Headlight Upgrades H4 v LED etc

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Hi, The headlights on my 02 are pretty useless I am looking at what can be done to improve them. I have read lots of bad reviews about using LED bulbs as an alternative. I understand that the strictly LEDs are only legal if fitted by the manufacturer. I realise that my car will dodge the MOT failure rules on LEDS as it is pre 1986 but I really want to find the most sensible option. As I see it the three options are:
1.	Replace the lens & reflectors with new & stick with H4 bulbs.

2.	Go for a LED sealed unit.

3.	Replace H4s with LED bulbs.

I would be grateful for any words of wisdom on this topic.

I should say that my car rarely goes out in the dark but I have been a bit caught out when collecting it from garages for MOTs etc.

Many thanks

Gary Barnes

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
GaryBarnz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 17 Aug 2013 Location: Bristol Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryBarnz Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Headlight Upgrades H4 v LED etc Posted: 02 Jan 2026 at 12:09pm
	Hi, The headlights on my 02 are pretty useless I am looking at what can be done to improve them. I have read lots of bad reviews about using LED bulbs as an alternative. I understand that the strictly LEDs are only legal if fitted by the manufacturer. I realise that my car will dodge the MOT failure rules on LEDS as it is pre 1986 but I really want to find the most sensible option. As I see it the three options are: 1. Replace the lens & reflectors with new & stick with H4 bulbs. 2. Go for a LED sealed unit. 3. Replace H4s with LED bulbs. I would be grateful for any words of wisdom on this topic. I should say that my car rarely goes out in the dark but I have been a bit caught out when collecting it from garages for MOTs etc. Many thanks Gary Barnes

Sponsored Links

Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jan 2026 at 3:12pm
	The first job is to check the voltage drop between the battery and dip/main filaments. If more than 1 volt or so, fit relays with decent sized wiring and fuses directly from the battery. A small amount of electrical knowledge and ability will be required. Next, fit high quality bulbs, such as Philips or Osram's best. Do NOT use anything else, unless you enjoy dazzling other drivers! LEDs with H4 caps are usually of poor quality and should be avoided, no matter what inflated claims are made for them. Likewise, LED sealed beams must be very difficult to find, apart from things made in the back yard of a Chinese peasant.
	A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!

GaryBarnz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 17 Aug 2013 Location: Bristol Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote GaryBarnz Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jan 2026 at 10:52am
	Thanks Mike, I am going to line up my local auto-electrician to look at this. Cheerrs Gary