Lights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sean d]

Jesus, just got back from a 40 mile drive on A roads and felt like I was risking my life as I was blind for at least 50% of the journey, my lights are crap and modern cars have those super white lights that blind you instantly, I was braking for every bend as I just couldn't see,
My daily drive for my sins is a Vectra with twin type headlights, I replaced the dip with Phillips 130s and they are just as crap as standard, can you guys recommend anything other than night breakers, I read on here that the dip can be swapped for a high, is that correct but I would imagine illegal but I can deal with that as I don't want to die,

 

[David]

@Sean d when I replaced my stock Z3 lights for the after market angel lights, visibility significantly improved.

 

[5harp3y]

Either:

Nightbreakers etc

Or

Get some new led bulbs

I'd also recommend fitting an auto dimming rear view mirror as it's then less distracting

 

[t-tony]

Jesus, just got back from a 40 mile drive on A roads and felt like I was risking my life as I was blind for at least 50% of the journey, my lights are crap and modern cars have those super white lights that blind you instantly, I was braking for every bend as I just couldn't see,
My daily drive for my sins is a Vectra with twin type headlights, I replaced the dip with Phillips 130s and they are just as crap as standard, can you guys recommend anything other than night breakers, I read on here that the dip can be swapped for a high, is that correct but I would imagine illegal but I can deal with that as I don't want to die,

You could try some 80 or even 100 watt bulbs Sean, just for show use you understand. I agree with what you say, modern lights do "wipe out" the effect of your lights as though you don't have any on at all.

Tony.

 

[Redline]

You could try some 80 or even 100 watt bulbs Sean, just for show use you understand. I agree with what you say, modern lights do "wipe out" the effect of your lights as though you don't have any on at all.

Tony.

Will the fuses, relays, connectors and wiring take the addition current without overheating or worse?
Uplifting 25%-50% shouldn't be a problem, but when you're getting towards 100% I'd start to worry a little. Most things are engineered down to a standard plus a bit of margin. Push too far and a smoking pile of ash might be the result

 

[Nodzed]

Sean I have night breakers in my zed mate and they are as good as my 2014 Mazda 6 headlights

 

[t-tony]

Will the fuses, relays, connectors and wiring take the addition current without overheating or worse?
Uplifting 25%-50% shouldn't be a problem, but when you're getting towards 100% I'd start to worry a little. Most things are engineered down to a standard plus a bit of margin. Push too far and a smoking pile of ash might be the result

My Z3(2000) is still in one piece. Along with an Audi A4(2002). VW Touran(2005) , but what you say is true.

Tony.

 

[Redline]

My Z3(2000) is still in one piece. Along with an Audi A4(2002). VW Touran(2005) , but what you say is true.

Tony.

I'd hope it wouldn't cause a problem.

I think I'd want to know what size the wiring cross section is and the length of the runs and do the numbers to see what the additional power loss and heat dissipation in the wiring would be. Another problem is where cables go through clips and other constrictions where you get local heating effects. This won't be a problem used as designed, but, nearly double the current flow you will end up with more heat generated in the wiring loom.

If I were the finance bod at BMW I'd be asking why engineers were using thicker cables than really required. It all adds to the cost.

 

[mwpe]

I had that problem in the early days but replaced the headlights with the after market angel lights and found a great improvement. On my old GT6, I fitted 100w bulbs but used relays and new fuses and wiring to power them.

 

[andyglym]

I'm not taking the p*** mate but have you had your mince pies tested? I've not had this issue with mine and they are standard. Granted, not exactly light houses but no real issue for me.

 

[t-tony]

I'm not taking the p*** mate but have you had your mince pies tested? I've not had this issue with mine and they are standard. Granted, not exactly light houses but no real issue for me.

Which car are you driving Andy, and are you driving at night with traffic coming towards you? The lights on my Z3 weren't great but probably better than my Z4 if I'm honest. I really don't like driving against latest cars with HID and LED lights if I'm honest because like Sean said it leaves you "in the dark " for a split second.

Tony.

 

[Redline]

Which car are you driving Andy, and are you driving at night with traffic coming towards you? The lights on my Z3 weren't great but probably better than my Z4 if I'm honest. I really don't like driving against latest cars with HID and LED lights if I'm honest because like Sean said it leaves you "in the dark " for a split second.

Tony.

Got to agree Tony. It's the difference between the far brighter oncoming lights compared to your own out on unlit country roads. You lose sight of the road markings and the edge of the road. Sitting lower puts you at greater risk of poorly adjusted lights too.
Keeping the windscreen spotlessly clean helps a little by reducing flare but it's the poor lights that are a problem.

 

[andyglym]

Which car are you driving Andy, and are you driving at night with traffic coming towards you? The lights on my Z3 weren't great but probably better than my Z4 if I'm honest. I really don't like driving against latest cars with HID and LED lights if I'm honest because like Sean said it leaves you "in the dark " for a split second.

Tony.

Z3 Tony, no real issues in any conditions. Granted, as stated, not light houses but do the job OK and no worse than my TD4.

 

[t-tony]

Got to agree Tony. It's the difference between the far brighter oncoming lights compared to your own out on unlit country roads. You lose sight of the road markings and the edge of the road. Sitting lower puts you at greater risk of poorly adjusted lights too.
Keeping the windscreen spotlessly clean helps a little by reducing flare but it's the poor lights that are a problem.

It is true about sitting lower without doubt Ian. One more thing we all should do is clean our lights especially this time of year. I forgot yesterday lunchtime will I'll do them today, headlight washers better than nothing but not as good as wiping them by hand.

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

Its my daily drive thats the problem not my Z, perish the thought of taking that out at night. ooooooh all dark, cold and wet

 

[Dino D]

Whilst worse in the Z if find it an issue in other cars too - oncoming lights feel about 10 time brighter than halogens and it’s like adjusting from daylight to midnight every time I pass one.

 

[Dino D]

Z3 Tony, no real issues in any conditions. Granted, as stated, not light houses but do the job OK and no worse than my TD4.

But you live in.....













The middle......



















Of nowhere! It must be days before you see another car!

 

[andyglym]

But you live in.....













The middle......



















Of nowhere! It must be days before you see another car!

Weeks that said my lighting may be better as it's like the black hole of Calcutta round here at night as their's very little light pollution to mask the effects of my headlights.

 

[andyglym]

But you live in.....













The middle......



















Of nowhere! It must be days before you see another car!

Weeks that said my lighting may be better as it's like the black hole of Calcutta round here at night as their's very little light pollution to mask the effects of my headlights.

 

[andyglym]

Sorry MODs, finger stammer