Xenon upgrade to an old Renault Megane

[Slaav]

As above really....

A friend gas bought an 07 Megane Dynamique to ferry her mum about in and the headlights aren't great....

How easy is it to upgrade the headlights - if at all possible? Or any recommendations for best and brightest/far reaching bulbs?

Found a couple of threads that seem to imply a Xenon upgrade may be illegal?

Many thanks in advance

[Tomo1971]

Slaav said:

As above really....

A friend gas bought an 07 Megane Dynamique to ferry her mum about in and the headlights aren't great....

How easy is it to upgrade the headlights - if at all possible? Or any recommendations for best and brightest/far reaching bulbs?

Found a couple of threads that seem to imply a Xenon upgrade may be illegal?

Many thanks in advance

There are a few different thoughts on whether they are illegal or not - unfortunately the MOT and VOSA wording isnt quite specific enough to be clear.

Have a read of this: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/...

Aftermarket HIDS in non - projector headlamp units are pretty dire - VERY bright but the pattern on the road and the cut off isnt great - you will be dazling oncoming vehicles and airplanes if near an airport (Ive used them myself when younger and regret it)

If used in projector headlamps, they are better - the cutoff is sharper (but thats due to the internal design of the headlamp not the Xenon burner) but the pattern that is projected on the road can be distracting to the driver as it can be brighter in the wrong areas and pulls the driver's eyes to the wrong part of the road.

But, I don't think that even a bulb change for the megane is for the feint hearted, is it not a bumper off job - or one needs the hands of a 5 year old to get in via the wheel arches? If going the route of bumper off, you may as well and try and do it semi properly and that is to get the headlamp units/xenons/ballasts etc from a scrappy and transfer the whole lot across. Would still be without the obligatory headlamp height adjustment (self levelling) and washers but at least the bulbs wouldnt be dazzling anyone!

[Stickyfinger]

I hate this modification, it is dangerous to other road users, please don't.

[Slaav]

Fine and no issues as it seems more trouble than it is worth!

So what is the best option to correct her cr4ppy headlights then??? Best bulbs??

[Stickyfinger]

55w Osram Nightbreakers

[Slaav]

Stickyfinger said:

55w Osram Nightbreakers

Thanks - will get them in for her and then take the car apart to change them

[GC8]

Stickyfinger said:

I hate this modification, it is dangerous to other road users, please don't.

You big drama queen.

[tonyb1968]

GC8 said:

Stickyfinger said:

I hate this modification, it is dangerous to other road users, please don't.

You big drama queen.

He's right though, apart from after market kits being illegal (they all state "not for road use" ) and they all glare, could take pictures of the ones I see coming down the road when I am walking and they scatter the light badly, a slight hazzard to any traffic (and pedestrians) coming the other way.

[Stickyfinger]

tonyb1968 said:

GC8 said:

Stickyfinger said:

I hate this modification, it is dangerous to other road users, please don't.

You big drama queen.

He's right though, apart from after market kits being illegal (they all state "not for road use" ) and they all glare, could take pictures of the ones I see coming down the road when I am walking and they scatter the light badly, a slight hazzard to any traffic (and pedestrians) coming the other way.

Thank you for pointing that out to the prune

[GC8]

Stickyfinger said:

tonyb1968 said:

GC8 said:

Stickyfinger said:

I hate this modification, it is dangerous to other road users, please don't.

You big drama queen.

He's right though, apart from after market kits being illegal (they all state "not for road use" ) and they all glare, could take pictures of the ones I see coming down the road when I am walking and they scatter the light badly, a slight hazzard to any traffic (and pedestrians) coming the other way.

Thank you for pointing that out to the prune

Oh shut up smellyfinger, you little nobody.

Tony, I am aware of the obvious but exaggerated points that you make, but suggest that misaligned headlamps and OEM HIDs are far more of an irritation - an that is all that it is, an irritation. I am not sure that I have ever been dazzled by an 'illegal' HID bulb but I know damned well that I have been dazzled by original equipment HID lamps.

[Stickyfinger]

GC8 said:

Oh shut up smellyfinger, you little nobody.

Tony, I am aware of the obvious but exaggerated points that you make, but suggest that misaligned headlamps and OEM HIDs are far more of an irritation - an that is all that it is, an irritation. I am not sure that I have ever been dazzled by an 'illegal' HID bulb but I know damned well that I have been dazzled by original equipment HID lamps.

smellyfinger Make me laugh more.....ho ho, did that come to you as an inspiration ?

GC8 said:

If you need to use a silly exaggeration to make your argument, then you have a weak argument.

Same for childish insults maybe ?

It IS illegal unless you extensively modify your car ....for a reason. HID's need to self level or they dazzle and that is a simple FACT.
It is that simple even a person with your sparkling and quick wits should be able to understand.

How would you know if it was OEM or not that is dazzling you on a bumpy country road ?

Edited by Stickyfinger on Saturday 5th March 21:03

[GC8]

You have nothing of worth to add. All you are doing is regurgitating forum drivel.

[Stickyfinger]

GC8 said:

You have nothing of worth to add. All you are doing is regurgitating forum drivel.

Are you saying that HID lights do NOT need auto-levelling systems to be legal ?
Are you saying that non-levelling HID diy installations do not dazzle ??

.....really ?....great advice (not)

Edited by Stickyfinger on Saturday 5th March 22:01