Yes they are cool and all but notorious for their very short lifespan especially the performance ones.I use Osram, but I like changing headlamp bulbs.
Philips are much better in that regard.
And I have tested them all Night Breakers, X-Treme visions, PIAA and what not. Best overall light output, whiteness and lifespan were the Whitevision Ultras.
Leds will glare even the h7 ones with casper shields called h7r on the streets. Some of them don't see that far either or dangerous on rainy days.
LEDs are now an mot fail unless OEM
“Existing halogen headlamp units on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.”
“Existing halogen headlamp units on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.”
Last edited:
SWalker
Active Member
Fingers crossed....
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
I reckon on a 100 to 150 hour life, which is poor by normal bulb standards.
I always liked the now discontinued Osram 64217 Rallye 65w. These produced 2100 lumens, but looked identical to standard H7 bulbs, and didn't draw too much current from the existing circuit. Maybe I could make some up?
Unfortunately the LED emitter is much larger than the filament of an Incandescent bulb, so the reflector can't control where the light goes with accuracy. However I did find that some LEDs with particularly small emitters (1860 COBs) do work acceptably for main beams, where blinding other road users wouldn't be an issue. LEDs in dips is both pointless, and now an MOT fail.
Unlikely to happen, but would be good to see.
