Upgraded DB9 Headlights
Discussion
Ever since owning my 2006 DB9 i have been disappointed with the headlights, they are awful on both dipped and main beam and in my view bordering on dangerous for what is potentially a fairly quick car. I have tried different bulbs (Osram in the HID low beams, and both halogen and LED in the full beam) but with barely any improvement.
I decided to strip the headlights apart and completely rebuild them with 2 modern Bi-LED projectors in each light, so I now have 4 efficient lights on low beam and 4 on main beam too. The difference is astonishing; on dipped there is a brighter, broader more even beam with a very sharp accurate cutoff and the same on main beam with much more power and reach. The headlights still look absolutely stock (until you switch them on
)
The stock adjustment still works as before and the auto levelling works too.
I also took the opportunity to replace the separate side/position and indicator lights with switchback lights as the indicators are not very visible when the sidelights are on too.
I now feel safe driving at night :-)
Details here:
https://db9s.com/upgraded-aston-martin-headlights/
The images below are with just one headlight vs an original headlight with new bulbs
Below is the two projectors fitted to the original mounting plate.
I decided to strip the headlights apart and completely rebuild them with 2 modern Bi-LED projectors in each light, so I now have 4 efficient lights on low beam and 4 on main beam too. The difference is astonishing; on dipped there is a brighter, broader more even beam with a very sharp accurate cutoff and the same on main beam with much more power and reach. The headlights still look absolutely stock (until you switch them on
)The stock adjustment still works as before and the auto levelling works too.
I also took the opportunity to replace the separate side/position and indicator lights with switchback lights as the indicators are not very visible when the sidelights are on too.
I now feel safe driving at night :-)
Details here:
https://db9s.com/upgraded-aston-martin-headlights/
The images below are with just one headlight vs an original headlight with new bulbs
Below is the two projectors fitted to the original mounting plate.
JeremyH5 said:
The modification makes a huge positive difference, impressed!
Am I right to infer that the use of the original mounting adjuster plate makes these acceptable for the MOT?
From what I have been told that, and the fact that these projectors are designed for the LEDs they have in them, the issues for MOTs seems adjustment and having bulbs that are designed specifically for the projectors or reflectors, any MOT station will see a perfect beam pattern and won't see any problem or any difference from stock.Am I right to infer that the use of the original mounting adjuster plate makes these acceptable for the MOT?
JeremyH5 said:
The modification makes a huge positive difference, impressed!
Am I right to infer that the use of the original mounting adjuster plate makes these acceptable for the MOT?
No, absolutely not. Many previous threads on this. Two low beams allowed only and the presence of the headlamp covers changes the beam pattern of the approved BiLed unit. Illegal on all counts. Am I right to infer that the use of the original mounting adjuster plate makes these acceptable for the MOT?
Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
Hammersia said:
No, absolutely not. Many previous threads on this. Two low beams allowed only and the presence of the headlamp covers changes the beam pattern of the approved BiLed unit. Illegal on all counts.
Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
Unfortunate, given the obvious improvement in performance. As an alternative I wonder if it might it be feasible to retrofit headlights from a MY2012 model? The ones with the LED side lights in a strip along the inboard edge. Are they any better?Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
Hammersia said:
No, absolutely not. Many previous threads on this. Two low beams allowed only and the presence of the headlamp covers changes the beam pattern of the approved BiLed unit. Illegal on all counts.
Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
I agree that the headlamp cover may change the beam, but on testing the cutoff is fine. Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
However most modern cars have multiple LED low beam lights within one headlight and they are perfectly legal, I believe the regulation means you can't have separate and extra low beam headlights. My Audi has 4 low beam lights, 2 on each side, my Vauxhall has 3 low beam each side and my wife's BMW has 2 low beam units each side.
Edited by Phuketpaul on Sunday 22 January 13:23
JeremyH5 said:
Unfortunate, given the obvious improvement in performance. As an alternative I wonder if it might it be feasible to retrofit headlights from a MY2012 model? The ones with the LED side lights in a strip along the inboard edge. Are they any better?
The lights are completely different, both the mounts and the cutouts in the wing on the later cars.Phuketpaul said:
Hammersia said:
No, absolutely not. Many previous threads on this. Two low beams allowed only and the presence of the headlamp covers changes the beam pattern of the approved BiLed unit. Illegal on all counts.
Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
I agree that the headlamp cover may change the beam, but on testing the cutoff is fine. Page 6 of the link below.
https://www.hella.com/hella-si/assets/media_global...
However most modern cars have multiple LED low beam lights within one headlight and they are perfectly legal, I believe the regulation means you can't have separate and extra low beam headlights. My Audi has 4 low beam lights, 2 on each side, my Vauxhall has 3 low beam each side and my wife's BMW has 2 low beam units each side.
Edited by Phuketpaul on Sunday 22 January 13:23
JeremyH5 said:
Phuketpaul said:
The lights are completely different, both the mounts and the cutouts in the wing on the later cars.
I rather expected that We’ll have to wait and see if you get a fail at MOT time. Fingers crossed!
MOT LAW ON LED’s
In the UK, you generally cannot put aftermarket LED bulbs into a standard halogen headlight unit for road use or MOT as it will likely fail because the reflector isn't designed for it, causing glare and poor beam patterns. Factory-fitted LED headlights are legal, but aftermarket LED conversions are often illegal and for "off-road use only".
Rules changed in 2021, allowing some minor exemptions for older vehicles (pre-1986) and motorcycles, but the core principle remains: if it wasn't designed for LED, it's a fail unless it's a vehicle first used before April 1, 1986, or a Class 1/2 motorcycle where they just need to pass other requirements
Key Points for MOT & Road Legality:
Factory-Fitted LEDs: Fully legal and should pass MOT if working correctly as they are designed and approved by the manufacturer.
Aftermarket LED Conversions (Bulbs in Halogen Units): Illegal for road use and will usually fail the MOT because the light scatters, dazzles others, and the beam pattern is incorrect.
The Rule Change (2021):
Motorcycles (Class 1 & 2): Won't fail just for the "incompatible light source" if they meet other test requirements (aim, security, etc.).
Cars (Class 3, 4, 5, 7): Conversions on vehicles first used before April 1, 1986, are not a fail.
Cars (Post-April 1, 1986): Still fail for halogen-to-LED conversions.
Why They Fail: Halogen reflectors scatter LED light, making it bright but unfocused, which is dangerous and reduces visibility.
E-Marking: Kits might claim to be E-marked (like in Germany), but UK law generally prohibits putting LEDs into non-LED-designed units.
In short, for most modern cars, stick with approved bulbs; only LED units from the factory are truly road legal, with specific exceptions for older vehicles and motorcycles
In the UK, you generally cannot put aftermarket LED bulbs into a standard halogen headlight unit for road use or MOT as it will likely fail because the reflector isn't designed for it, causing glare and poor beam patterns. Factory-fitted LED headlights are legal, but aftermarket LED conversions are often illegal and for "off-road use only".
Rules changed in 2021, allowing some minor exemptions for older vehicles (pre-1986) and motorcycles, but the core principle remains: if it wasn't designed for LED, it's a fail unless it's a vehicle first used before April 1, 1986, or a Class 1/2 motorcycle where they just need to pass other requirements
Key Points for MOT & Road Legality:
Factory-Fitted LEDs: Fully legal and should pass MOT if working correctly as they are designed and approved by the manufacturer.
Aftermarket LED Conversions (Bulbs in Halogen Units): Illegal for road use and will usually fail the MOT because the light scatters, dazzles others, and the beam pattern is incorrect.
The Rule Change (2021):
Motorcycles (Class 1 & 2): Won't fail just for the "incompatible light source" if they meet other test requirements (aim, security, etc.).
Cars (Class 3, 4, 5, 7): Conversions on vehicles first used before April 1, 1986, are not a fail.
Cars (Post-April 1, 1986): Still fail for halogen-to-LED conversions.
Why They Fail: Halogen reflectors scatter LED light, making it bright but unfocused, which is dangerous and reduces visibility.
E-Marking: Kits might claim to be E-marked (like in Germany), but UK law generally prohibits putting LEDs into non-LED-designed units.
In short, for most modern cars, stick with approved bulbs; only LED units from the factory are truly road legal, with specific exceptions for older vehicles and motorcycles
Edited by pcarmour on Wednesday 17th December 23:11
pcarmour said:
MOT LAW ON LED s
In the UK, you generally cannot put aftermarket LED bulbs into a standard halogen headlight unit for road use or MOT as it will likely fail because the reflector isn't designed for it, causing glare and poor beam patterns. Factory-fitted LED headlights are legal, but aftermarket LED conversions are often illegal and for "off-road use only".
Rules changed in 2021, allowing some minor exemptions for older vehicles (pre-1986) and motorcycles, but the core principle remains: if it wasn't designed for LED, it's a fail unless it's a vehicle first used before April 1, 1986, or a Class 1/2 motorcycle where they just need to pass other requirements
Key Points for MOT & Road Legality:
Factory-Fitted LEDs: Fully legal and should pass MOT if working correctly as they are designed and approved by the manufacturer.
Aftermarket LED Conversions (Bulbs in Halogen Units): Illegal for road use and will usually fail the MOT because the light scatters, dazzles others, and the beam pattern is incorrect.
The Rule Change (2021):
Motorcycles (Class 1 & 2): Won't fail just for the "incompatible light source" if they meet other test requirements (aim, security, etc.).
Cars (Class 3, 4, 5, 7): Conversions on vehicles first used before April 1, 1986, are not a fail.
Cars (Post-April 1, 1986): Still fail for halogen-to-LED conversions.
Why They Fail: Halogen reflectors scatter LED light, making it bright but unfocused, which is dangerous and reduces visibility.
E-Marking: Kits might claim to be E-marked (like in Germany), but UK law generally prohibits putting LEDs into non-LED-designed units.
In short, for most modern cars, stick with approved bulbs; only LED units from the factory are truly road legal, with specific exceptions for older vehicles and motorcycles
Not sure what the relevance of this is....as this is about putting LED bulbs into Halogen units which is not what I am doing. The units are replaced which gives a better focused light than the original, with less scatter and dazzle.In the UK, you generally cannot put aftermarket LED bulbs into a standard halogen headlight unit for road use or MOT as it will likely fail because the reflector isn't designed for it, causing glare and poor beam patterns. Factory-fitted LED headlights are legal, but aftermarket LED conversions are often illegal and for "off-road use only".
Rules changed in 2021, allowing some minor exemptions for older vehicles (pre-1986) and motorcycles, but the core principle remains: if it wasn't designed for LED, it's a fail unless it's a vehicle first used before April 1, 1986, or a Class 1/2 motorcycle where they just need to pass other requirements
Key Points for MOT & Road Legality:
Factory-Fitted LEDs: Fully legal and should pass MOT if working correctly as they are designed and approved by the manufacturer.
Aftermarket LED Conversions (Bulbs in Halogen Units): Illegal for road use and will usually fail the MOT because the light scatters, dazzles others, and the beam pattern is incorrect.
The Rule Change (2021):
Motorcycles (Class 1 & 2): Won't fail just for the "incompatible light source" if they meet other test requirements (aim, security, etc.).
Cars (Class 3, 4, 5, 7): Conversions on vehicles first used before April 1, 1986, are not a fail.
Cars (Post-April 1, 1986): Still fail for halogen-to-LED conversions.
Why They Fail: Halogen reflectors scatter LED light, making it bright but unfocused, which is dangerous and reduces visibility.
E-Marking: Kits might claim to be E-marked (like in Germany), but UK law generally prohibits putting LEDs into non-LED-designed units.
In short, for most modern cars, stick with approved bulbs; only LED units from the factory are truly road legal, with specific exceptions for older vehicles and motorcycles
Edited by pcarmour on Wednesday 17th December 23:11
I have never been flashed once for my lights dazzling someone else since I upgraded the lights.
It has also sailed through every MIOT.
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