996 Headlight bulb upgrade
Discussion
No, Xenon was an optional extra 
I was in the same position as the OP when I bought mine 4 years ago & I couldn't believe how bad the standard lights are. Positively dangerous in a car like the GT3.
I tried a number of the "brighter" standard bulbs from Philips etc. but tbh, they don't make a lot of difference. Aftermarket HIDs are the way to go. Mine cost £70 on ebay for a 35W 4300K system & they work a treat; nice white light, good beam pattern the lot. Passed every MOT no issues and I don't even have to change anything when driving abroad. Never been flashed for dazzling other road users either.
I was in the same position as the OP when I bought mine 4 years ago & I couldn't believe how bad the standard lights are. Positively dangerous in a car like the GT3.
I tried a number of the "brighter" standard bulbs from Philips etc. but tbh, they don't make a lot of difference. Aftermarket HIDs are the way to go. Mine cost £70 on ebay for a 35W 4300K system & they work a treat; nice white light, good beam pattern the lot. Passed every MOT no issues and I don't even have to change anything when driving abroad. Never been flashed for dazzling other road users either.
They do but it's a bit of work. You have to fit ballasts. They are brilliant though. I have done it on my other car. Apparently you have to be careful come mot time though if beam patterns distort. Haven't yet had the mot but have heard depends on garage.
Ps don't go higher than the 4300k mentioned. If higher they start to look a bit blueish.
Ps don't go higher than the 4300k mentioned. If higher they start to look a bit blueish.
I wouldn't worry too much about quality..they are all made in China, but quality doesn't seem to be an issue, I have had a number of kits over the years in different cars and all have been decent. Try to aim for the slimline ballasts as they are easier to conceal. Also, be careful on the colour you choose, as previously mentioned. This kit on ebay is an example: Item number 370584954439
This is very good value. Just make sure you get warranty and the seller has good feedback, so if a bulb, etc goes, they usually just send you another free of charge. (When buying mine, I did a distance search on ebay so as to find a seller near me...then if there was a problem with any of the parts it is easy to go to them and swap it). Note: you may also need Canbus adaptor which ensures no warning bulb lights on dash. Best thing to do is find a local guy and give him a call. They are usually very good and know their stuff. I would spend up to to around 75 for a kit. But main thing is get someone local. (note, the one I linked doesn't fit the 996 form what I can see, but just posted as an example)
p.s. I have used these guys before, they are excellent and very knowledgeable if you want to give them a call (mon-fri):
http://www.parkingsensoronline.co.uk/xenon-convers...
This is very good value. Just make sure you get warranty and the seller has good feedback, so if a bulb, etc goes, they usually just send you another free of charge. (When buying mine, I did a distance search on ebay so as to find a seller near me...then if there was a problem with any of the parts it is easy to go to them and swap it). Note: you may also need Canbus adaptor which ensures no warning bulb lights on dash. Best thing to do is find a local guy and give him a call. They are usually very good and know their stuff. I would spend up to to around 75 for a kit. But main thing is get someone local. (note, the one I linked doesn't fit the 996 form what I can see, but just posted as an example)
p.s. I have used these guys before, they are excellent and very knowledgeable if you want to give them a call (mon-fri):
http://www.parkingsensoronline.co.uk/xenon-convers...
http://bit.ly/NkmX7T
H7R bulbs. Supposedly anti glare. I believe the h7 bulbs are what they take normally.
Look for h7r packs with 4300k colour.
http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h7r-canbus-pro-hid-co...
These look better.
H7R bulbs. Supposedly anti glare. I believe the h7 bulbs are what they take normally.
Look for h7r packs with 4300k colour.
http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h7r-canbus-pro-hid-co...
These look better.
Edited by _Batty_ on Saturday 23 June 10:43
Illegal with no self leveller and a wash system and is a 2012 onward MOT fail.
Fact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier – Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension – some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
Fact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier – Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension – some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
I discussed this with a friend who is an MOT tester.
Quote: "You can be extremely anal when doing an MOT test. Provided the headlights are aligned when checked with the beam test equipment, then there is no reason to fail the vehicle. Of course, it fails the beam test then it will fail the MOT."
My personal view is that the original light pattern is so Kak that an upgrade is essential if you are going out after dark.
If the MOT thing concerns you too much just put the original bulbs in when it goes for its annual test and put the HIDS back when you get home. Its really simple!
There are far worse things in life to worry about than driving with a non approved bulb. Rant over
Quote: "You can be extremely anal when doing an MOT test. Provided the headlights are aligned when checked with the beam test equipment, then there is no reason to fail the vehicle. Of course, it fails the beam test then it will fail the MOT."
My personal view is that the original light pattern is so Kak that an upgrade is essential if you are going out after dark.
If the MOT thing concerns you too much just put the original bulbs in when it goes for its annual test and put the HIDS back when you get home. Its really simple!
There are far worse things in life to worry about than driving with a non approved bulb. Rant over
The Department of Transport Fact Sheet refers to aftermarket HID kits.
Standard fit Xenons are legal IF fitted with a wash system which works and an automatic levelling system (again which works).
Did you actually read the info.?
Re; filaments, referring to a fitting designed for a filament bulb.
'The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.'
HID and LED are both perfectly legal in UK and Europe as long as they comply with various regs.
Standard fit Xenons are legal IF fitted with a wash system which works and an automatic levelling system (again which works).
Did you actually read the info.?
Re; filaments, referring to a fitting designed for a filament bulb.
'The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.'
HID and LED are both perfectly legal in UK and Europe as long as they comply with various regs.
Edited by Bennachie on Saturday 23 June 17:30
I spoke to an MOT tester about this issue a couple of weeks ago...he told me you need self level and wash. I told him I had levelling, but I need to adjust myself from the switch (as in not auto), he said that is fine and he would pass it - as long as beam pattern is not distorted! Good enough for me!
Bennachie said:
Illegal with no self leveller and a wash system and is a 2012 onward MOT fail.
Fact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier – Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension – some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
'tis bFact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.
The following is the legal rationale:
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.
However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).
For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.
Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:
1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.
2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).
3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.
In practice this means:
1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier – Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.
2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension – some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.
3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.
In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.
If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
ks as I was told when mine passed with aftermarket xenons fitted - three weeks ago. Not entirely bks but more complicated than the above would suggest. And that was at an OPC by the way.Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff