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Advice/views on 997.1 replacement headlights/bulbs

M

mikegartlandwood

New member
First post so be kind! Looking for some advice surrounding possible headlight bulb replacements for a 997.1 C4. Recently replaced the front side/fog’s and rears with LED sets (from a supplier recommended to me by my local indy Porsche specialist) and have been very pleased with the results (and passed its MOT this week). Its left me thinking the headlights now look a bit dated and yellow in comparison so have been Googling around to see what options there are. It seems fitting HID/Xenon is a fairly major undertaking to do it correctly (and pass its next MOT), there does seem to be options around Halogen bulbs which report significant improvements and a whiter light but also a raft of conflicting views.

So, was wondering if anyone here had any experience doing this, recommendations or horror stories. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
I moved to France last year and had to change my headlights to comply with the Controle Technique. Bought second hand LHD units (Xenons) on eBay for £1000 and they are really good. Pushed out the old units and plugged in the new - job done. This wasn't before I bought new aftermarket (LHD) headlamp units though, minus the bulbs and for less money, from a well known internet Porsche parts specialist. But I found out I would have to transfer all the Xenon gubbins from my old RHD headlamps to the new LHD ones myself with no instructions - didn't fancy it, looked very complex as the headlamp shells inside were not the same shape, so I sent them back. Could have found myself without any headlamps at all!

I know you're probably looking to replace the bulbs only and £1000 is a lot of money for headlamps (they are that each new!), but just thought I would share my experience as for me, it was by far the simplest solution. However I also have a TR6 which I have put said bright/white halogens in and they are excellent. Unless you are set on Xenons, might be worth a try.

Anyway, good luck!
Jules
 
If you're looking for a really nice 'white' looking bulb that gives a bit more reach in to the darkness then I'd recommend
Philips White Vision bulbs.

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/lighting1/car-bulb/?48177022W&&cc5_847

I've put H7 variants of these in the past two cars and the results are superb.
Very up to date proper white, and does away with all the yellow.

I bought some H7 bulbs for the Boxster, but the near side bulb blew one morning in my Clio200, so I had to fit them into that at work the following day.
I'm definitely going to get some in the next couple of weeks for the Porsche.

When I move both cars off the drive in the dark the difference between the White Vision in the Clio and the standard bulbs in the projectors of the Porsche is night and day.
 
Hi Jules - thanks for the feedback. I suspected (as you suggested) that switching to Xenon in the existing housing is a step too far (and a costly option to replace the entire housing!). I think the way forward is some better bulbs as you've done with your TR6. Thanks again.
 
Cheers JMR, appreciate the feedback and based on your comments seems the way to proceed! Look forward to having a go and hopefully get some good results.....
 
JulesInFrance said:
I moved to France last year and had to change my headlights to comply with the Controle Technique.
Click to expand...
Really? Using the built-in conversion switch from RHD to LHD isn't good enough?
 
I was told using the switch on the RHD headlamp units for driving abroad is only OK for temporary use as it does not switch the lamps to LHD but in fact makes the beam symmetrical. For permanent use this is not enough apparently.
 
Can I ask where you sourced the LEDs from? I have changed the front sidelights but would like to change all the ’minor’ bulbs for LEDs. Does anyone have a source, or part numbers, for these via our online sales platforms?

cheers


Richard
 
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