Powerbulbs - improved headlights.

[PaulE]

The superb Phillips Extreme power bulbs have been upgraded and are now known as Extreme Power + 130, which is the improved light output compared with a standard bulb. I have been using the previous design for years(plus 100%) and the XJS is totally transformed for night driving (Standard rectangular lights) by their use, so one can only speculate that plus 130 will be even better.
Google Powerbulbs for the full picture. The price has been reduced and there is another 15% off if ordered by Jan 18th

[J44EAG]

I run the equivalent Halfords +130% white 6000 lux lamps to great effect on my modern S-type.

The only slight draw back with polycarbonate plastic headlight fitted to modern Jags is that the lense poly tends to yellow and fog after about a year. So I have the annual job of having to polish them up to stop the lenses looking a bit tired and doggy.

I believe I`m correct in saying you have glass lenses on your XJS which is going to be a bonus for you. The glass lense will not degrade with the slight extra heat as seems to occur with a poly lense.

I had a 93 model BMW 530 at one time. The dipped beams were hopeless as standard. Uprated lamps made a huge difference and made night driving much more pleasurable and less of a strain. Fitting the upgrade lamps to the S-type had similar results.

Mike

[ptjs1]

One more vote for the Philips Xtreme Vision Bulbs. I've been using them for some years in all my cars.

UK XJSs have glass lenses but some of our overseas members using this site will be aware that they have plastic lenses on their XJS. However, I don't think that should put off anyone from upgrading their bulbs.

The marketplace is very competitive for aftermarket bulbs. So, you really need to look around. For example, it's quite possible to pick up the Philips bulbs much cheaper at £19.99 delivered from such suppliers as Eurocarparts. http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-a ... &0&cc5_847

Happy Night driving!

Paul

[steve_m]

Do you need to upgrade the wiring or add relays or anything to take the extra load?

[Brakebuster]

the selling point of these lamps is you get more light for the same power usage so 130% output for the original 100% power etc



so no , no thicker wires or relays required


and you have the added bonus of ' modern ' lamp colours , usually more to the blue spectrum rather than the yellow

BB

[J44EAG]

One thing that must always be researched when buying lamps off the internet. They should be 55W which is road legal. I`ve seen lamps sold on ebay for 80W, 100W and even 110W. These lamps are illegal for road use and may sometimes be described as for being for off road of motor sport.

The Philips and Halfords equivalent are legal for road use. They consume no more power that standard fit lamps but their technology and build is rather different.

Mike

[Brakebuster]

good point

BB

[ptjs1]

It's actually better than "..130% output for the original 100% power", at least for the Philips bulbs. They are now 130% EXTRA light output, so 230% output for the original 100% power.

Paul

[PaulE]

Glad we have so many members who have also 'seen the light' and can really enjoy night driving. I saw a report with photos on the internet yesterday of FAKE high intensity bulbs being sold, so stick with reputable suppliers.
There seems to be a race on between Phillips and Osram who leapfrog each other about every 6 months, so it will not be too long before we are talking about 'plus 150%'
It is obvious that whoever 'designed' the 'access' to the XJS headlights for bulb changing assumed that no Gentleman would have to do the job involving getting under the wheelarch and fumbling around through the ridiculous hatch.
Now that the cars are owned by people without a car man and a motorhouse, it would be nice if an easier technique for access to the back of the lights could be developed ?????

[PaulGover]

You think delving behind the wheel arch is bad? Try the X350. The appropriate tool is an urchin, preferably straight from cleaning chimneys, as only they have hands small enough to reach the back of the bulbs. And of course certain other makes of car where the instructions read:
1) remove engine
2) replace bulb.
Reassembly is the reverse of removal.

[ptjs1]

Paul,

You're absolutely right! The XJS bulb change is an absolute doddle compared to the x350. Although I have become quite adept at changing the bulbs, I am extremely tempted to buy just one bulb from Halfords one day and pay them the c£5 extra to fit it! It would be worth it just to watch them!

Paul

[dhdove]

Philips Xtreme were always my bulb of choice in my XJS's, if they have managed to improve them then I would say it's a no brainer as to which headlight bulbs owners should fit to their cars, the difference is staggering.

TonyS

[J44EAG]

Agreed, Tony. Out with the Toc H lamp!

Fitting new lamps to the recent S-type is no fun. Wrap wrists up in three layers of Gaffa tape before going anywhere near the car. Long nose pliers also help.

Mike