Black V50 Headlamps
 

I've been browsing eBay (always dangerous!) and found some 'black' V50 headlamp units which I really like. I can't seem to find for 2008 onwards V50's which I think mine is (see pics below)

So couple of questions please:

Is mine a 'facelift' post 2008 V50?
If it is a 'facelift' model does anyone know if there are black headlamp units that will fit?
If mine isn't a facelift version has anyone used the headlamp units in the picture below?

Many thanks again|

http://i64.tinypic.com/2gvn13a.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/dgphj9.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/bhm8om.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/2vtusef.jpg

Yes, yours is a facelift version and needs 2007 on headlamps.

As Iain says, yours are facelift. The one you've found on eBay physically wouldn't fit.

I think on pre facelift models the S40 had black headlamps and the egg crate grille, the V50 had grey headlamps and the chrome grille....... I think.

All depends on the market (in US V50 had eggcrate aswell) but in general Tannaton is dead right. I can confirm S40 had black headlamp beziels where V50 had gray and those are interchangeable no problems (as my car currently confirm). FL version had that unified and S40./V50 headlamps are the same.

Sorry VX20, you cant do much with yours.

Thanks all for the clarification. Shame I can't get the 'black'ones for mine. Might consider 'smoked' lenses once I've done some research

I know its all down to personal preferences, but always bear in mind that you are loosing light output doing so. Some people are happy to sacrifice that vs the looks, OK i get it, but stock lights are cr***y enough without further dimming them down.
Maybe it is possible to disassemble internals and paint them instead? Its possible to take the plastic shrouds on pre-FL, although Im not sure if FL is similar. Just thinking out loud.

I had the same thought about taking them apart and painting the interior plastics. I assume that won't affect the lighting in any way? I was going to save it a while but as I have one headlight that seems to be misting-up due to condensation unless there's a way if stopping this I'll need a new headlamp unit so can practice in the old one.

So whilst looking for a new 'standard' headlamp unit as one of mine is misting up I found the ones below. They look like the darker ones I've been looking for and seems to be the correct fit for my year/model of V50 (2008 facelift). Can anyone see a reason why they wouldn't fit or work on my car? Thanks again.



https://m.bestpartstore.co.uk/7081726-johns-headlight

https://m.bestpartstore.co.uk/7469567-prasco-headlight

the first link is for FL lamp, ok, but it is the same as you have. I doubt its "darker" - just probably due to photo conditions. Looks identical to OEM.
second link is pre-FL model, if you look closely notice the difference (indicator reflector is separate like the 3rd eye).

A word of advice though - you really DONT want the aftermarket lamps. Their quality is often terrible, as for plastic parts and beam allignment. I tried TYC headlamps that seem to be best of aftermarket ones and returned them next day. It will pass MOT, fair enough, but unless you want the lamp to just shine rather than light up road - do NOT get aftermarket ones.

Misting - its down to various conditions, take the headlamp out and inspect it thoroughly on table - any cracks, holes? is the back - panel (the part that opens) alligned properly? are seals there?
You know its very easy to remove them headlights, right? (1 hitch and unclip connectors)

Easy to split headlamps as i have just done it because i have a LHD car with a broken front lens/cover so got a used RHD lamp and changed it over though with hindsight i could have just swapped the projectors over. You just need to use a hairdryer and heat up around the edge while prying it apart with a prying tool, just need to take your time.

Again thank you. I'll avoid aftermarket units but may play about with a spare unti and spray the internal plastics a dark gunmetal or something to see what's it like. Is changing the colour of the internal plastic likely to alter the performance of the lamps in any way?

The guy I bought it from showed me how to change bulbs thanks 👍

Thanks that's good to know 👍

Nope, unless you paint accidentally the chrome on high-beam reflector or projector lens. Everything else is just cosmetic purpose.

Cool 👍 I'll give it a go if I can find a cheap enough unit.