Headlight bulbs

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 13 Nov 2008, 15:15

Any good aftermarket bulbs for the xantia? I am thinking of uprating mine as it has become apparent how poor the standard items are at this time of year.

Post by **CitroJim** » 13 Nov 2008, 16:05

Osram Silver Stars are for my money, the tops. Excellent bulbs.

Also, think about doing the headlight relay mod Bren. My Activa has been done and I can actually dazzle people with my lights if I accidentially forget to dip

Something my 2.1TD (unmodified) is incapable of doing even with Silver Stars fitted.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 13 Nov 2008, 16:49

To Hijack....(Sorry!)

Can a link be provided for the headlight relay mod? Need to get round to doing this myself and some pointers and diagrams would be excellent.

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » 13 Nov 2008, 20:28

Am I right in thinking that the Mk II Xantia already has the headlight relay in place ?

addo · Post by **addo** » 13 Nov 2008, 20:48

I posed that question the other week.

The inference seemed to be that wire between relays and lights is still a bit marginal. Checking voltage at the headlight connector plug, was suggested as a starting point.

Regards, Adam.

Post by **CitroJim** » 13 Nov 2008, 21:28

Yes, the wiring is marginal right up to the bulb and a surprising amount of voltage drop can be observed 'twixt battery and bulb. The earth wires are also marginal.

The relay modification essentially relay switches the dipped beam supply straight from the battery (via a fuse) to the bulb, using all new wiring. The old supply to the bulb jis just used to operate the relay. All you need is two relays, two fuses, some ring terminals and some spade terminals. Also install a new earth wire from the bulb to a good, clean earth.

Strangely, I'm not aware that this mod has been formally written up. My Activa has been modified but not by me. All i know is it makes a heck of a difference and proved, fundamentally, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with MK1 headlings in the optical sense.

Hirsty, No, as far as I know, the MK2 does not have the relay mod as standard although prima facieMK2 lights seem better than MK1 lights.

handyman · Post by **handyman** » 13 Nov 2008, 23:31

Can I just say that these are NOT bulbs, but lamps!!!!

I speak from a position of knowledge both as an electrical engineer and a gardener. Lamps use electrickery, bulbs go in the ground!

Pedantic Handyman

Post by **CitroJim** » 14 Nov 2008, 06:57

handyman wrote: Pedantic Handyman

Absolutely correct Handyman! Now if you want to be really pedantic, The whole headlamp assembly is a Luminaire

A luminaire is a lighting fixture complete with the light source or lamp, the reflector for directing the light, an aperture (with or without a lens), the outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection, an electrical ballast, if required, and connection to a power source

steelcityuk · Post by **steelcityuk** » 14 Nov 2008, 09:15

There's a review on Autoexpress of headlamp bulbs. Can't remember if it covers all types or just H4s.

Steve.

Post by **CitroJim** » 14 Nov 2008, 09:19

steelcityuk wrote:There's a review on Autoexpress of headlamp bulbs. Can't remember if it covers all types or just H4s.

It's LAMPS Steve, LAMPS!

handyman · Post by **handyman** » 14 Nov 2008, 09:56

Nice to see somebody is keeping up at the back there!!

I hope you are all making notes, as I will be asking questions soon.

Pedantic Handyman

pete_wood_uk · Post by **pete_wood_uk** » 14 Nov 2008, 12:39

Yes Sir, Taking notes Sir, Can you write more slowly please Sir?

reblack68 · Post by **reblack68** » 14 Nov 2008, 16:55

handyman wrote:Can I just say that these are NOT bulbs, but lamps!!!!

I speak from a position of knowledge both as an electrical engineer and a gardener. Lamps use electrickery, bulbs go in the ground!

Pedantic Handyman

Just out of interest, what would you call these?

Post by **CitroJim** » 14 Nov 2008, 16:58

reblack68 wrote: Just out of interest, what would you call these?

Secondary Cells

reblack68 · Post by **reblack68** » 14 Nov 2008, 17:14

Our Physics teacher told us at length that they weren't batteries because they only contain one cell. It was obviously something that bothered him