NC bulbs

[SmilerFTM]

Has anyone bought new bulbs for their headlights? Was thinking of getting something like this but wary of getting something that will burn out after just a few months



http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/headlamp-dipped-beam-upg...

[Mr-B]

I upgraded to those from some +80% type bulbs (in BMW coupe with projector style headlights) and couldn't tell the difference regarding brightness. Can't comment on longevity as I don't do huge amounts of night time driving, but bought a year or two ago and still working.

[mx5alan]

I replaced my Bulbs last winter 2014/15

I went for the Bosch Pure Light Bulbs 477 H7 bulbs from Halfords approx £20 for 2
Not a 5 minute job... more like couple of hours each side as all the plastic panels from the wheel arch has to be removed.


Notes about going for some of the extra bright bulbs...

Car will fail MoT due to excessive glare and the cut off line is not visible.

The bulbs run a lot hotter so don't last long - was the case on my Mk.1 bulbs my Xenons lasted a year (daily use with 6 months driving to/from work in the dark)

Other problem is the bulb connectors may melt or the bulb connection overheats giving bad electrical contact, which then give you another big problem trying to replace the connector on the end of the light wiring loom. Had this happen on my Mk1 - they didn't melt but had to replace the electrical connectors within the plugs that push fit on the bulbs.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Nah, I've had the Phillips 120% brighter bulbs in my car for about 3 years without a problem at all. The cut-off is very distinct! More distinct than with standard bulb in fact as the light is much brighter. They are the best lights I've ever had on any car, even compared to my C-Class and my Mrs Mini which have HID lights. They will be hotter than standard bulbs but are the same wattage so don't draw any more power and won't affect the wiring in any way.

HID replacement bulbs in light units made for halogen bulbs however could be a problem and should fail an MoT.