Improving headlights on 2012 SE

DOMINICGG1234 · Nov 6, 2023

Hi all

Now the dark evening have set in I’ve realised how poor the headlights are, being used to having Xenons.

Does anyone have any recommendations please? Is it a simple bulb change or replacing the headlights?

Thanks in advance

Azteccamper · Nov 6, 2023

DOMINICGG1234 said:
Hi all

Now the dark evening have set in I’ve realised how poor the headlights are, being used to having Xenons.

Does anyone have any recommendations please? Is it a simple bulb change or replacing the headlights?

Thanks in advance

I have a 2012 Cali with the H7 bulbs (probably like yourselves) and the light output is pretty dire to say the least. I intend to change mine, maybe give these a go:

Philips 12V H7 Racing Vision GT200 +200% Brighter Upgrade - twin pack | Euro Car Parts

Philips 12V H7 Racing Vision GT200 +200% Brighter Upgrade - twin pack at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.

www.eurocarparts.com

Although I’ve been told they are quite awkward to replace on a Cali.

ash · Nov 6, 2023

We have a 59 plate T5 and last year swapped out side and main beam bulbs for osram 150 or 200% bulbs. It did make quite a difference. They are a pain to fit and when it was mot'd the independent garage chap told me they'd had to play with them to get an acceptable alignment. If I did it again I'd probably accept any cost saving by sourcing the bulbs then just pay a garage to fit them at mot time.

montyburns1982 · Nov 7, 2023

I just upgraded the H7 and H15 bulbs on my 2015 Cali SE for Osram nightbreaker 200s. Easy job to do and makes quite a difference. Took 15 minutes max.

Long term still thinking about going down the replacement headlight route, I like the look of the Transporter HQ headlights with the DRLs, anyone got any experience of these?

gatvol · Nov 7, 2023

I have had a noticeable improvement with the premium bulbs mentioned above. They do not last as long as standard bulbs, but they are brighter.

The other thing to do ........ ask your MOT centre to adjust your dipped beams to the maximum legal limit. It is a 5 minute job. I took mine along one lunchtime and they would not take any form of payment.

Ch1pbutty · Nov 7, 2023

montyburns1982 said:
Long term still thinking about going down the replacement headlight route, I like the look of the Transporter HQ headlights with the DRLs, anyone got any experience of these?

Yes, and they are great!

willwander · Nov 8, 2023

Make sure they're adjusted properly, my old 5.1 Cali lights used to point too low.
I raised them up a bit and it made a big difference without affecting oncoming traffic.
There's a thread on it somewhere.

DOMINICGG1234 · Nov 8, 2023

Thanks for the advice everyone. I’ll do a bit more research but some good tips

Ozzy Pete · Nov 9, 2023

willwander said:
Make sure they're adjusted properly, my old 5.1 Cali lights used to point too low.
I raised them up a bit and it made a big difference without affecting oncoming traffic.
There's a thread on it somewhere.

My van actually failed it’s MOT because the lights were pointing too high.
Of coarse the simple thing for then to do would be to turn the adjuster down but it’s against the rules. They have to wait till the MOT is finished and a fail certificate issued then they can turn the knob and issue a pass certificate.

willwander · Nov 9, 2023

Ozzy Pete said:
My van actually failed it’s MOT because the lights were pointing too high.
Of coarse the simple thing for then to do would be to turn the adjuster down but it’s against the rules. They have to wait till the MOT is finished and a fail certificate issued then they can turn the knob and issue a pass certificate.

rules is rules ha. I do hate getting dazzled, seems to happen a lot these days, think its a combination of fancy new lights on cars and me getting old.