Head lights...

[lagnaf]

I'm a brand new Z4 owner (very excited about that), and I already have a list of things I'd like to improve on my new ride. One of which is the head lights. Any ideas as to what's good out there, without spending a few grand on new headlights?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

In what respect do you want to improve them?

 

[lagnaf]

I'd like to get some headlights that are stock. I don't need to "fancy" them up. Also, I'd like to get some bright headlights. These seem "old school" dim.

 

[firebobby]

I'd like to get some headlights that are stock. I don't need to "fancy" them up. Also, I'd like to get some bright headlights. These seem "old school" dim.

Are the lenses clear or cloudy, get some photos up of the car and lights.
Welcome by the way.

 

[srhutch]

Adjust the height a couple of turn under the bonnet, makes the world of difference. :wink:

Just remember to turn them back at mot time.

 

[lagnaf]

The lenses are definitely in need of being cleaned. But also, the projected beam is not very crisp or bright. They're just tired headlights. I'll get a picture or two tomorrow.

 

[Marlon]

Swap in a set of Osram Nightbreakers - they're no xenons but they do made a difference especially on dark country lanes and they won't break the bank
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OSRAM-BREAKER-UNLIMITED-halogen-headlamp-64210NBU-HCB/dp/B00EPLCPRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459377163&sr=8-1&keywords=osram+nightbreakers&tag=z4fo-21

 

[ph001]

I had Osram Nighbreakers on two of my other cars and although I did find they improved the light a little they just didn't last. All 4 bulbs had blown within 4 months (and I was very particular with the install, latex gloves etc). I wonder if they are sensitive to the application in some way / heat buildup maybe??

I'd recommend these.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-12972RVS2%C2%A0Racingvision-150%25-H7%C2%A0Bulb-Set/dp/B01LWPJF1J?&tag=autoexpress-21&ascsubtag=76760

...but you have to realise that very high performance bulbs generally only have about half the lifetime of OEM. It's just the penalty you pay for such a high lumens / watt ratio.

 

[ph001]

This page gives you a good idea of lifetime vs performance etc...

https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-au/car-lights/headlight-bulbs/halogen

 

[Marlon]

I had Osram Nighbreakers on two of my other cars and although I did find they improved the light a little they just didn't last. All 4 bulbs had blown within 4 months (and I was very particular with the install, latex gloves etc). I wonder if they are sensitive to the application in some way / heat buildup maybe??

I'd recommend these.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-12972RVS2%C2%A0Racingvision-150%25-H7%C2%A0Bulb-Set/dp/B01LWPJF1J?&tag=autoexpress-21&ascsubtag=76760

...but you have to realise that very high performance bulbs generally only have about half the lifetime of OEM. It's just the penalty you pay for such a high lumens / watt ratio.

I swapped in my current Osram Nightbreaker bulbs in Dec 2016

 

[Steve84N]

Yes but how much do you drive it in the dark...

I tried Nightbreakers and they do die within a winter if it's a daily.

 

[Marlon]

Yes but how much do you drive it in the dark...

I tried Nightbreakers and they do die within a winter if it's a daily.

Mines is a daily but my commute in the dark is short, I will report back when they eventually die. I guess if you are driving long hours in the dark over the winter and they are only lasting 4 months then you wouldn't be recommending them, but so far for me they have been good value for money.

 

[ph001]

Yep, that was over winter on my daily (and on the other half's Espace) and that was a couple of hours commute each day with headlights on. Totting that up works out at around 180hrs so about half what I would have expected. To be fair that's similar to the Philips Racing Vision specified lifetime, but the Racing Vision are incredibly bright.

 

[ph001]

You could of course go with LED which are just in another league in terms of lumens / watt and lifetime. Just not road legal in the EU as yet unfortunately.... https://www.amazon.co.uk/LED-Headlight-Bulbs-7600LM-Conversion-H7/dp/B0714DVSYJ/ref=pd_sbs_107_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7FN2HDYCX5HH2TTN8E2Z

 

[Steve84N]

I've since put some aftermarket xenons in.

 

[lagnaf]

Can I assume the xenons will be very expensive?

 

[MACK]

Can I assume the xenons will be very expensive?

Very and its not as straight forward as just swapping headlights units.
My suggestion would be an aftermarket HID kit which can be easily DIY fitted, but they too can have drawbacks.

 

[lagnaf]

I'm also a Corvette guy ('73 roadster), and I'm not much of an expert, but I actually do know more about what I'm doing with that than this one (at least for now). You guys are every bit as helpful as my fellow Corvette brethren. I really appreciate it.

 

[Steve84N]

My aftermarket kit is what MACK refers to, it cost less than £50 and you just cram all the electronics in the light housing.