Impreza Lighting

[LFB531]

So having cleaned up the headlights of my '04 wagon, aligned them properly and fitted Osram bulbs, I'm still of the view that they're not good enough for what I need.

So I've tracked down some of the original Prodrive brackets for this later car and PIAA driving lamps to replace the fogs. I plan to use the existing front fog light switch as a control to include the driving lamps with main beam (or not) as required, I didn't want any new switches and am keen to keep it all looking as standard as possible.

I've been scratching my head with the wiring options and don't want to touch the main loom or muck about with the switch so I've come up with this using two simple switching relays that I can hide out of the way.

Apologies for the crude sketch but happy to hear any comments especially if you think I can simplify the wiring. The new driving lights draw 260 watts in total hence the 25amp supply to relay 2.

[TEKNOPUG]

I'd source and fit some JDM HIDs personally.

Night and day (no pun intended) difference on my Bug.

[vxr2010]

i agree on the jdm hid comment need a few other bits like the toggle switch for height adjustment which helps with the night vision , unless you manually adjust and leave them ? but in my books better to have adjustment

[LFB531]

Thanks, had considered that option and can always revisit if need be.

As an aside, don't HiD lights need to be self levelling?

[TEKNOPUG]

LFB531 said:

Thanks, had considered that option and can always revisit if need be.

As an aside, don't HiD lights need to be self levelling?

Yes, no, maybe.

"Headlight washers and automatic levelling

Part 6.2.9. "Other requirements" says: "Dipped-beam headlamps with a light source or LED module(s) producing the principal dipped beam and having a total objective luminous flux which exceeds 2,000 lumen shall only be installed in conjunction with the installation of headlamp cleaning device(s) according to Regulation No. 45.”

Part 6.2.6.2.2 says "... devices which are adjusted manually, either continuously or non-continuously, shall be permitted, provided they have a stop position at which the lamps can be returned to the initial inclination defined in paragraph 6.2.6.1.1. by means of the usual adjusting screws or similar means. These manually adjustable devices shall be operable from the driver's seat."

However, part 6.2.9. says “With respect to vertical inclination the provisions of paragraph 6.2.6.2.2. above shall not be applied for dipped-beam headlamps:

(a) With LED module(s) producing the principal dipped beam; or

(b) With a light source producing the principal dipped beam and having an objective luminous flux which exceeds 2,000 lumen."

So, these laws say you must have washers and automatic levelling only if the light source is more than 2,000 lumens total output, or the light is produced by LEDs (of any brightness), according to (b), above.

But, it's worth pointing out that it’s not possible to measure the total light output accurately at the roadside, or in the MOT station - a light meter can only measure intensity of light at one point, and this rule applies to total light output.

Therefore, as long as you have a manually-operated light levelling system - e.g. a little adjuster wheel on the dashboard - this also seems to be acceptable according to the wording above, unless of course somebody goes to the trouble of having your lights' output measured to test whether they put out more than 2,000 lumens."

The issue with HIDs is mainly fitting them in non-HID designed headlights/lens. The beam pattern is all wrong and this is what dazzles other drivers. If you just fit the bulbs without the relevant projectors/lens then you are a hazard to other road users at the very least. You can get retrofit kits that include the projectors etc which are popular with Classic Imprezas. Likewise the Newage ones but the fact that you can get OEM HID headlights for the Newage (Light units, ballasts, wiring etc) makes that the most sensible route. I don't have self-levelling on mine as it's a UK model with JDM lights but never had a problem at MoT time.

[vxr2010]

the bulbs you fitted if they are updated they should be fine , it maybe an adjustment issue , i did mine against a wall at night and the beam is much better , if that's not enough then i would go with jdm lights with an adjuster , i think good bulbs the ones that use the same power but 30 percent brighter and adjusted will be fine

[TEKNOPUG]

I have OSRAM Nightbreakers in my full beams (which are the same units/lens as the UK ones) and they are great. It's the dipped beam which is borderline dangerous. Hence why I went with JDM HIDs (HIDs just on dip).

[LFB531]

I get the fact that we all have a different view on what is good enough or not. The bulbs are Nightbreakers from Osram, always been happy with them and don't get me wrong, the light quality is good, it's just not got the range. Although it's physically impossible, it always feels like I can outrun the lights in the lanes I use. They are correctly adjusted.

I've a 911 and a Range Rover Sport with OE HiD's, they're both good but the best of the bunch is my road rally car with KC Daylighter auxiliary halogen lamps hence why I'm leaning towards that sort of option.

Suppose I could always slow down

[vxr2010]

on monaro's the lights are known to not be great , on ebay i bought two uprated bulbs and adjusted the lights and they have been fine , maybe the cost of a range rover light plus a nerwer lens in it v a not as expensive subaru light could be part of the issue ,standard jdm hids are better but i would say not by loads , does the plastic lens on your car need a polish it's easy to do i did them on my wagon a good improvement on light , i would expect a newer car to have better lights compared to any older car , hope that all makes sense

[julianm]

Hope this might help - he`s in the USA but has useful articles as well as the circuits here:
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/rel...

[LFB531]

julianm said:

Hope this might help - he`s in the USA but has useful articles as well as the circuits here:
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/rel...

Thanks for digging that out, looks like I'm ok then.

As it turns out, a change of plan anyway. I didn't check carefully enough, the kit I've got is for the Blobeye, mines a Bug and needs smaller lights. Idiot!

At least the wiring is ready for Plan B though!

[julianm]

By a fluke I was in the headlamp of my Outback today - replacing low beam bullb. Popped in the new one & the retaining wire wouldn`t engage. A very close look revealed the plastic bit it catches on had snapped off when I freed the wire. Quick internet search & I seem to be one of dozens who have done the same, so I`d recommend taking a good look & being very gentle if yours is anything like. Managed to keep enough spring clip pressure on the bulb with a zip tie. Of course the fragile stupid plastic bit is part of the whole lamp assembly which is £400 + !

[LFB531]

As I'm equipped with ape hands, I cheated and popped the headlights out of the Impreza. If it's fragile, I'm sure to break it so always avoid that situation wherever possible