Improving headlights.

[rnbdavochfin2012826]

I own a 2009 '59 plate 2.2l X-Type diesel saloon. I live in the Highlands of Scotland where road lighting is virtually non-existent. Thus I would like to improve the quality of the head lights if this is possible. I have seen a number of suggestions, some of which may not be legal as far as the MOT goes. I would appreciate some advice, please; also are the bulbs easy to fit? Thank you.

[ptjs1]

rnbdavochfin2012826,

As you probably know, it is not legal to fit LED headlight bulbs to your X-Type, and an MoT tester will fail it if they notice it (which they will).

AFAIR, the X-Type uses standard H1 bulbs. And there are number of good quality upgrades available such as the Philips Xtreme or Osram Nightbreaker bulbs. These are very reasonably priced (if you look around) and can make a big difference in night illumination.

Cheers

Paul

[Dave Eynon]

Hi
I agree with Pauls comments re replacement bulbs. If they are original they may have lost some performance so fitting new ones of that quality should enable you to get the best from the X-type set up. I fitted Osram Nightbreaker to mine as we live in Wales without street lights and it made a significant difference. It's worth checking that the lamp outer plastic covers have not clouded over the years as this will lower the lighting performance. Kits are available to polish the plastic back to as new.
The bulbs can be a fiddle to replace as the drivers side has the ABS unit and headlamp washer tubes which reduce access. The passenger side has the battery, which can be removed to gain access. (Make sure you have the radio code). Make a note of how the bulb covers are fitted as you remove them to aid refitting. The drivers side will be the most fiddly to secure.

[rnbdavochfin2012826]

Thank you both for your advice, I now have something to work with.

[rnbdavochfin2012826]

I have researched the Osram Nightbreaker bulbs, but am now confused as to which ones I should buy! There seem to be quite a few different models and I don't want to buy the wrong ones. As an interesting aside, I looked on Amazon and each time was told they are "Unsuitable for X-Type Jaguar 2.2D!

[Dave Eynon]

Hi,
I fitted Osram Nightbreaker Laser H1 12V 55W. The same bulb fits the dip and main beam so you need four. All X-types are the same unless you have Xenon HID headlamps. Not sure what Amazon would charge but you can buy them off eBay for £29.99 a pair. The Laser bulbs provide 150% brightness over the "Silver" bulbs so I would make sure you buy the Laser ones.
The details are on the front of the box and should quote the spec I wrote on the top line. It will cost you £60 but they do improve the lighting if the original bulbs are still fitted. Unfortunately X-types are not blessed with the powerful modern projector lamp lighting that often seems to be on the verge of dazzling you as they approach.
Hope this helps.

[ptjs1]

rnbdavochfin2012826,

The key element is that you are searching for H1 bulbs. There will be plenty of H4 & H7 bulbs being advertised which are the wrong size.

If you're going for the Osram Nightbreaker Laser H1, you can find them on both eBay and Amazon tonight at £15 per pair.

Cheers

Paul

[rnbdavochfin2012826]

Ordered! thank you.