Brighter headlamps

donc · 25th September 2021, 20:40

Now that the dark nights are setting in I wonder if anyone has had success fitting brighter headlamps. I've a 2005 contemporary and though I've polished the lens the light output is no way near that of a modern car.

Tenesmus · 25th September 2021, 23:30

I find modern lights too bright, dazzling and wouldn't like to inflict them on anyone else.

Mike Trident · 26th September 2021, 06:55

I use these

H7 Philips RacingVision GT200 12V 55W Halogen Bulbs

The best I've tried by far, and remaining legal for your MOT

grivas · 26th September 2021, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenesmus

I find modern lights too bright, dazzling and wouldn't like to inflict them on anyone else.

I entirely agree, all too often we are being blinded by over bright headlights, how are these things legal?.

KWIL · 26th September 2021, 14:39

There are many vehicles that could do with the aiming being set up properly.
Apart from that the "modern" SUV designs have them too far off the ground.

roverbarmy · 26th September 2021, 18:29

I was told that the modern "Reactolite" lenses and similar have a permanent minimum 20% tint. I have a pair of standard lenses for night driving and the difference is amazing.

polinsteve · 27th September 2021, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

I was told that the modern "Reactolite" lenses and similar have a permanent minimum 20% tint. I have a pair of standard lenses for night driving and the difference is amazing.

The risk is "losing" detail in the shadows, it can be rather dangerous.

RogerHeinz57 · 29th September 2021, 07:56

During my time owning Rover 75 and MG ZT, I had a similar issue regarding poor lighting, This was an issue, but a fix is possible if you are brave enough to take headlamps apart !
My fix was an obvious one really when you think about it.
Most of us have either refurbished the outer lens on the lamp units (I had mine done for me professionally), and a slight difference was noted. But we need to understand that dust and debris will get into the headlamp body eventually. The projector lamps are notably the worst ones for this.
I removed the lamps from the vehicle, removed the lenses and bulbs. Using glasses lens cleaning wipes, I cleaned inside the globe lens and the external side of the globe. The re-assembly was far easier than the strip down surgery, fitted the original bulbs and re-assembled the car. The difference was great and long lasting.
So in short, if you decide to clean something, clean all of it to make the best possible outcome.

grivas · 29th September 2021, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerHeinz57

During my time owning Rover 75 and MG ZT, I had a similar issue regarding poor lighting, This was an issue, but a fix is possible if you are brave enough to take headlamps apart !
My fix was an obvious one really when you think about it.
Most of us have either refurbished the outer lens on the lamp units (I had mine done for me professionally), and a slight difference was noted. But we need to understand that dust and debris will get into the headlamp body eventually. The projector lamps are notably the worst ones for this.
I removed the lamps from the vehicle, removed the lenses and bulbs. Using glasses lens cleaning wipes, I cleaned inside the globe lens and the external side of the globe. The re-assembly was far easier than the strip down surgery, fitted the original bulbs and re-assembled the car. The difference was great and long lasting.
So in short, if you decide to clean something, clean all of it to make the best possible outcome.

This is a great idea, however not something I would contemplate realistically, and it is fair to say, the standard lights on the 75 are not good, so whenever I am able and it is legal I use my fogs as well, after all if so called running lights can 'blind' other drivers......

edwardmk · 29th September 2021, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenesmus

I find modern lights too bright, dazzling and wouldn't like to inflict them on anyone else.

Agree. I suspect many of them are illegally set up to suit the driver after passing the MOT. Lots of super bright bulbs available off the internet which state 'off road use only' are probably 'on road' and swapped out for the MOT too. I really notice a problem in a low car and prefer driving the Transit at night.
Tried different night driving glasses and they all sacrifice detail. Helps to have a super clean windscreen and essential to look away and try to avoid being dazzled.

25th September 2021, 20:40	#1
donc Avid contributor Rover 75 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Kirk Ella Posts: 141 Thanks: 9 Thanked 43 Times in 14 Posts	Brighter headlamps Now that the dark nights are setting in I wonder if anyone has had success fitting brighter headlamps. I've a 2005 contemporary and though I've polished the lens the light output is no way near that of a modern car.

25th September 2021, 23:30	#2
Tenesmus Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Penzance Posts: 481 Thanks: 17 Thanked 69 Times in 52 Posts	I find modern lights too bright, dazzling and wouldn't like to inflict them on anyone else. __________________ 2005 Connoisseur 2.5 auto SE Tourer in BRG with Sandstone Beige and Black piping interior (the 2nd of only 7 Rover 75s produced 5th November 2004, and it’s the 244th of 303 facelift British Racing Green 75 tourers built worldwide). All I've done is add Rover walnut gear knob and handbrake... 2016 Vauxhall Viva SL (Father Jack) "assisted manual" (auto) in purple. Going rusty underneath already...

26th September 2021, 06:55	#3
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon & Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,622 Thanks: 385 Thanked 552 Times in 328 Posts	I use these H7 Philips RacingVision GT200 12V 55W Halogen Bulbs The best I've tried by far, and remaining legal for your MOT __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

26th September 2021, 18:29	#6
roverbarmy This is my second home Roverless + 1.7D Sportage Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: East Norfolk Posts: 7,050 Thanks: 729 Thanked 2,021 Times in 1,449 Posts	I was told that the modern "Reactolite" lenses and similar have a permanent minimum 20% tint. I have a pair of standard lenses for night driving and the difference is amazing. __________________ Oil in my veins!

26th September 2021, 14:39	#5
KWIL Precise Rover 75 Tourer 2.5KV6 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Fleet Posts: 2,954 Thanks: 630 Thanked 617 Times in 480 Posts	There are many vehicles that could do with the aiming being set up properly. Apart from that the "modern" SUV designs have them too far off the ground.

29th September 2021, 07:56	#8
RogerHeinz57 I really should get out more....... A Reasonably Priced Car Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Burton Latimer Posts: 2,530 Thanks: 408 Thanked 1,064 Times in 712 Posts	During my time owning Rover 75 and MG ZT, I had a similar issue regarding poor lighting, This was an issue, but a fix is possible if you are brave enough to take headlamps apart ! My fix was an obvious one really when you think about it. Most of us have either refurbished the outer lens on the lamp units (I had mine done for me professionally), and a slight difference was noted. But we need to understand that dust and debris will get into the headlamp body eventually. The projector lamps are notably the worst ones for this. I removed the lamps from the vehicle, removed the lenses and bulbs. Using glasses lens cleaning wipes, I cleaned inside the globe lens and the external side of the globe. The re-assembly was far easier than the strip down surgery, fitted the original bulbs and re-assembled the car. The difference was great and long lasting. So in short, if you decide to clean something, clean all of it to make the best possible outcome.