
FL headlights H7 (dip) HB3/9005 (full)





So if yours is FL H7 for dip  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 18, 2016, 15:49
Quote from: "Jrichards20"hopefully this helps. Quick little search  s:) :) s:)  

(copied from thread)

So if yours is FL H7 for dip  s:) :) s:)

Thanks Mate.  Will order now.    s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on January 18, 2016, 16:10
No problem. It might be worth taking a picture of how far your current lights extend to in the dark, and then a picture once you've installed the new ones. That way you can post up a comparison  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: 1979scotte on January 18, 2016, 20:31
No issues with my headlights.
Dont think the 2 is worse than any other car ive had.
Excet maybe my mondeo which had xenon.
Being so low to the ground cant help.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 18, 2016, 20:36
On a side note, the main beams on the 2 are epic! They're actually much better than the mains on our Audi bi-xenons.

I also have the setup as above, osrams. They do make a huge difference over crappy bulbs.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: tomaky on January 18, 2016, 20:36
The fl are a definite improvement over pre fl, the projector should have been in all models.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 18, 2016, 20:51
Have ordered the night breakers ultimate H7 bulbs. Good idea of before and after. Will get some pictures up for sure.

Thanks for all the advice, this forum is proving to be just as friendly and useful as the 350z one.   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 18, 2016, 20:59
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234"Thanks for all the advice, this forum is proving to be just as friendly and useful as the 350z one.   s:D :D s:D

Certainly something we try for.  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Bernie on January 18, 2016, 21:09
Just throwing another option out there I have changed over the FL fogs for these ring driving light / DRL angel eyes

Have the driving lights wired in to the high beam only to be legal so 2 in 1

 m http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performan ... ving-lamps (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/spot-lights/ring-angel-eyes-driving-lamps) m

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160118/e7fd1ce3946edb908156a44cad35996d.jpg)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 18, 2016, 21:11
Where is that Bernie?

I take it that is Rog's old car in front of yours?
Title: Improving headlights
Post by: Bernie on January 18, 2016, 21:17
New Forest drive to Beaulieu Jap Cars day 2014 Stu
Yep Rogers old car when Josh had it
Shame the donkey's ar5e got in the Pik !
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: stewart@boro on January 18, 2016, 22:33
Quote from: "bernie11a"Just throwing another option out there I have changed over the FL fogs for these ring driving light / DRL angel eyes

Have the driving lights wired in to the high beam only to be legal so 2 in 1

 m http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performan ... ving-lamps (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/spot-lights/ring-angel-eyes-driving-lamps) m

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160118/e7fd1ce3946edb908156a44cad35996d.jpg)

Think that's me at the back, only been driving for 6 hours when that was taken, plenty of get up and go left  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 18, 2016, 22:46
Quote from: "bernie11a"New Forest drive to Beaulieu Jap Cars day 2014 Stu
Yep Rogers old car when Josh had it
Shame the donkey's ar5e got in the Pik !
That'll be why I don't remember it then.  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: theredone on January 19, 2016, 00:22
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234"Have ordered the night breakers ultimate H7 bulbs.....

these are the dipped beam bulbs. I would have thought you would be better to upgrade the main beam bulbs - hb3.
that`s what I`ve done. I have a set of h7`s but they are a bit more awkward to get at so have not bothered with them so far.
Title: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on January 19, 2016, 07:59
Was my reply deleted? Or did I not press the right button?

MOD - Post was deleted having said The Club cannot condone or promote HIDs the post was deemed not permissible
The thread has offered solutions that comply so please respect the Clubs position
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 19, 2016, 08:30
Quote from: "theredone"
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234"Have ordered the night breakers ultimate H7 bulbs.....

these are the dipped beam bulbs. I would have thought you would be better to upgrade the main beam bulbs - hb3.
that`s what I`ve done. I have a set of h7`s but they are a bit more awkward to get at so have not bothered with them so far.
Isn't it the dipped you want to change? Unless you drive around with mains all night  s:) :) s:)  
Having upgraded mains is nice for the dark lanes though. Light up the place like Vegas.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on January 19, 2016, 08:39
It's meeee!!  s:) :) s:)  God I miss that car  s:( :( s:(

Think I need another sable   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 19, 2016, 09:05
Quote from: "Jrichards20"It's meeee!!  s:) :) s:)  God I miss that car  s:( :( s:(

Think I need another sable   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Wrong thread?  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on January 19, 2016, 09:22
Right thread, just a bit delayed! Its too early in the morning for me to do anything right yet!  s:) :) s:)  Should have bought that really cheap sable that was up for sale last month.   s:( :( s:(  *crying*

Quote from: "Stewart@Boro"
Quote from: "bernie11a"Just throwing another option out there I have changed over the FL fogs for these ring driving light / DRL angel eyes

Have the driving lights wired in to the high beam only to be legal so 2 in 1

 m http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performan ... ving-lamps (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/spot-lights/ring-angel-eyes-driving-lamps) m

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160118/e7fd1ce3946edb908156a44cad35996d.jpg)

Think that's me at the back, only been driving for 6 hours when that was taken, plenty of get up and go left  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Quote from: "StuC"Where is that Bernie?

I take it that is Rog's old car in front of yours?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 19, 2016, 09:32
Quote from: "shnazzle"
Quote from: "theredone"
Quote from: "monkeybrain1234"Have ordered the night breakers ultimate H7 bulbs.....

these are the dipped beam bulbs. I would have thought you would be better to upgrade the main beam bulbs - hb3.
that`s what I`ve done. I have a set of h7`s but they are a bit more awkward to get at so have not bothered with them so far.
Isn't it the dipped you want to change? Unless you drive around with mains all night  s:) :) s:)  
Having upgraded mains is nice for the dark lanes though. Light up the place like Vegas.

H7 for dipped lights is what i am after. It's the normal driving I am trying to improve currently. I may also upgrade the full beams too but I rarely use them. Will certainly keep it in mind about changing full beams too. Let's see how much of a difference the dipped night breakers make first.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Bugster_MR2 on January 19, 2016, 21:31
+1 for Osram Nightbreakers.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on January 19, 2016, 22:57
Quote from: "CrazySX"Was my reply deleted? Or did I not press the right button?

MOD - Post was deleted having said The Club cannot condone or promote HIDs the post was deemed not permissible
The thread has offered solutions that comply so please respect the Clubs position
Fair enough.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Glubux on January 21, 2016, 16:34
I fitted Trucklites (100% LED) on my car, it works great !

(http://nsa37.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813614279.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813722154.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813299835.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053812901590.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813964993.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053814111777.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/1601210538123341.jpg)

It's a lot of work, a bit expensive but worth it !
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: monkeybrain1234 on January 27, 2016, 23:29
Thought I would update this with the difference.

The Osram Nightbreakers as recommended by many of you.
(http://i.imgur.com/41gPplF.jpg)

Fitting them Passengers side with new bulb, Drivers still old bulb.  Even in daylight you could notice a difference.
(http://i.imgur.com/c8LyxfW.jpg)

And a Before and after shot at night.
(http://i.imgur.com/HwxQ4Ni.jpg)

Huge difference when driving in the dark now.  Thanks for the advice all.   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 27, 2016, 23:33
Good stuff. Forgot what a difference it makes
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: ash.carr on January 28, 2016, 22:51
Quote from: "Glubux"I fitted Trucklites (100% LED) on my car, it works great !

It's a lot of work, a bit expensive but worth it !

Good lord. I have a thing about lights, its the main thing that made me check out the Leon before I bought it. Veeeeeery nice. But yeah, expensive! I love the retrofit projectors some people have too.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on January 29, 2016, 09:06
Quote from: "Glubux"I fitted Trucklites (100% LED) on my car, it works great !

(http://nsa37.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813614279.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813722154.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813299835.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053812901590.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053813964993.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/160121053814111777.jpg)
(http://nsa38.casimages.com/img/2016/01/21/1601210538123341.jpg)

It's a lot of work, a bit expensive but worth it !
Nice to see someone doing something different. Are they legal? And how does the adjustment work on them?

I see what you did now.. good work!
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Glubux on January 29, 2016, 15:18
Because they are glued on the original reflector, the adjustment works the same as before.
I don't know exactly about the legal concern, HID wouldn't be because of the sprayer every HID headlight should have, however this is LED and some new cars with LED headlights don't have sprayers anymore...
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on January 29, 2016, 16:10
Quote from: "Glubux"Because they are glued on the original reflector, the adjustment works the same as before.
I don't know exactly about the legal concern, HID wouldn't be because of the sprayer every HID headlight should have, however this is LED and some new cars with LED headlights don't have sprayers anymore...

LED fall into the same category as HID.  However looks like the only requirement is to have washer jets.  The self levelling is mitigated in section 1.7 paragraph 9 as can be found here.  m http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf (http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20Changes%20-%20Lighting.pdf) m  So, in brief, make sure they are aligned well and keep them clean and we are good.  I am exploring the option of fitting washer jets, however, they may look ugly aesthetically.  Also, from my experience (on the 200sx), they do very little to actually clean the lights if the lights are covered in dead flies and tar, they actually do very little to even remove normal dirt. But.. if it means an easier life at the MOT station then happy days.  I think i have used the headlight washer jets on the 200sx maybe twice in over 10 years of ownership.  Mostly down to the fact that i like my cars to be kept clean  s;) ;) s;)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Glubux on January 29, 2016, 16:34
I think the real purpose of the washer jets is to melt the ice/snow/steam that the lower temp of the HID can't melt, the problem can be worse with LED because there is almost no heat.
The alignement is done correctly , no problems at all with other drivers   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Bernie on January 29, 2016, 18:04
Quote from: "CrazySX"
Quote from: "Glubux"Because they are glued on the original reflector, the adjustment works the same as before.
I don't know exactly about the legal concern, HID wouldn't be because of the sprayer every HID headlight should have, however this is LED and some new cars with LED headlights don't have sprayers anymore...

LED fall into the same category as HID.  However looks like the only requirement is to have washer jets.  The self levelling is mitigated in section 1.7 paragraph 9 as can be found here.  m http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf (http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20Changes%20-%20Lighting.pdf) m  So, in brief, make sure they are aligned well and keep them clean and we are good.  I am exploring the option of fitting washer jets, however, they may look ugly aesthetically.  Also, from my experience (on the 200sx), they do very little to actually clean the lights if the lights are covered in dead flies and tar, they actually do very little to even remove normal dirt. But.. if it means an easier life at the MOT station then happy days.  I think i have used the headlight washer jets on the 200sx maybe twice in over 10 years of ownership.  Mostly down to the fact that i like my cars to be kept clean  s;) ;) s;)


Just to further comment should you manage to retro fit a washer system hanging your hat on a tester agreeing our 2's fall into this statement mentioned is up for debate !
"It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system."

So to summarise again The Club cannot sanction or condone the use of HIDs or LED headlights and it's at the owners risk should they decide to fit
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jock on January 29, 2016, 19:02
Would somebody PLEASE look at these improved headlights from the other side   s:cry: :cry: s:cry:  ?
Go to a floodlit event, watch the action and then take a look up into the lights   s:scared: :scared: s:scared:  !
Now look back at the action - the car you dazzled is heading for YOU or the child in the periphery   s:( :( s:(  !

How far ahead can you see?  Bend in the road, no problem!

You might know the road but you do not know what is on the road   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:  .
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Wabbitkilla on January 29, 2016, 19:45
Quote from: "Jock"Would somebody PLEASE look at these improved headlights from the other side   s:cry: :cry: s:cry:  ?
Go to a floodlit event, watch the action and then take a look up into the lights   s:scared: :scared: s:scared:  !
Now look back at the action - the car you dazzled is heading for YOU or the child in the periphery   s:( :( s:(  !

How far ahead can you see?  Bend in the road, no problem!

You might know the road but you do not know what is on the road   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:  .

I'm with you here, I'm completely pi--ed off being blinded by these nobjockeys driving around with HID in reflector housings not designed for them. About time the police had a purge on them.  s:evil: :evil: s:evil:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: ChrisGB on January 29, 2016, 19:48
Quote from: "Jock"Would somebody PLEASE look at these improved headlights from the other side   s:cry: :cry: s:cry:  ?
Go to a floodlit event, watch the action and then take a look up into the lights   s:scared: :scared: s:scared:  !
Now look back at the action - the car you dazzled is heading for YOU or the child in the periphery   s:( :( s:(  !

How far ahead can you see?  Bend in the road, no problem!

You might know the road but you do not know what is on the road   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:  .

Exactly this. Putting HID lamps in projector / reflector systems designed for halogen bulbs will produce too much off pattern light causing excess glare for oncoming drivers. The pattern is often poor too, with hot spots actually reducing effective illumination. LED sources are a very different shape to filaments and produce a poor pattern. It's just very inconsiderate to do these conversions.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Anonymous on January 29, 2016, 20:24
Glubux's led is one I would entertain as it was designed to replace the lamp on a defender and uses a specific built in reflector.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: shnazzle on January 29, 2016, 20:32
I've ranted about this before... It's driving me to disparity.
However, I must say, the absolute worst car on the road for this at the minute is the new Nissan Qashqai. Perfectly aligned, auto-leveling, etc etc. Blinds the living s*** out of you!

Is there somewhere an official complaint can be logged?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Wabbitkilla on January 30, 2016, 09:41
Yes i agree Glubux's conversion is excellent imho, totally replcing the reflector with a unit designed to work with the light source.
I have seen a S1 Elise conversion to HID which completely replaces the headlight too which seems to work, but i won't be swapping mine out.

Patrick i feel all 4x4's should be banned from using HID since their lights sit hight than normal cars they're simply unsuited to that type of headlight source imho
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: loadswine on January 30, 2016, 10:17
Yes, but they are a necessary part of the outside lane bullying apparatus, so often utilised by Range Rovers and similar.
Roar up to your bumper at silly speed with as much illumination as possible, so people move out of the way.
Chav pushy to pass!
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Anonymous on January 30, 2016, 10:20
If you seen the new land rover defender then their lights will do you a favor so you can't see the abortion that they have made it with the new model.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 30, 2016, 10:28
Quote from: "rbuckingham"If you seen the new land rover defender then their lights will do you a favor so you can't see the abortion that they have made it with the new model.
I take it your not a fan then rich?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Anonymous on January 30, 2016, 10:35
Quote from: "StuC"
Quote from: "rbuckingham"If you seen the new land rover defender then their lights will do you a favor so you can't see the abortion that they have made it with the new model.
I take it your not a fan then rich?

Could anyone be a fan?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: StuC on January 30, 2016, 10:38
There are quite a few at JLR that like it.  s;-) ;-) s;-)
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Anonymous on January 30, 2016, 10:59
Quote from: "StuC"There are quite a few at JLR that like it.  s;-) ;-) s;-)

Is it time we get you committed Stu? Have you finally lost it?
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on January 30, 2016, 12:29
Quote from: "bernie11a"
Quote from: "CrazySX"
Quote from: "Glubux"Because they are glued on the original reflector, the adjustment works the same as before.
I don't know exactly about the legal concern, HID wouldn't be because of the sprayer every HID headlight should have, however this is LED and some new cars with LED headlights don't have sprayers anymore...

LED fall into the same category as HID.  However looks like the only requirement is to have washer jets.  The self levelling is mitigated in section 1.7 paragraph 9 as can be found here.  m http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf (http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20Changes%20-%20Lighting.pdf) m  So, in brief, make sure they are aligned well and keep them clean and we are good.  I am exploring the option of fitting washer jets, however, they may look ugly aesthetically.  Also, from my experience (on the 200sx), they do very little to actually clean the lights if the lights are covered in dead flies and tar, they actually do very little to even remove normal dirt. But.. if it means an easier life at the MOT station then happy days.  I think i have used the headlight washer jets on the 200sx maybe twice in over 10 years of ownership.  Mostly down to the fact that i like my cars to be kept clean  s;) ;) s;)


Just to further comment should you manage to retro fit a washer system hanging your hat on a tester agreeing our 2's fall into this statement mentioned is up for debate !
"It is also worthy of note that a few high performance vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that have barely any luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self-levelling system."

So to summarise again The Club cannot sanction or condone the use of HIDs or LED headlights and it's at the owners risk should they decide to fit
I understand this, I was just saying if done properly and aligned there should be no issues. I have fitted HIDS to a few cars of mine and done it properly and even passed MOT.  I agree that lots of people who don't know what they are doing fit them badly and give everyone esle a bad name. I know the club doesn't condone or sanction HIDS.  I am a 36 yr old man who, regardless of being part of a club has made my own decisions from a very early age.  To this end other adults on this forum i presume would do the same. This thread was about improving headlights and opinions on HIDS too. So I gave mine. What the OP decides to do is their decision.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: ash.carr on January 31, 2016, 00:39
Quote from: "CrazySX"
Quote from: "Glubux"Because they are glued on the original reflector, the adjustment works the same as before.
I don't know exactly about the legal concern, HID wouldn't be because of the sprayer every HID headlight should have, however this is LED and some new cars with LED headlights don't have sprayers anymore...

LED fall into the same category as HID.  However looks like the only requirement is to have washer jets.  The self levelling is mitigated in section 1.7 paragraph 9 as can be found here.  m http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf (http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20Changes%20-%20Lighting.pdf) m  So, in brief, make sure they are aligned well and keep them clean and we are good.  I am exploring the option of fitting washer jets, however, they may look ugly aesthetically.  Also, from my experience (on the 200sx), they do very little to actually clean the lights if the lights are covered in dead flies and tar, they actually do very little to even remove normal dirt. But.. if it means an easier life at the MOT station then happy days.  I think i have used the headlight washer jets on the 200sx maybe twice in over 10 years of ownership.  Mostly down to the fact that i like my cars to be kept clean  s;) ;) s;)

The washers on my Leon might as well not be there. And that thing is full LED from DRL to main beam, not a single bulb.

Aftermarket HIDs with no levelling, in reflective housing, or misaligned projectors are the worst. When done properly they are perfectly fine. I think Seat did a good job with mine, I've had plenty behind and in front and suffer no issues. People don't tend to flash either. Issue is, nobody does them properly. I find even the 3 year old mercs, especially the E class to be terrible. And yeah, high vehicles need them buggers angling down.


Its surprising how much a set of lights go for the '2 in case you bone a DIY job. I plan on osrams, as alternatives that I've seen such as retrofits are either hideously expensive, or most likely dazzling unless you nail the set up.
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: CrazySX on February 2, 2016, 10:38
For anyone wanting night breakers,  euro car parts have 50% off right now!

 m http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-he ... +Day+(BULB (http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-headlamp-bulbs/searchkeyword/osram?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Osram+Nightbreaker+Unlimited+Bulbs&utm_content=Deal+of+the+Day+%E2%80%93++50%25+Off+Osram+Nightbreaker+Bulbs!&utm_campaign=February02+-+Deal+of+the+Day+(BULB) m )&_bta_tid=3.AIdk.CkYxXw.E3JN.Aq6blA..A2vHQA.b..s.Ah6P.n...r26blQ
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: Jrichards20 on February 2, 2016, 11:52
Quote from: "CrazySX"For anyone wanting night breakers,  euro car parts have 50% off right now!

 m http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-he ... +Day+(BULB (http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-headlamp-bulbs/searchkeyword/osram?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Osram+Nightbreaker+Unlimited+Bulbs&utm_content=Deal+of+the+Day+%E2%80%93++50%25+Off+Osram+Nightbreaker+Bulbs!&utm_campaign=February02+-+Deal+of+the+Day+(BULB) m )&_bta_tid=3.AIdk.CkYxXw.E3JN.Aq6blA..A2vHQA.b..s.Ah6P.n...r26blQ

Oh bloody hell. I'm trying not to spend any money.   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Title: Re: Improving headlights
Post by: ash.carr on February 2, 2016, 15:05
Quote from: "CrazySX"For anyone wanting night breakers,  euro car parts have 50% off right now!

 m http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-he ... +Day+(BULB (http://beta.eurocarparts.com/upgrade-headlamp-bulbs/searchkeyword/osram?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Osram+Nightbreaker+Unlimited+Bulbs&utm_content=Deal+of+the+Day+%E2%80%93++50%25+Off+Osram+Nightbreaker+Bulbs!&utm_campaign=February02+-+Deal+of+the+Day+(BULB) m )&_bta_tid=3.AIdk.CkYxXw.E3JN.Aq6blA..A2vHQA.b..s.Ah6P.n...r26blQ

Thaaaankyou very much!