Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by boristhespie »

I've had another go. They seem to be used by this car like sweeties.
C'est pas possible!
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by myglaren »

May be the bulbs themselves. Cheaper ones don't seem to have much of a life. Two C5s in seven years I've only replaced four headlight bulbs.
The last ones I bought are Philips Xtreme Vision ones and seem significantly better than the standard ones. They do cost more (I paid about £20 but they are cheaper now) but well worth the extra.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by Napoleon »

I bought Bosch - £27, buy one get one free.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by osx »

Got the same with my C5 X7. Found out only while parking the car and not seeing a reflection from the right headlight. Shouldn't I get a warning at least? I get a warning for any blown bulb on the other family car (A-class Merc).
My other question is whether it is worth replacing it with Xenon ones. They seem to go for around the same price as the normal ones

Bosch (477B H7) Xenon Car Bulb
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by qprdude »

Have you got headlamp washers?
I believe the 2013 MOT regs don't allow Xenons without levelling or washers.
"A mandatory headlamp levelling or cleaning device missing, inoperative or otherwise obviously defective." Fail.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by osx »

Is levelling required for X7 with hydractive suspension?
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by osx »

Had a look at the manual and although it seems straight forward I will probably get it done at Halfords
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by qprdude »

osx wrote:Is levelling required for X7 with hydractive suspension?
Nope, just washers.
You will probably find that Halfords don't want to know as they will assume that it's a bumper off job like the earlier cars. There are also Lens differences between Xenons and Halogen. Go careful before shelling out your hard earned as they might not suit.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by osx »

Will go with halogens just to be on the safe side and will have the manual with me to show that it's not a bumper off job.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by qprdude »

I think it's a matter of removing the rubber covers then you are right at the bulb. No fancy tools or knowledge required. You could save yourself a tenner.
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by bobins »

I changed one of the headlamp bulbs in my X7 in a car park on a mountain pass in Switzerland. It took longer to get out of the car and lift the bonnet than it did to actually remove the lamp and put the new one in :) The only special tools you need to replace a standard lamp are two working fingers and a thumb :)
Sadly no longer a C5 owner :(
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by qprdude »

Bloody long way to go for bulbs! I expect you got a good deal? :-D
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by osx »

There are loads on ebay for almost half the price. Any recommendations? Are any of these better than the standard ones?

Found a review here

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessorie ... dlamp-bulb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by bobins »

The fancy super whizzo ultra bright see into the future types tend to have a shorter life than the standard ones. I replaced my standard ones with some Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited H7 and have yet to notice any outstanding improvements :| They were on offer and fairly cheap though :) It is possible to buy 'long life' lamps which should reduce the number of times you need to replace blown ones :)
Sadly no longer a C5 owner :(
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Re: Got a headlamp bulb blown on the C5

Post by qprdude »

Haven't changed any C5 bulbs, bur past experience with my Rover 75 showed me that there was very little, if any difference between the super bright bulbs and bog standard ones. Don't know if I would notice much difference between "Nightbreakers" and standard bulbs. (Maybe the price!!)
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