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Author Topic: headlights  (Read 3272 times)

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marcbcfc

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headlights
« on: 09 January 2007, 23:22:28 »
Hi , gents can anyone tell me what the best headlights are i.e which are the brightest as mine are crap
or i need to eat more carrots, and also do the xenons just fit straight in on a pre-facelift or is their extra wiring or fuses to add. And finally as anybody tried just using the xenon bulbs as a replacement and if so are they worth getting

Many thanks and Happy New Year to everyone! :-X
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x25xe

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Re: headlights
« Reply #1 on: 10 January 2007, 14:15:20 »
Hi,  The miniface lift cars (1998 onwards) had what is called projector lamps which are brighter.  I have no problems with them. ;)

As to fitting Xeons, I do not know personally as I have not done it myself, but I think others have.

Regarding installing the xeon bulbs, you cannot simply put the bulb in as xeon bulbs require a very high voltage to operate and hence the headlamps require the associated control gear to generate this voltage.

If fitting xeon headlamps, please bear in mind that there are strict rules relating to these lamps like auto adjustment controls and the lamps must have high pressure washers.  These are just two things that spring to mind.

On balance, I would just fit the projector lamps.  These come up on e-bay from time to time.

I hope that this helps.
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TheBoy

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Re: headlights
« Reply #2 on: 10 January 2007, 18:55:53 »
Do not fit the so called Xenon bulbs that just fit your Halogen headlights. They are worse.

Real Xenons (called HIDs) are a bit more involved. The law is grey. Factory fit requires automatic headlamp adjustment, and a lens cleaning system - The brighter blue/white light is adversely affected by the tiniest amount of grime...

I would look at replacing headlights with projector style, and fitting '+50' type bulbs...

In the meantime, try to T-Cut your existing lenses to improve lighting...
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marcbcfc

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Re: headlights
« Reply #3 on: 10 January 2007, 20:24:27 »
Thanks for the reply guys much appreciated :)
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Chopsdad

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Re: headlights
« Reply #4 on: 10 January 2007, 20:26:12 »
Quote
Do not fit the so called Xenon bulbs that just fit your Halogen headlights. They are worse.

Real Xenons (called HIDs) are a bit more involved. The law is grey. Factory fit requires automatic headlamp adjustment, and a lens cleaning system - The brighter blue/white light is adversely affected by the tiniest amount of grime...

I would look at replacing headlights with projector style, and fitting '+50' type bulbs...

In the meantime, try to T-Cut your existing lenses to improve lighting...

I recommend Osram Silver Star's - I've just fitted these to the wife's car and have before and afters...


Bought them here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OSRAM-H7-SILVERSTAR-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-55W-50-XENON-50_W0QQitemZ220069638037QQihZ012QQcategoryZ72235QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Excellent  :y

Edit - afters and befores  ;D
« Last Edit: 10 January 2007, 20:27:09 by Chopsdad »
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omegafan

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Re: headlights
« Reply #5 on: 11 January 2007, 06:09:30 »
Just ordered a set of Silverstar bulbs :) I tried the Halfords 50% brighter bulbs and did see an improvement but hope these will be better and for cheaper into the bargain :)
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Chopsdad

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Re: headlights
« Reply #6 on: 11 January 2007, 19:19:22 »
Quote
Just ordered a set of Silverstar bulbs :) I tried the Halfords 50% brighter bulbs and did see an improvement but hope these will be better and for cheaper into the bargain :)

Halfords £19.99 each - on offer at 2 for 1 at the moment but searched for ages for cheapest and seller was most helpful.  Not sure how much brighter they'll be than Halfords but for £15 it's worth a look - and you have 2 spares now :y
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stuart30

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Re: headlights
« Reply #7 on: 11 January 2007, 22:18:14 »
Quote
I would look at replacing headlights with projector style, and fitting '+50' type bulbs...

In the meantime, try to T-Cut your existing lenses to improve lighting...


Just out of interest changing over from the bog standard older style headlights (sure there powered by a candle) to the newer projector style is there much work involved,occording to Ebay seller its a simple bolt off bolt on job.....sounds a little too easy.?

Also anyone who has the projector type any opinions would be welcome as im serious tempted to upgrade.... :)
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Turk

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Re: headlights
« Reply #8 on: 12 January 2007, 11:47:52 »
Is there a "yellowish" tint to your headlight lenses ?
If so, don't bother with the T-cut as you won't get rid of it. I even tried an abrasive compound on a polishing wheel...no joy !!
The plastic lenses discolour over time.  Higher wattage bulbs speed up the discolouration.  

If there's no yellowing then by all means give the T-cut a try, otherwise get along to a breakers yard and get 'em changed.

As previously advised, the Gas-discharge Xenon set up is not gonna work as I doubt you have the room for the gubbins that are required with this system...
'tho nothing is impossible !

 www.xenon-bulbs.com/faq.html  
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philayl

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Re: headlights
« Reply #9 on: 12 January 2007, 12:57:29 »
Quote
Quote
I would look at replacing headlights with projector style, and fitting '+50' type bulbs...

In the meantime, try to T-Cut your existing lenses to improve lighting...


Just out of interest changing over from the bog standard older style headlights (sure there powered by a candle) to the newer projector style is there much work involved,occording to Ebay seller its a simple bolt off bolt on job.....sounds a little too easy.?

Also anyone who has the projector type any opinions would be welcome as im serious tempted to upgrade.... :)

Hi, I have the projector type headlights fitted as standard, they seem to be better than the ordinary headlights, but they are not brilliant, in any sense of the word, I have the +50% bulbs on order and will see how much they improve things. I am not sure if the bulb holder arrangement is different on the projector lights, someone else may know.
« Last Edit: 12 January 2007, 12:58:50 by philayl »
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Re: headlights
« Reply #10 on: 12 January 2007, 13:06:23 »
If you have the standard lights I highly recommend changing to the projectors fitted with +50 bulbs.

Marks DTM also recommends fitting a much thicker earth wire than the standard one to improve things further.

Changing them really is pretty much just undo and replace. :)

I need to source a pair for the estate. When I do I will do a full "how2".

Just be careful if buying off ebay. Make sure they are for RHD cars!

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stuart30

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Re: headlights
« Reply #11 on: 12 January 2007, 17:28:33 »
Thanks for the replies guys...my Elite has the standard lights (old version) and that wasn't very good,however the estate"s lights are truly awful and make it extremely difficult night driving to the point i avoid it if at all possible.

I"ll try the T-cut as they appear to be clean with no yellowing....but really projectors seem the best idea with the upgraded bulbs.

Laidback a How 2 would be superb...i have seen some on Ebay at £130 and £150 a set,is that an average price ???
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Taxi_Driver

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Re: headlights
« Reply #12 on: 12 January 2007, 17:44:27 »
Quote
If you have the standard lights I highly recommend changing to the projectors fitted with +50 bulbs.

Marks DTM also recommends fitting a much thicker earth wire than the standard one to improve things further.

Changing them really is pretty much just undo and replace. :)

I need to source a pair for the estate. When I do I will do a full "how2".

Just be careful if buying off ebay. Make sure they are for RHD cars!


I have projectors and yes i agree fitting +50's certainly helped but its still like candle power.....even my father asked me if i had the headlights on when i gave him a lift one evening recently :o
I did try the earth thing.....but i tried using a jumper lead and shoving on the battery -ve.....didnt seem to make any difference  :( May work better old prefacelift omegas

I was going to try the HID kits off ebay but when i looked the other week....no kits on there...only the rubbish 'HID' bulbs  :(

Edit** The above is for the dipped beam.....+50's in the main beam are nice and bright  :y
« Last Edit: 12 January 2007, 17:46:13 by Taxi_Driver »
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tanker12uk

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Re: headlights
« Reply #13 on: 12 January 2007, 18:11:30 »
I have had both a N plate with normal lights and a T plate with the projector lights and the later is far better
There is a set of projectors on ebay at this time they link is below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330073451580&rd=1&rd=1

Current price is £32.00 with two days to go hope this helps

Tanker
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Chopsdad

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Re: headlights
« Reply #14 on: 12 January 2007, 20:17:58 »
Quote
I have had both a N plate with normal lights and a T plate with the projector lights and the later is far better
There is a set of projectors on ebay at this time they link is below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330073451580&rd=1&rd=1

Current price is £32.00 with two days to go hope this helps

Tanker

Good spot Tanker - it even leaves enough left over to swap the orange indicators for chome effect ones and lose the fried egg look. :y
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