987 Headlight Upgrade
Discussion
Once you experience LED headlights conventional bulbs look like candle light right.
My 07 Cayman I’ve owned from new and is a true keeper and I pride myself on keeping it in standard as built trim………but I’ll make an exception if I could upgrade the headlights.
Has anyone felt the same and discovered some good solutions.
Much appreciate any comments, cheers
My 07 Cayman I’ve owned from new and is a true keeper and I pride myself on keeping it in standard as built trim………but I’ll make an exception if I could upgrade the headlights.
Has anyone felt the same and discovered some good solutions.
Much appreciate any comments, cheers
I was kindly recommended these in the Cayman R thread.
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
they list some biled upgrades for other model porsche ...maybe worth an ask
https://retrofitlab.com/collections/porsche-911-99...
https://retrofitlab.com/collections/porsche-911-99...
Montcoffer said:
Julian, thanks for that, I'll order some now. I take it you saw an improvement? Was it just a straight bulb replacement?
I haven't tried them yet but intending to for when i next take my car in for a service. they came highly recommended by a well respected ph forum member who owns a Cayman R. julian987R said:
I was kindly recommended these in the Cayman R thread.
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
Finally fitted the bulbs at the weekend and tried them tonight, unfortunately hardly any better, worth a try for £30 but they certainly don’t do anywhere near the claims on the package.https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
steveo3002 said:
they list some biled upgrades for other model porsche ...maybe worth an ask
https://retrofitlab.com/collections/porsche-911-99...
This would be an option but nothing for Caymans, I’ve emailed them just in case?https://retrofitlab.com/collections/porsche-911-99...
Montcoffer said:
Finally fitted the bulbs at the weekend and tried them tonight, unfortunately hardly any better, worth a try for £30 but they certainly don’t do anywhere near the claims on the package.
Are your headlamp lenses in good condition ?At 14 years old I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re in need of some refurbishment.
These fit, they work (so far for 20k miles driving with no error codes), and are a reasonable upgrade over the standard incandescent and are not excessively cool / blue / ricer like many LED 'upgrades' (though admittedly, just a touch too blue).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PWW2Y65/ref...
They are not absolutely stellar, most of the commentary around LED upgrades is exaggerated. I tried some 9000 lumens alternatives first that were being raved about on another forum and they turned out to be very poor, I think they got good coverage because they were 6500K and gave the requisite ultra-blue ricer look.
Anyway, my advice is you want something in the 20,000 claimed lumens range (combined for both units) or brighter if we are talking obscure Chinese brands (I think the numbers are fairly fictional, but comparably fictional, if that makes sense). Ideally, you'd want 5800K or thereabouts (I believe that is what most OEM factory LED headlights are), but these aftermarket jobs tend to be a bit bluer, 'cos that's the fashion. 6000K is OK. It doesn't look naff externally, it's just a slightly warmer temp would be better for actual driving visibility. The 6500K 'bulbs' are surprisingly bad in that regard. The cold light temp really compromises visibility. You could have some really bright 6500K headlights without having great actual visibility.
Anyway, there may well be better ones now, the market moves fast. But it's all a bit trial and error, so unless you've tried a given product, it's really hard to know.
Philips do some 5800K units and I would expect the quality to be better. Would be interesting to try them, they are much lower rated for lumens (3,000 combined / 1,500 per unit, I think) but that is probably a more accurate brightness rating and the slightly warmer temp will mean whatever brightness is available is more effective:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-11972XUWX2-X-trem...
That said, I suspect they are more conservatively specced than Chinese stuff which is presumably made without fear of any liability. But they're quite pricey to take a spin on, so haven't got round to trying them.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PWW2Y65/ref...
They are not absolutely stellar, most of the commentary around LED upgrades is exaggerated. I tried some 9000 lumens alternatives first that were being raved about on another forum and they turned out to be very poor, I think they got good coverage because they were 6500K and gave the requisite ultra-blue ricer look.
Anyway, my advice is you want something in the 20,000 claimed lumens range (combined for both units) or brighter if we are talking obscure Chinese brands (I think the numbers are fairly fictional, but comparably fictional, if that makes sense). Ideally, you'd want 5800K or thereabouts (I believe that is what most OEM factory LED headlights are), but these aftermarket jobs tend to be a bit bluer, 'cos that's the fashion. 6000K is OK. It doesn't look naff externally, it's just a slightly warmer temp would be better for actual driving visibility. The 6500K 'bulbs' are surprisingly bad in that regard. The cold light temp really compromises visibility. You could have some really bright 6500K headlights without having great actual visibility.
Anyway, there may well be better ones now, the market moves fast. But it's all a bit trial and error, so unless you've tried a given product, it's really hard to know.
Philips do some 5800K units and I would expect the quality to be better. Would be interesting to try them, they are much lower rated for lumens (3,000 combined / 1,500 per unit, I think) but that is probably a more accurate brightness rating and the slightly warmer temp will mean whatever brightness is available is more effective:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-11972XUWX2-X-trem...
That said, I suspect they are more conservatively specced than Chinese stuff which is presumably made without fear of any liability. But they're quite pricey to take a spin on, so haven't got round to trying them.
Montcoffer said:
julian987R said:
I was kindly recommended these in the Cayman R thread.
https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
Finally fitted the bulbs at the weekend and tried them tonight, unfortunately hardly any better, worth a try for £30 but they certainly don’t do anywhere near the claims on the package.https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/philips-x-treme...
F6C said:
These fit, they work (so far for 20k miles driving with no error codes), and are a reasonable upgrade over the standard incandescent and are not excessively cool / blue / ricer like many LED 'upgrades' (though admittedly, just a touch too blue).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PWW2Y65/ref...
They are not absolutely stellar, most of the commentary around LED upgrades is exaggerated. I tried some 9000 lumens alternatives first that were being raved about on another forum and they turned out to be very poor, I think they got good coverage because they were 6500K and gave the requisite ultra-blue ricer look.
Anyway, my advice is you want something in the 20,000 claimed lumens range (combined for both units) or brighter if we are talking obscure Chinese brands (I think the numbers are fairly fictional, but comparably fictional, if that makes sense). Ideally, you'd want 5800K or thereabouts (I believe that is what most OEM factory LED headlights are), but these aftermarket jobs tend to be a bit bluer, 'cos that's the fashion. 6000K is OK. It doesn't look naff externally, it's just a slightly warmer temp would be better for actual driving visibility. The 6500K 'bulbs' are surprisingly bad in that regard. The cold light temp really compromises visibility. You could have some really bright 6500K headlights without having great actual visibility.
Anyway, there may well be better ones now, the market moves fast. But it's all a bit trial and error, so unless you've tried a given product, it's really hard to know.
Philips do some 5800K units and I would expect the quality to be better. Would be interesting to try them, they are much lower rated for lumens (3,000 combined / 1,500 per unit, I think) but that is probably a more accurate brightness rating and the slightly warmer temp will mean whatever brightness is available is more effective:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-11972XUWX2-X-trem...
That said, I suspect they are more conservatively specced than Chinese stuff which is presumably made without fear of any liability. But they're quite pricey to take a spin on, so haven't got round to trying them.
Thanks for the comprehensive reply, on the face of it this looks promising, my concern would be the aftermarket blue light. I’ve had the car from new 987 gen 1, 2.7, and pride myself on keeping it standard looking as it left the factory.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PWW2Y65/ref...
They are not absolutely stellar, most of the commentary around LED upgrades is exaggerated. I tried some 9000 lumens alternatives first that were being raved about on another forum and they turned out to be very poor, I think they got good coverage because they were 6500K and gave the requisite ultra-blue ricer look.
Anyway, my advice is you want something in the 20,000 claimed lumens range (combined for both units) or brighter if we are talking obscure Chinese brands (I think the numbers are fairly fictional, but comparably fictional, if that makes sense). Ideally, you'd want 5800K or thereabouts (I believe that is what most OEM factory LED headlights are), but these aftermarket jobs tend to be a bit bluer, 'cos that's the fashion. 6000K is OK. It doesn't look naff externally, it's just a slightly warmer temp would be better for actual driving visibility. The 6500K 'bulbs' are surprisingly bad in that regard. The cold light temp really compromises visibility. You could have some really bright 6500K headlights without having great actual visibility.
Anyway, there may well be better ones now, the market moves fast. But it's all a bit trial and error, so unless you've tried a given product, it's really hard to know.
Philips do some 5800K units and I would expect the quality to be better. Would be interesting to try them, they are much lower rated for lumens (3,000 combined / 1,500 per unit, I think) but that is probably a more accurate brightness rating and the slightly warmer temp will mean whatever brightness is available is more effective:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-11972XUWX2-X-trem...
That said, I suspect they are more conservatively specced than Chinese stuff which is presumably made without fear of any liability. But they're quite pricey to take a spin on, so haven't got round to trying them.
andygo said:
I fitted an Xenon dipped beam headlight kit in my 987.2 Cayman. Easy to fit, super bright.
They are currently in my garage after selling the car. My 981 Cayman has Xenons already fitted, so if you want to spend £40 + postage, they can be yours!
I’m interested yes, just one question is the light blue? Also not sure how we share contact details?They are currently in my garage after selling the car. My 981 Cayman has Xenons already fitted, so if you want to spend £40 + postage, they can be yours!
The market is an absolute mess for aftermarket LED bulbs. I've done a tonne of reading and video review watching on this. A lot of the differences are actually around the cooling cores on the rear of the bulbs - active (fan) versus passive (headsink only).
The best source of information for LED bulbs is a website called Headlight Revolution, which have a number of very comprehensive videos and articles where they test, at length, dozens of brands. The real risk with LED bulbs is overheating and subsequent damage to your headlight, wiring harness(es) and surrounding parts. That is what is keeping me back from switching.
My 981 has the bulbs Julian kindly mentioned earlier, and they made a notable difference but they are still way off our Lexus, and frankly crap for this day and age.
Take a look, but I'd advise spending more for quality than trying to save a few pennies (not insinuating that was your goal).
I hope that helps. Link below to site.
Headlight Revloution Website Link
The best source of information for LED bulbs is a website called Headlight Revolution, which have a number of very comprehensive videos and articles where they test, at length, dozens of brands. The real risk with LED bulbs is overheating and subsequent damage to your headlight, wiring harness(es) and surrounding parts. That is what is keeping me back from switching.
My 981 has the bulbs Julian kindly mentioned earlier, and they made a notable difference but they are still way off our Lexus, and frankly crap for this day and age.
Take a look, but I'd advise spending more for quality than trying to save a few pennies (not insinuating that was your goal).
I hope that helps. Link below to site.
Headlight Revloution Website Link
Hi all,
Responding to this post has inspired me to take a gamble. After driving last night and having this thread weighing on my mind I decided I just needed to try something.
I've gone for the Philips Ultinon Pro9000 LED H7 bulbs for the dipped beam for now. They seem to have resolved all the issues of large adapters etc of the older models, plus they are from a reputable company, however priced as such.
For just shy of £120 they will be arriving tomorrow morning.
Link to Philips Bulb
I'll of course report back and let this thread know if they're any good.
Responding to this post has inspired me to take a gamble. After driving last night and having this thread weighing on my mind I decided I just needed to try something.
I've gone for the Philips Ultinon Pro9000 LED H7 bulbs for the dipped beam for now. They seem to have resolved all the issues of large adapters etc of the older models, plus they are from a reputable company, however priced as such.
For just shy of £120 they will be arriving tomorrow morning.
Link to Philips Bulb
I'll of course report back and let this thread know if they're any good.
Good afternoon all, Philips LED (Ultinon Pro9000) bulbs came in this morning and I installed them just a short while ago. First time uploading photos here but hope they come across okay. If you can’t see them DM me and I’ll happily mail over.
The difference is huge, the colour is now a much more OEM LED white, crucially not blue, with the light intensity consistently high across the whole beam pattern, where the halogens (even though I had updated bulbs) were weak at the sides. There appears to be no light spill above the beam horizon. I will update the post this evening once I’ve tried at night, but thought you’d appreciate some side by sides.
Left hand side of photo (offside on car) is LED and the right side (near side of car) is the Halogen. Installation was easy as pie, no cumbersome adapters and these are actively cooled by a small fan.
[url]
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/Z3aSq6Xg.jpg[/img]|https://thumbsnap.com/Z3aSq6Xg[/url] <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/TCpwA3s4" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TCpwA3s4.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/iXayuJyk" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/iXayuJyk.jpg)
The difference is huge, the colour is now a much more OEM LED white, crucially not blue, with the light intensity consistently high across the whole beam pattern, where the halogens (even though I had updated bulbs) were weak at the sides. There appears to be no light spill above the beam horizon. I will update the post this evening once I’ve tried at night, but thought you’d appreciate some side by sides.
Left hand side of photo (offside on car) is LED and the right side (near side of car) is the Halogen. Installation was easy as pie, no cumbersome adapters and these are actively cooled by a small fan.
[url]
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