phil19gti 0 Posted October 1, 2009 I've only had my 205 for a few weeks and untill last night hadn't been out in it in the dark, anyway my visibilty wasn't very good. So I was wondering what people recommend when for replacing bulbs? I've had a search and read quite a bit on certain high strength bulbs possibly burning the loom out which I don't want to happen. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil19gti 0 Posted October 1, 2009 Sorry for the triple post!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 1, 2009 (edited) Sorry for the triple post!!! You can 'close' the other 2 useless threads, bottom left 'forum options', 'close topic', until the mods manage to delete them. This way you'll get your answers in one place. Ref bulbs: Firstly I would clean up the earth points at the front, both for the lights and on the gearbox and chassis. Secondly, there are many Xenon bulbs on eGay and in motorfactors which do a very good job. They're all much of a muchness, but I'd stick with a recognised brand. Doing this will definitely give you brighter lights, although remember there can be other factors such as filthy lenses and a weak alternator. Edited October 1, 2009 by DrSarty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil19gti 0 Posted October 1, 2009 Ref bulbs: Firstly I would clean up the earth points at the front, both for the lights and on the gearbox and chassis. Secondly, there are many Xenon bulbs on eGay and in motorfactors which do a very good job. They're all much of a muchness, but I'd stick with a recognised brand. Doing this will definitely give you brighter lights, although remember there can be other factors such as filthy lenses and a weak alternator. In terms of what power bulbs to choose, what would you recommend? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 1, 2009 In terms of what power bulbs to choose, what would you recommend? Just trawl eGay and you'll see most are just direct replacements, at 55 or 60W only brighter/whiter because of the filament and/or gas used inside. They're only about £10-12 IIRC. You won't go far wrong, but you really should do the other things I recommended too to get the best out of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil19gti 0 Posted October 1, 2009 Just trawl eGay and you'll see most are just direct replacements, at 55 or 60W only brighter/whiter because of the filament and/or gas used inside. They're only about £10-12 IIRC. You won't go far wrong, but you really should do the other things I recommended too to get the best out of them. Will do I'll clean up the earth connecors first like you say. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted October 1, 2009 In terms of what power bulbs to choose, what would you recommend? No greater than standard or plugs in the fusebox start melting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeggyrik 3 Posted October 1, 2009 (edited) Be careful if you are considering going for higher powered bulbs, you can fry the standard headlight wiring. There was talk of uprated headlight looms in years gone by to combat this. As said above, cleaning up the earths does help, I did this on my old 205. Edited October 1, 2009 by skeggyrik Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,000 Posted October 1, 2009 I've always found that even with standard bulbs, 205 headlights are very good even compared to many modern cars. Make sure the headlights themselves are in good condition (in particular, check the condition of the reflectors) and that they're aimed correctly - so many 205's I see have headlights mis-aimed and that makes them distinctly ineffective. Also, as mentioned already, make sure that the earths are good and no corrosion on the headlight plug pins - it'll only take a small amount of voltage drop to dramatically reduce the light output from the headlights. Certainly I'd say that if you feel you desperately need brighter bulbs, then you're either used to something with a decent HID setup, or there's an underlying issue that you'll merely mask with new bulbs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 1, 2009 (edited) As Anthony said, but I would say bulb manufacturing technology has moved on somewhat, so if you've got everything else (earths etc) in order, then even these - click - things, which don't cost much will make a significant difference. I found they did, and there was a thread not that long ago where others said the same. With a good alternator, good earths and wiring, good lenses and reflectors the lights will be good anyway, but throwing these standard wattage (55/60W) types of bulbs in will give you a noticeable improvement. BTW I use the white NOT the blue (chav) variety. Edited October 1, 2009 by DrSarty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil19gti 0 Posted October 1, 2009 As Anthony said, but I would say bulb manufacturing technology has moved on somewhat, so if you've got everything else (earths etc) in order, then even these - click - things, which don't cost much will make a significant difference. I found they did, and there was a thread not that long ago where others said the same. With a good alternator, good earths and wiring, good lenses and reflectors the lights will be good anyway, but throwing these standard wattage (55/60W) types of bulbs in will give you a noticeable improvement. BTW I use the white NOT the blue (chav) variety. I found those ones this morning. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT What do you think to the ones in the link above - free sidelights included. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaveW 6 Posted October 3, 2009 get some orsam nightbreakers H4. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Galifrey 1 Posted October 3, 2009 get some orsam nightbreakers H4. Orsam suk, the Osram's are much better Sorry poor attempt at humour after red wine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damien 22 1 Cars Posted October 4, 2009 could always go for some HID's been running them for 3 years now and never had a problem not even for MOT's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joe1joe 3 Posted October 5, 2009 im using hid (well one of the ballasts have packed up which is 20 quid) and have used them for ages with no prolem with wiring atall, but the pattern on the mot tester isnt very good.... and your are "realy ment to have leveling lights realy" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaveW 6 Posted October 6, 2009 Orsam suk, the Osram's are much better Sorry poor attempt at humour after red wine i should really look at what i type Share this post Link to post Share on other sites