Advice please: headlamps.

Been meaning to upgrade main and dip for a while. I replaced the dips a while back with not much noticeable improvement to be honest. Moved to the top of the list since I drove up a local dark lane to drop summat off at the mother in laws. I know it's an older car but compared to my Volvo lamps they are pi$$ poor.

I've checked earths, voltages etc. and all is fine. Reflectors are fine and glass is clear.

So, has anyone found a good plug and play lamp solution that shows a clear improvement? Don't really want to go HID but open to owt else.

Also would be handy to confirm the correct lamp ID: I've seen conflicting info.
Thanks as always.

Osram Nightbreakers are probably the best improvement before hids, and are legal unlike the hids.(and before the debate starts, yes I also know people who have fitted hids and passed the MOT with them.)

The type of bulb is HB3a and H7 if I recall correctly for the TF. The HB3a is not available in the Nightbreaker but you can get HB3 bulbs. they will fit. the only difference is a 90degree tilt to the electrical plug.

Clive has an excellent WHAT BULB? in his how tos.:woo

Many thanks David.

Update: H7 ordered from Euro Car Parts (too lazy to collect) 2 for 1 offer with free post. Will see how these are before changing the mains.

Quick heads up for a bargain: Euro Car Parts 2 X H7 £14.99, cheaper than other offers I've seen. Delivered free from local branch, there before I got home. Will fit when light (arf) permits and report on hopeful improvement.

I got an hid conversion kit for Christmas and will be fitting them soon. Will let you know how it goes.

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Ive been using a HiD connversion kit for a while now and the diffrence is outstanding. Well worth it and only about 15 squids from the bay of E. Its so much better ive done the wifes 2011 Vauxhall Insignia too now.it is such an easy job to do. Plug and play almost.

Halfords sell these theyre good as my young lad has them in his fiat 500 if you have a trade card they're a good price at the minute. But otherwise theyre expensive

smudger69 wrote: Ive been using a HiD connversion kit for a while now and the diffrence is outstanding. Well worth it and only about 15 squids from the bay of E. Its so much better ive done the wifes 2011 Vauxhall Insignia too now.it is such an easy job to do. Plug and play almost.

Are you the tw*t who lives near me with a HID conversion?

Completely blinds me on the lane from the M62, and i have to almost stop as cant see past his car when he is driving towards me!

HID conversions are against the law for a reason!

I hope you at least got a professional to check the beam alignment, as maybe you and your wife can see better, but maybe not anyone else on the road!

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/car-accessories-products/lighting-accessories/upgrade-headlamp-bulbs/?48177022N
Bargain. Gone up 2 quid since I got mine but still el cheapo. Good too, marked improvement noted over the previous Halfords +120% ones we had fitted.

Didn't know HID were illegal: never driven a car with them fitted, but I do find them a little disconcerting while driving. My V40 has active headlights: you don't realise how effective they are until you drive a car without.

G0RSQ wrote: HID conversions are against the law for a reason!

Correct. Not road legal (regardless of whether they pass the MOT) so therefore potentially invalidate insurance too!

Pardon my lack of knowledge but when did HID become illegal? And why? How come they are still on sale? Presumably it says something in small print along the lines of "not for road use"?
Hang on: just had a quick search and I gather that, to be legal, the whole headlamp unit has to be compatible and certified. Fitting HID to a standard headlamp is therefore not legal. I guess reflector pattern etc has to suit HID.

I was a bit baffled as they are fitted by the likes of BMW. Now a bit clearer, but please confirm/clarify.