ben_harmer32 Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Stock headlight bulbs are worse than a couple of candles in a rain storm and with HIDs now illegal for the MOT... What's the best alternative? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Bullitt Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Nighteye LED bulbs are a nice alternative and bright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 I still would stick with HID and swap at MOT time, 5 min job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samdale Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 I'd second LED bulbs. HIDs are crap in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_harmer32 Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share Posted October 23, 2019 Yeah think I might try the LEDs, cheers guys. What size and lumen do I need for headlights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tayr Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 i was under the impression HIDs were okay. If headlight washers were fitted they had to be working, other than that no issues. Happy to be corrected.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_harmer32 Posted October 24, 2019 Author Share Posted October 24, 2019 i was under the impression HIDs were okay. If headlight washers were fitted they had to be working, other than that no issues. Happy to be corrected.. Found this after a quick Google search... "Some vehicles may be fitted with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. It is not permitted to convert existing halogen headlamp units for use with HID bulbs. If it is clear that such a conversion has been carried out, rather than replacing the entire unit with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs, the headlamp should be rejected. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Reviews Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 I think this excerpt leaves some scope for argument as it is rather ambiguous and open to interpretation; "If it is clear that such a conversion has been carried out, rather than replacing the entire unit with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Found this after a quick Google search... "Some vehicles may be fitted with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. It is not permitted to convert existing halogen headlamp units for use with HID bulbs. If it is clear that such a conversion has been carried out, rather than replacing the entire unit with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs, the headlamp should be rejected. " Think it depends (like many aspects of the MOT system) on the tester on the day. I've had 2 tests done on different vehicles recently at the same place, both had HID conversions which were not self leveling, one passed without mention and the other didn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samdale Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Think it depends (like many aspects of the MOT system) on the tester on the day. I've had 2 tests done on different vehicles recently at the same place, both had HID conversions which were not self leveling, one passed without mention and the other didn't. Just not worth the hassle. What do HIDs do that LEDs don't other than fail regularly and potentially fail an MOT? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burna Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Just not worth the hassle. What do HIDs do that LEDs don't other than fail regularly and potentially fail an MOT? The LED's just don't have the reach/range in dipped beam on the Supra Headlights compared to HID's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Reviews Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Just not worth the hassle. What do HIDs do that LEDs don't other than fail regularly and potentially fail an MOT? Light spread and range have always been concerns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Part, if not all the problem is the design of the headlight, its 30 years old with really sharp cut off, its never going to compete with modern stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 (edited) The LED's just don't have the reach/range in dipped beam on the Supra Headlights compared to HID's. Not sure that's true any more - normal 35 watt HIDs produce something like 3000 lumens. Top end LEDs can now produce 8000 lumens (allegedly). The range and pattern of the light is controlled by legal limts so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers, and that doesn't change with the type of bulb used. According to Wikipedia (yeah, I know, pinch of salt blah blah), LED capabilities surpased HIDs back in 2013. edit: I currently use 35watt HIDs and passed MOT in May. If I needed to replace a bulb I'd give LEDs a go - for 50 quid a set it's cheaper than most Toyota branded parts I might want to refresh on the car, and can be reverted to halogen bulbs for MOT if needed. Edited October 24, 2019 by Ark (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Mines passed with HIDS The supra has projector headlights which are what most HID headlamps are. the only thing missing on most supras is the self levelling and washers (except UKs) I think the MOT guidance is more towards HIDs in normal reflector headlights which are just ridiculous and blind everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burna Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Not sure that's true any more - normal 35 watt HIDs produce something like 3000 lumens. Top end LEDs can now produce 8000 lumens (allegedly). The range and pattern of the light is controlled by legal limts so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers, and that doesn't change with the type of bulb used. According to Wikipedia (yeah, I know, pinch of salt blah blah), LED capabilities surpased HIDs back in 2013. edit: I currently use 35watt HIDs and passed MOT in May. If I needed to replace a bulb I'd give LEDs a go - for 50 quid a set it's cheaper than most Toyota branded parts I might want to refresh on the car, and can be reverted to halogen bulbs for MOT if needed. In OEM installs I agree entirely mate, but have you actually tried a set of cheap LED bulbs in a Supra headlight on dipped beam? We have, loads of different ones, and they are terrible compared to the HID's. LED's in the main beam though, they are amazing, hence why we wanted to try them in the dipped beam, but it just wasn't the same outcome sadly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Just not worth the hassle. What do HIDs do that LEDs don't other than fail regularly and potentially fail an MOT? Can safely say not once have I had an HID fail on me, fitted them on many cars and always bought the cheap £20 eBay ones. Always worked faultlessly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie-S Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 I use Osram 'standard' bulbs. They're supposed to be 150% more powerful. Not sure about that but they are very good and as good as must modern cars. I'll have to see if I have the box for the model but I'm sure a quick web search will bring them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 I'm interested in this also I have put 100w halogen iirc in but they are still rubish . When I done LED the other year they look bright but didn't project out hardly at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 I replaced my HID's with Night Breaker bulbs which are a lot brighter than the original halogen bulbs and road legal in non levelling light units. I could have just refitted the original halogens as the car has never been out in the dark since but on the garage wall they looked to be not that much of a drop down from the HID's I removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Also for the vary on how bright they are, depending on what kelvin rating, if you stay above 4300k then there will be a loss in light. Up to maybe 6000k at a push should be fine, 8000k aka chav blue then yeah they are not going to be that bright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Reviews Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Isn't 6.5k the typical BMW blue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 6.5k is too blue IMO, i think i have 4500k in mine, normal manufacturer xenons are between 4500/5500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 What colour is going to light up the road most ? 4000k or 8000k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_harmer32 Posted October 25, 2019 Author Share Posted October 25, 2019 I know these say they're for an accord but the bulb size is correct and seem to be the best lumen? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F312237476465 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.