Headlight questions

[GJ1]

Hello, I’m hoping to better understand the available options to improve dipped/low beam night time driving visibility and try to tap into the knowledge of those on here that have been there and done that!

Just for a bit of background. I have read some older threads and don’t believe my headlights are cloudy/foggy (I’ve attached a fairly recent pic). I will look to make a manual adjustment of the headlight level using the under the bonnet adjustments but also want to explore upgrading the bulbs or headlight unit (depending on cost and difficulty).

The car currently has halogen bulbs.

I suppose my questions are:

1. Using a vin-decoder it states the car has ‘S502A Headlight cleaning system’. I presume this is just the headlight washer option? Seems strange that it is listed when these appear to be capped off (not that I particularly want them).
2. How do you check if you have self-levelling headlights (and that they are working)? When I start the ignition it makes a sound as if the headlights are making some sort of adjustment.
3. What is the current thinking on best compatible halogen bulbs? I’ve read some older threads recommending Philips Extremes but wondered if these were still the halogen bulb of choice?
4. Can I fit HID bulbs into the existing unit? Are these better?
5. I presume Xenon/Bi-xenon(?)/LED would require new aftermarket units or expensive OEMs? Is there a lot of work involved in changing to a different headlight system?

Many thanks in advance.

[Penelope]

The standard headlights are sh1te.

These are a significant improvement for the sidelights https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-CANBUS-5 ... 1438.l2649

I am trying to find an LED option that boosts the Dip Beam as changing to expensive bright H7 Halogens only changed the colour from yellow warm white to cool white...no extra visibility in the dark.

The roll switch on the side of the above photo allows you to change the height so they are not self leveling.

The washers come up on arms out of the bumper when you use your windscreen washer but only when the headlights are on.

[GJ1]

Hi Penelope
I saw your thread on the sidelights. I think I would be interested if you discovered any similar dip beam equivalents.

Having read your response it now seems so obvious regarding not having the self levelling headlights (doh). Would you have any idea what the noise is that occurs when the ignition is turned. I'm sure it's headlight related.

And the washers. I'm embarrassed to say I've had the car a long time and never knew I had these. Will have to give them a try and see if they work!

[Jfgoldfish]

Can I fit HID bulbs into the existing unit? Are these better?

You can fit HIDs into the existing unit and they are so much better.
You have the washers in place so you should also be able to MOT the car with HIDs fitted.

I have fitted LEDs in the projectors in the past. Although they were better than halogens, they were nowhere near as good as HIDs. The LEDs are great as high beams though.

[Jfgoldfish]

try and see if they work!

As far as I know, they don't pop up every time you pull the washer stalk. I think it is every third time when the headlights are on.

[GJ1]

Thanks Jfgoldfish.
Excuse my ignorance but why do you need the washers for HIDs to pass an MOT?
So there are no issues with mixing LEDs and Halogens/HIDs i.e. having LED sidelights/main beam and HID/halogen dip beams?

[Jfgoldfish]

The MOT rules recognise that light from the bright HIDs can diffract on dirty lenses and dazzle oncoming traffic.
Retrofitted and factory fit HIDs require washers. As far as I know retrofits don't actually require self leveling but I might be wrong on that one. Self leveling isn't normally tested at MOT time, washers definitely are.

No issues mixing them. The HIDs aren't suited for flash to pass lights due to the fact that they take afew seconds to reach full brightness. LEDs (or halogens) are great for this due to their instant light.

[GJ1]

Ah got you. Thanks for the explanation. Looks like LED side/main beams and HID dip beam is the way to go.

[Jfgoldfish]

Looks like LED side/main beams and HID dip beam is the way to go.

It's a great improvement over the stock candles.

If you run into any issues selecting lights or bulb adapters, feel free to give me a shout.

[GJ1]

Cheers may well do. The canbus LEDs Penelope has recommended advertise they are error free. I think many years ago when I first got the car I may have tried HIDs and ran into error codes.

[bigwinn]

Sorry OP to hijack thread

I was going to post up the same question asking if there was a dipped beam upgrade worthy of install or just go for hid’s

If hid’s are the best solution is there much modification needed to the back of the lights- recall having to cut holes in E30 back plates

[GJ1]

Sorry OP to hijack thread

No problem. I'd also certainly be interested to know if any mods are needed to fit HIDs as I'm looking for a simple straightforward replacement bulb rather than anything major.

[Mr_Ke1th]

Mines are self levelling and I have the adjuster inside too...

[Jfgoldfish]

I think many years ago when I first got the car I may have tried HIDs and ran into error codes.

The safest bet is to just code out the error checks using winfkp. There are kits that claim to be error free, some are, and some will still throw errors unfortunately.

[Jfgoldfish]

I'd also certainly be interested to know if any mods are needed

I managed to fit the ballast and ignitor all inside the housing, so no cutting required.
You will need to either use the metal bulb retainer from the stock plug or order a set of aftermarket retainers to keep the bulbs in place. I can post some links to the retainers I used for the high and low beams.