S40 (New) Electrics : How to improve your headlight output without HID's

[Nunfa1]

I've had a couple of night time drives this week and I can really notice the difference, I'm only running cheapo bulbs, thie light is much whiter and the field may be slightly wider. Certainly worth doing, only takes 30 minutes for a noticeable improvement. i can even see the light output on fully lit motorways now.

[Murrayhouse]

Thanks for this useful information. I did this today and there is a perceptible difference. The lens seemed to have a slightly greasy layer on it, and the polishing definetely made it clearer, which I guess allows more light to pass through. A brave person with a Dremmel could probably shave a few mill of the steel shutter that blocks the light on the right hand side of its field. With great care you could get a few more degrees of light ahead of you without dazzling oncoming traffic. I wouldn't be that person unless I get a scrap part to try it on first!

[Higgy50]

Great pieces of advice guys. I have been in the 'which bulbs' dilemma recently and after one blowing opted for some 'Lucas' bulbs as these were the best in the shop at that time. I did notice a slight improvement over the old bulbs but was of the "they will do until I decide otherwise" frame of mind. I shall definitely give the cleaning a go now and see what difference it makes......until I actually make a proper bulb decision!!!!

Cheers

[Welton]

The 'which bulb?' decision is pretty straight forward - Phillips X-treme power H7's. You can buy on line (just google the name).

Here's what Auto express said.....http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product...of_winter.html

[Higgy50]

Welton,

Thanks for the tip mate these bulbs certainly do get a good write up so I am keen to give them a go from that!

As you may have read from other threads I have a intermitten 'power' fault at the moment so as soon as I've sorted this I shall treat myself to a pair of these bulbs!

Cheers

[kevin derby uk]

Originally Posted by Guru

I previously thought that this early spring cleaning didn't affect illumination, but after driving on dark roads the difference is indeed noticeable.

In combination with the Osram night breakers it seems as if i have upgraded to a 5000K HID set. definitely worth the effort.

Here's another trick to increase road illumination distance >>



After setting the lights as high as possible using the inside dial; push the socket away from the ball to disconnect them from each other, and just leave it that way. This method will raise the parabolas' level and make it "shoot" further. The motor for adjusting beam level using the dial will function as normal even so.

just tryed getting rid of fly that was't there

[kevin derby uk]

well done spring clean and yes much better but also fitted hids - no vampiers in derby any more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jasonb]

While you had the projector lens out...what other projects can you do!!!!!

In your honest opinion (and I'll not hold you to it), do you think you would be able to install a CCFL ring around the projector lens?
There is a diffuser in the body of the dipped beam assembly, I wonder how this may effect the light or perhaps prevent the light escaping?

[Jonnieb2009]

Like the new BMW halo lights! - I was criticised of trying to get the Audi DRL look!, but seriously im sure its possible. Can you take the front headlamp cover off and reseal(oven job), install halo rings and drl led strips?
Ps gave you completed the drl job yet JB?

[jasonb]

Very true, first Audi, now BMW!
My DRL project is far from ready yet.
I'm two thirds way through painting the front bumper.
If progress improves and the defects reduce, I should be ready to mount during next week....Mounting means DRL's, fogs the works.

I'll take pics as I progress.

Did your German DRL's come through yet?