Legacy TT BH5 JDM - poor headlamps

[plenty]

Haven't had much luck so far on the marque-specific forums and so thought I'd try here as I know there are a few Legacy owners in these parts.

The headlamp housings on on my JDM 1999 BH5 GT-B are comprised of two chambers with a bulb each: HID dipped beams located in the upper chamber, with H1 main beams in the lower. The dipped lights are fine but the main beams are useless. I can drive around all night with the main beams on - they do not dazzle oncomers.

I've upgraded the H1 bulbs to Osram Nightbreakers however the issue seems to be the design of the lower housing, which scatters the light in all directions except forward. Can't see how alignment could be the problem as it's not like the light is focusing in the wrong direction - it's not focusing at all.

I've read that the JDM HID headlamp is the best iteration available for the BH5 so so I can only assume I have a problem as the lights are so poor - the worst I've used - that I can't believe that they are OE spec.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[GravelBen]

Sounds like something must be wrong with them, my Legacy HIDs are very good. Not much help other than that sorry.

[FlatPack]

I've got the same setup too and my main beams are fine . I know that doesn't help too much though...

Not something simple like a dodgy earth is it?

[plenty]

Thanks guys. I'll have another look at the weekend in case something is obviously wrong. Just to reiterate, the dipped beams are HID (and fine) whereas the problem is with the halogen H1 mains scattering light anywhere except forward. There is a UKLegacy meet happening within reach this month so I might pop along so to see if I can get a comparison with other cars.

[markCSC]

Hello

Totally off topic but my brother has just bought a 1999 GTB today but the speedo is still in KPH. Anyway he was suprised how lower geared it was, 3500 rpm at 120 kph (75mph?) Does this seem right?

Ta

Mark

Edited by markCSC on Friday 6th November 16:01

[plenty]

At a GPS 70 I'm at 3,250 rpm.

[GravelBen]

2600rpm at 100km/h in mine, will check 120 later today when I'm out in it.

Edited by GravelBen on Saturday 7th November 19:37

[GravelBen]

Checked - 120 km/h in mine (2002 GTB) is around 3100rpm