LED headlight bulbs

jordanfaf

Discalimer: i have Projector lenses in my car, so don't get all up in arms saying i'm "Blinding other drivers"


Right, all the bulbs i have tried in my car are very dim and a nasty yellowish color. quick bit of research says HID kit or LED bulbs are the best way to get the performance and color i want.

Decided to go for LED as its plug and play and last a very long time. My question is on the legality of them. i will be getting a 6000k white color LED and will be used behind projector headlight lenses. I know HID/Xenons require headlight jet washers to pass NCT. is this the case with LED?

any other issues or reasons i should not get the LED upgrades and stick with the candles i have? thanks

colm_mcm

Nah, NCT don’t have any special requirements for LEDs.

You might be disappointed by the light output though.

whizbang

Until you realise the light output is almost exactly the same...every day, without cleaning the lights.

The LED's keep the lenses so much cooler, that muck doesn't dry onto them. A good shower of rain washes them clean.

Your issue is finding good bulbs.

mikeecho

Would these be a good bulb ?

https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme-ultinon-led-headlamp-h7

mikeecho

colm_mcm wrote: »

Nah, NCT don’t have any special requirements for LEDs.

You might be disappointed by the light output though.

I've ordered the above linked philips led h7 replacements, because I don't believe that my current h7's in a projector could possibly get any worse than what I currently use.

I'm genuinely curious as to what links you can supply to say why those leds will ne shyte.

Cos, if they're shýte, I can return then without opening the box.

Btw. I thought light output was measured by
Lumen/watt

So, my 1000L h7 bulb wound be 1000L/55w = 18.2

And The philips leds would be
1000L/25w = 40

So that's 18.2 vs 40

Or am l completely wrong.. I'm open to corrəction.

Sam Quentin

I have similar bulbs and I'm well impressed, I'm a night driver and constantly observing my light output, I drive a 2012 Skoda Octavia.. Bearing in mind no man woman or beast can make an honest review or judgement on car light output in rainy wet conditions, the reason being because there is much to much light reflection from wet dark roads and when it's actually raining then you might as well cancel your light observation test....
Anyway these single led Philips are a good buy and fantastic for night driving in dry/semi dry road conditions. I won't comment on wet conditions but they are better than regular Halogens,...

mikeecho

Sam Quentin wrote: »

I have similar bulbs and I'm well impressed, I'm a night driver and constantly observing my light output, I drive a 2012 Skoda Octavia.. Bearing in mind no man woman or beast can make an honest review or judgement on car light output in rainy wet conditions, the reason being because there is much to much light reflection from wet dark roads and when it's actually raining then you might as well cancel your light observation test....
Anyway these single led Philips are a good buy and fantastic for night driving in dry/semi dry road conditions. I won't comment on wet conditions but they are better than regular Halogens,...

What leds do you have ?
What wattage, lumens and colour temp are they?

honda boi

mikeecho wrote: »

Would these be a good bulb ?

https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme-ultinon-led-headlamp-h7

They say not for public road use on them bulbs:p
When it says that it must be a good bulb

Sam Quentin

mikeecho wrote: »

What leds do you have ?
What wattage, lumens and colour temp are they?

There are lots of generic versions of those VERY expensive LED bulbs that you are viewing, mine were very inexpensive and doing a fantastic job..

I'd like to add, if I was in a position to buy those Philips LED's then I would, I just went for the cheaper ones because I was afraid they wouldn't do the job that I need them to do. I got H7 Led bulbs before, the ones with numerous wee led chips all around.. Anyway I may as well had no bulbs in, I had to drive home immediately and remove them, oncoming cars would see my light(just about)but basically no light coming from my car onto the road..

mikeecho

honda boi wrote: »

They say not for public road use on them bulbs:p
When it says that it must be a good bulb

Box arrived today, clearly states that they are for rally use. !!

I'll give them a go. , and make sure that they are properly aligned.

It'll be a few days before I get around to installing them.

punisher5112

Sam Quentin wrote: »

There are lots of generic versions of those VERY expensive LED bulbs that you are viewing, mine were very inexpensive and doing a fantastic job..

I'd like to add, if I was in a position to buy those Philips LED's then I would, I just went for the cheaper ones because I was afraid they wouldn't do the job that I need them to do. I got H7 Led bulbs before, the ones with numerous wee led chips all around.. Anyway I may as well had no bulbs in, I had to drive home immediately and remove them, oncoming cars would see my light(just about)but basically no light coming from my car onto the road..

Are these the ones you fitted?
Did you get them off wish as they look very similar to the ones I ordered off them.

Sam Quentin

punisher5112 wrote: »

Are these the ones you fitted?
Did you get them off wish as they look very similar to the ones I ordered off them.

Yes I have those fitted, I think either AliExpress or ebay!? I'll check later.. I bought 2 different models.. Just to let you know if you have a VAG(Volkswagen Audi Group) car then you will probably have to secure them in place with small tie wraps(as VAG cars have handy twist and lock H7 fittings)an easy job don't worry, also you will get a plastic gromet that slides into the bulb housing in your car that fits the H7 LED end in place, so turn it to your correct angle for light alignment then secure with ties(check light against wall or fence)....
If you have H7 clips on your head-lights then they'll fit even easier..

mikeecho

Sam Quentin wrote: »

There are lots of generic versions of those VERY expensive LED bulbs that you are viewing,

..

€154 after the discount, including shipping. Worth a punt

Alun

One thing to watch out for with most of these bulbs is that they have a heatsink and/or fan sticking out the back which may get in the way if space is tight.

Sam Quentin

Alun wrote: »

One thing to watch out for with most of these bulbs is that they have a heatsink and/or fan sticking out the back which may get in the way if space is tight.

They actually look bulkier than the space the fan actually takes up, I thought hmmmm jaysizzzz this'll be tight... But no problem at all the rubber splash cover went on again no problem 😊

Sam Quentin

mikeecho wrote: »

€154 after the discount, including shipping. Worth a punt

Yes I agree, Philips are the original and best single/dual chip sets..
But just saying some of the generic ones 'could' be just as good!?

punisher5112

Anyone any pics of difference between halogen and led.

punisher5112

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Yes I have those fitted, I think either AliExpress or ebay!? I'll check later.. I bought 2 different models.. Just to let you know if you have a VAG(Volkswagen Audi Group) car then you will probably have to secure them in place with small tie wraps(as VAG cars have handy twist and lock H7 fittings)an easy job don't worry, also you will get a plastic gromet that slides into the bulb housing in your car that fits the H7 LED end in place, so turn it to your correct angle for light alignment then secure with ties(check light against wall or fence)....
If you have H7 clips on your head-lights then they'll fit even easier..

Octavia so as you say in that group.

I tried fitting earlier and all good till I pop the spring across the plastic holder which led lamp then turns into when spring should be locked.

As the plastic doesn't have the circular groves like in a h7 lamp the spring won't hold it in as it pops it out of hinge.

Sam Quentin

punisher5112 wrote: »

Octavia so as you say in that group.

I tried fitting earlier and all good till I pop the spring across the plastic holder which led lamp then turns into when spring should be locked.

As the plastic doesn't have the circular groves like in a h7 lamp the spring won't hold it in as it pops it out of hinge.

Check online, I'm nearly sure there's a tiny screw you loosen that allows you to turn the actual led chip holder!? Si then you can position the actual bulb/light source without shifting the whole set up. Know what I mean.

Sam Quentin

I'm nearly sure as you look at the first pic my new led is to your left..
I kinda forget at this stage..

punisher5112

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Check online, I'm nearly sure there's a tiny screw you loosen that allows you to turn the actual led chip holder!? Si then you can position the actual bulb/light source without shifting the whole set up. Know what I mean.

The spring fits over no issue and isn't restricted untill you go to clip it into its catch as the two arms are pointy and looking to sit in the grove that's at the back of the h7 halogen lamp.

I couldn't see any other way but to maybe take a chunk out each side to allow the spring to sit in better.

Sam Quentin

So it won't clip in.. in any position? Is it not looking for a groove were the clip will actually close and catch..

Sorry read that again, so there is no groove at back of plastic gromet/guide
Can you force it gently against the back of gromet guide there should be some give in those light clips..

mikeecho

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Is yours something like this, it's the other set I got, I think exact same set up as the ones I put in..

Nice charge sheet.

Busted

Sam Quentin

This is my second set, same set up as I have in car now.. Is yours the same, twist black plastic gromet of and set it into headlight first.. Then insert led bulb..

Lekrub

I got these last week at tried them at the weekend.


Unfortunately I'm getting a canbus error but tried them on 09 insignia and they are perfect. The light is really nice and fit fine. The guy from that shop is looking at a solution for me. Has been really good service so far so hoping he will forward me some resistor solution

Update - The seller is sent on plug and play CANBUS cancellers today. Will try and see how they go.

punisher5112

Sam Quentin wrote: »

So it won't clip in.. in any position? Is it not looking for a groove were the clip will actually close and catch..

Sorry read that again, so there is no groove at back of plastic gromet/guide
Can you force it gently against the back of gromet guide there should be some give in those light clips..

Yes fits no issue, can get into grove but clips are like a v shape when locking into clip catch the bottom of the v hits the black plastic clip and it needs to go another 2mm I would say as the spring (v clip) pops out at hinge as there is to much pressure as it needs those groves like at back of metal h7 lamp.

Wondering if I were to cut a bit off each side v clip is to allow it penetrate slightly to relieve pressure.....

Not dirty in any way....

Sam Quentin

punisher5112 wrote: »

Yes fits no issue, can get into grove but clips are like a v shape when locking into clip catch the bottom of the v hits the black plastic clip and it needs to go another 2mm I would say as the spring (v clip) pops out at hinge as there is to much pressure as it needs those groves like at back of metal h7 lamp.

Wondering if I were to cut a bit off each side v clip is to allow it penetrate slightly to relieve pressure.....

Not dirty in any way....

Seems you need one of those precision files, the wee triangle one would do the job...put masking tape on the plastic clip and push the clip onto it to make an imprint or mark of were to file.

mikeecho

So.. all going well, and weather permitting, I'll get the philips led h7's installed tomorrow.
(I'll have to remove the front wheels to get full access via the wheel arch.

I took pics tonight of my dipped beams with philips racing h7s.
The pics look better than real life.

I'll post up both before and after pics, when I've everything done.

mikeecho

mikeecho wrote: »

So.. all going well, and weather permitting, I'll get the philips led h7's installed tomorrow..

The weather isn't too permitting,

Some other day hopefully

Lekrub

I'm thinking of getting some rubber headlight dust caps.

Opinions on this style V the large rubber boot type.

Sam Quentin

Lekrub wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting some rubber headlight dust caps.

Opinions on this style V the large rubber boot type.

Any protection from the elements is great...
Just wondering if they are necessary as you already will have the factory fit rubber boot that seals all light/bulb parts!?

Lekrub

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Any protection from the elements is great...
Just wondering if they are necessary as you already will have the factory fit rubber boot that seals all light/bulb parts!?

There is not enough room in the light housing once you put a led bulb with the heat sink on it I found out. Although it secures in fine, its too cramped to shove all into the housing with no heat dissipation.

Sam Quentin

Lekrub wrote: »

There is not enough room in the light housing once you put a led bulb with the heat sink on it I found out. Although it secures in fine, its too cramped to shove all into the housing with no heat dissipation.

Fair enough, I had room in my Skoda Octavia MKII...
I would be concerned that you still wouldn't have a splash/dust boot covering the whole bulb area!?

Lekrub

Sam Quentin wrote: »

Fair enough, I had room in my Skoda Octavia MKII...
I would be concerned that you still wouldn't have a splash/dust boot covering the whole bulb area!?

This is the other option of I was going with first,


What got me doubting it was that a load of led boot covers are the other design where the heatsink/fan is exposed.

Have you ever had issues with heat etc in the housing? I don't think it would get too hot.

Sam Quentin

Lekrub wrote: »

This is the other option of I was going with first,


What got me doubting it was that a load of led boot covers are the other design where the heatsink/fan is exposed.

Have you ever had issues with heat etc in the housing? I don't think it would get too hot.

I would go for those just to replace your original flatter boots...
I honestly never checked for heat, there was good reviews, so taking it for granted those wee fans are doing the job!?
Must stick my hand in at some stage just to see....

Tropheus

Interesting reading. However, I think the NCT regulations will eventually list these as fail items as they've done with HID aftermarket kits.

Sam Quentin

Tropheus wrote: »

Interesting reading. However, I think the NCT regulations will eventually list these as fail items as they've done with HID aftermarket kits.

That would just be ridiculous... Although ALTHOUGH I wouldn't be surprised!?
Anyway there an easy quick swap back around, so on the day test me OUL halogens if ya like lol

mikeecho

No way on installing on a bmw f10, without bastardising the bulb connector.
There is no metal clip to keep the bulb in place, and then connect the power.

With the bmw, the bulb goes into the power connector, and that screws in.

I'm not dismantling the connectors.

I'll just have to find another car to put them into.

Balls

Lekrub

Just an update for anyone thinking of going the led route. Had them in a couple of weeks now and no problems.

The customer support I got was spot on. The error cancellors work fine.
The light is crisp white not blue
Lines up just about the same as standard, got aligned before installation and marked location on wall
Light scatter is not blinding at all
No one has flashed, have checked different ways
Fit perfect in lamp holder, didn’t need the adapter

All round pretty good. Can throw some pics up during the week.

Rowley Birkin QC

Lekrub wrote: »

Just an update for anyone thinking of going the led route. Had them in a couple of weeks now and no problems.

The customer support I got was spot on. The error cancellors work fine.
The light is crisp white not blue
Lines up just about the same as standard, got aligned before installation and marked location on wall
Light scatter is not blinding at all
No one has flashed, have checked different ways
Fit perfect in lamp holder, didn’t need the adapter

All round pretty good. Can throw some pics up during the week.

Can you throw up a link to the ones you got?

I have an E46 with projectors that also have large round dust caps so fitment should be okay I think?

Lekrub

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Can you throw up a link to the ones you got?

I have an E46 with projectors that also have large round dust caps so fitment should be okay I think?

I found them through a Uk forum site I think ->
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/led-headlight-conversion-bulbs-h7-4600-lumen-philips-z-es-main-dipped-glb477

Also availble on ebay -> https://www.ebay.ie/itm/H7-GLB477-2nd-Generation-Lumiled-ZES-New-Compact-LED-Headlights-Main-Dip-Beam/182602277008?hash=item2a83f1a090:g:gm4AAOSwfpVZMI9b

Could be cheaper ones out there, but I got emails back straight away on Saturday morning from the owner when I had questions about installing, so I think that is worth it alone.

Also - there is compact versions but they were dearer so went with these.

Rowley Birkin QC

Lekrub wrote: »

I found them through a Uk forum site I think ->
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/led-headlight-conversion-bulbs-h7-4600-lumen-philips-z-es-main-dipped-glb477

Also availble on ebay -> https://www.ebay.ie/itm/H7-GLB477-2nd-Generation-Lumiled-ZES-New-Compact-LED-Headlights-Main-Dip-Beam/182602277008?hash=item2a83f1a090:g:gm4AAOSwfpVZMI9b

Could be cheaper ones out there, but I got emails back straight away on Saturday morning from the owner when I had questions about installing, so I think that is worth it alone.

Also - there is compact versions but they were dearer so went with these.

Cool, thanks. In terms of the results, you're happy?

mikeecho

Ok.. I bastardized the headlight connector (dipped beam ) on the f10.

Wasn't that difficult, and can be easily unbasterdized.

The light is a lot better over the standard bulbs. Or even night breakers or philips racing.

But they aren't as good as 55w xenons, but these philips leds are only 25w.

All in all.. a good bulb., but not necessarily a simple swap.
I'd buy more for the full beams, and fogs.. but they wouldn't be a simple fit on a bmw.

Might look into an led replacement for the bike, I'll just have to see how simply it'll fit.

Lekrub

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Lekrub wrote: »

I found them through a Uk forum site I think ->
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/led-headlight-conversion-bulbs-h7-4600-lumen-philips-z-es-main-dipped-glb477

Also availble on ebay -> https://www.ebay.ie/itm/H7-GLB477-2nd-Generation-Lumiled-ZES-New-Compact-LED-Headlights-Main-Dip-Beam/182602277008?hash=item2a83f1a090:g:gm4AAOSwfpVZMI9b

Could be cheaper ones out there, but I got emails back straight away on Saturday morning from the owner when I had questions about installing, so I think that is worth it alone.

Also - there is compact versions but they were dearer so went with these.

Cool, thanks. In terms of the results, you're happy?

Yea I think it’s good and very bright in the immediate ground area.