Headlight Bulbs

[DougX]

My headlight bulb and dipped light are quite dim. I have been looking at an alternative and come across the OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER 200, H7, +200% more brightness. Has anyone had experience of these bulbs or is there an alternative? Also, looking at the XJ8 manual it is suggesting H7 bulbs for both main beam and dipped beam. Surely this can't be right is it?

[Andy P]

All four headlights use the H7 single filament bulb.
Which bulbs were you expecting to be in there?

[DougX]

Hi A J P, I thought the dipped lamp would be different. I want to get brighter lamps so am looking to see what are best for the car.

[steve_m]

There are some interesting details here about light upgrades for pre and post 1986 cars, worth checking to see if you comply.

https://www.bettercarlighting.co.uk/index.php

[Andy P]

Thanks Steve,
Very interesting.
I'm still using the standard bulbs and find them ok in the dark lanes of Devon until a newish car comes towards me at night and then I can't see a f#####g thing for a few seconds after.
Think I'm getting old and p####d off
Take care.
Andy

[steve_m]

That's why I changed from the X Type (going to work car) and XJS to a Freelander 2 and an S Type, got fed up being dazzled all the time.
Plus my leg wouldn't cope with the X Type clutch anymore when stuck in traffic.
SUV is much better for night driving.
I did fit Nightbreakers in the X Type and they made a huge difference in driving at night but didn't stop the oncoming dazzle though.
Yellow night driving glasses help a lot. as they take the glare out.

[JimMann]

Ever thought of fitting auxiliary lighting? One of our previous Mini's had the additional lights on the front, wired to only be on with main beam, and the effect was absolutely tremendous. I know it might detract from the original look, but they are easy to fit / wire and circumvent the "regulations".
Jim

[steve_m]

I did that on my MGC many moons ago; 100w mains, 100w auxiliarys and 55w fogs; man that was bright!

[ptjs1]

DougX,

The Nightbreakers seem to have a good reputation. I fitted Philips Xtreme +150% bulbs in my x308 and x350 and have them on my daily Merc and also the XJSs. Much improved night brightness. However, prices vary considerably (as they do for the Osrams) so look around.

Cheers

Paul