Member Since: 18 Sep 2013
Location: Camberley, Surrey
Posts: 163
D3 Halogen Dipped Beam Bulbs - Best Replacement?
Hi All,
I know there are page after page of posts covering bulbs, but can I please ask for any recommendations to get better dipped beam performance from standard halogen bulbs on a 2005 non-Xenon low spec vehicle.
I don't want Xenon's, LEDs or light bars - just better standard bulbs.
Even if your experience is based on just buying good quality standard items, I'd welcome your views.
Show me the light!
Cheers Chaps
10th Jan 2022 9:58 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4250
Osram Nightbreaker laser gets my vote
Fitted them to all my D3s and think they are a great improvement
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
10th Jan 2022 10:10 pm
Crackers
Member Since: 18 Sep 2013
Location: Camberley, Surrey
Posts: 163
Thanks, but aren't they Main Beam replacements...?
10th Jan 2022 10:13 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4250
H7 is the dipped beam on the standard halogen lights (I think)..I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
10th Jan 2022 10:21 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 10 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6762
H7, yes. Not going to create miracles but new bulbs are brighter.
Don’t know in what shape your lenses are but it might be a good idea to polish them and make them clear if they’re very opaque. It’s not a very difficult DIY thing and of course thst can probably be had almost everywhere as a service.
Hope this helps.
10th Jan 2022 10:25 pm
Crackers
Member Since: 18 Sep 2013
Location: Camberley, Surrey
Posts: 163
Cheers! I've lost track of what wattage the dipped and main bulbs are - possibly 55w each - but IIRC, you're right that both dipped and main are single filament H7s..
10th Jan 2022 10:26 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 5059
Yes Osram Night Breakers are a decent lamp, same H7's for high and low beams.
Your outer lenses should be crystal clear, if not no bulb will make a difference as the light will become diffused. yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
10th Jan 2022 11:50 pm
Naki Blake
Member Since: 31 Dec 2021
Location: Taranaki
Posts: 320
Hi all. Resurrecting an old post.
Please see photos, I'm assuming my 2006 D3 has Halogen bulbs. Dipped beam after 17 years are now very dull, time to replace.
If Halogen, can I simply just swap for Xenon? Or will Halogen suffice? As you can see back of bulb, current ones are Phillips brand, not for USA or Europe.
I'm in New Zealand so I am unfamiliar with UK/EU/US laws, requirements. A simple explanation would be greatly appreciated.
Would these Phillips bulbs be factory originals?
Thanks
Blake
25th Aug 2023 7:04 am
LeighW D3 Decade
Member Since: 31 Jan 2006
Location: Brisbane, AUS
Posts: 920
Yes, Blake, from your images yours are halogen H7s I believe. Both the high beam and dipped beam are H7 bulbs in fact.
Too much trouble to change up to xenon or HIDs so I would go for the ones that advertise as 130%. The poster (that gave a link to 200%) may find that those bulbs have a shorter lifespan. I have tried 110% many years ago but found that driving on normal suburban roads with my dipped beams constantly on gave a less than desirable customer experience.
To this end, I only choose named brands and regular wattage globes and as another poster mentions about the lenses "and make them clear if they’re very opaque" From your photo, I don't think you have that problem.
Maybe, upgrade the high beam to Osram Night Breakers as they will only be needed when there is less traffic around and maybe have a longer life.
Your mileage may vary...LeighW
The old girl is on her third engine...
* first ran a bearing (design failure in original engine)
* second had a failure of the water outlet on top of the engine (pls check yours)
25th Aug 2023 9:41 am
HairyFool
Member Since: 04 Jan 2023
Location: North Essex
Posts: 696
The most obvious give-away is the lack of High Voltage warning lablesA visitor from the dark side, my other vehicle is an is still an EV. Strictly speaking its SWMBO.
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