LED Headlight Discussion and Recommendations

yfo866 · Apr 1, 2023

kermit_rr said:
for reference
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-ins...s/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...mot-special-notice-01-21-headlamp-conversions

don't forget, lights must be marked with the relevant regs

Interesting to see that they have capitulated regarding purpose built LED lamp units and now say you can't fail them as a light source. Now they fail them on the basis that the vehicle probably won't be fitted with headlight auto-levelling function and headlamp washers.
I'm pretty sure i've seen new cars start up with LED headlights fitted as standard which don't lower and then rise to 'normal' beam level. Just to confuse the issue, my 2010 BMW which has Halogen headlights does!

yfo866 · Apr 1, 2023

I've got a Discovery 1 conversion kit consisting of new grill and headlight surrounds to convert the rectangular headlights to 7" sealed beam LED units. I wonder if i can somehow hook up the headlight levelling function on my old Disco 1 to lower then rise upon starting the engine if i ever get around to fitting the conversion kit? Being an ES model it already has headlight washers. This would REALLY annoy Ian as he often tells me that he considers his life's purpose on Earth is to fail and scrap all Discoverys.

300bhp/ton · Apr 1, 2023

yfo866 said:
HID bulb conversions are illegal in UK as are LED conversions. My MOT man, Ian, is a mate and i asked him to look at the actual wording of the new DOT directive as in my opinion fitting a replacement lamp unit which is E Marked and has been designed as an LED light unit from scratch isn't an LED 'conversion' in the sense of the new legislation. The DOT is banning idiots wedging into the existing lamp unit an LED or HID bulb which gives loads of light output but no discernable light pattern so the nut behind the wheel is happy at being able to see EVERYTHING in front of them but may wonder why they now see so many oncoming cars either suddenly stopping or crashing into the scenary at night before their very eyes.
Ian said no. Illegal! Not allowed! Instant MOT failure!
I do wonder if other MOT yesters don't share his point of view given the number of Defenders i see on the road fitted with LED headlight units.

You are wrong on a few counts there. As is your MoT man.

Alternate bulbs can give perfectly acceptable beams. It’s not as if every halogen bulb is exactly the same in its design and construction.

Have a read here:
https://classicandsportscar.com/news/led-headlight-upgrades-classic-cars-legal-or-not

LED Headlight Discussion and Recommendations

yfo866

Well-Known Member

yfo866

Well-Known Member

300bhp/ton

Well-Known Member

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