Lots of posts about this especially on 2011 models with projector lamps.
Yes have fitted uprated bulbs.
BUT, felt lights were not too good the other night and although had been using screen/lamp washers regularly and lamps seemed clean on a closer look I was surprised to find how dirty they actually were. Washers a big help but when fine film of dirt dried on it certainly reduces the already below par light output. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.

I totally agree with you on this, the washers are effective with "mud" but traffic film simply builds up, many older cars had small wipers, albeit a little gimmicky, they were more effective.
I think the washers are more a bow to euro regs, they are there to prevent glare to oncoming traffic not to help with forward vision, something that not many manufacturers seem to care much about, even the HID lamps don't inspire confidence at high speeds on dip.

Taz,
You're spot on. It's well known witihn the auto industry that powerwash doesn't work as you described.
I remember even Lada's had combined headlamp wash/wipe!!

Which did work, till it broke Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I upgraded the bulbs in the projector lights and had a worse beam than with standard bulbs. Took the car to my friendly dealer and identified the bulbs were not correctly seated and hence out of focus. The dealer refitted them FOC and I now have better than standard lights, but not as good as the Evoque's Xenons. Might be worth checking your bulbs are seated properly. 2013 Discovery HSE Luxury Corris Grey
2010 Freelander SD4
1997 Defender 90 XD Wolf (ex Ghurkas)
1991 Defender County 110 V8
1959 Series II
1953 Series I
1952 Minerva Ambulance

Last edited by Landynut on 10th Jan 2012 10:20 pm. Edited 1 time in total

taztastic wrote:

I totally agree with you on this, the washers are effective with "mud" but traffic film simply builds up, many older cars had small wipers, albeit a little gimmicky, they were more effective.
I think the washers are more a bow to euro regs, they are there to prevent glare to oncoming traffic not to help with forward vision, something that not many manufacturers seem to care much about, even the HID lamps don't inspire confidence at high speeds on dip.

Yes, I can remember having a Cavalier Sri, and a Sierra GLS and both had little headlight wipers that cycled when you pulled the washer switch  2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto .

It might be worth trying a bit of plastic polish (PlastX is good) on the headlight lense. This will make them a bit more non-stick and prevent the build up in the first place. Cheers,
Raz
FL1 TD4 GS Auto 2001 Silver
FL2 TD4 Auto 2007 Black
FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2012 Fuji White

Landynut,
Bulbs seated perfectly, have rectified hundreds of wrongly seated H7's on MOTs, H11s a much more secure fit as in 2011 MY dip beams..

My recent post Blinding FL2 covers above. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.

druand i put osram nightbreakers in mine made them a lot better a lot cheaper than HID lamps  rainy-city
xs

Wipers cannot be used on plastic lens such as FL2 due to scratching when dry wiping resulting in permanent light diminishing, thats why all manufacturers are fitting powerwash...a well designed powerwash system works well, but too many systems are influenced by stylists regarding jet position and look...unfortunately so long as the light recovery meets VCA regs then its good enough...no real attempts are made to obtain 'best in class' cleaning...same theory applies to the headlight output itself, the 2011 projectors are not as good as the 2010 open reflector but they meet VCA regs so it all OK so far as vehicle approvals....

Hi

Lots of talk about poor projecter lights having had mine for 3 weeks it seems ok certainly no worse than my audi a4
The best thing is you are higher up so don't get so dazzled by oncoming traffic. I d be interestedto see a car with the +100 type bulbs as a comparison

Nic k

nick do you mean 100watt bulbs if so i would be worred that the heat build up may effect the plastic lens and cause it to warp  rainy-city
xs

Halfrauds + 90's work well for me 

Click image to enlarge

Hi

The +100 I think refers to the supposed increase in brightness from bulbs like Philips etc ,they are still only 55W power, I might try the Hafrauds version as they are reasonable if the 2 for 1 offere is on, mind you seems a bit much on a brand new car!

Nick

ps 1961 was a very good year

And even more reasonable if you have a Halfords Trade Card. Oil prices up to 50% cheaper for card holders. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.

I think the lights (non projector) on mine are superb as they are.........but then I am more used to my old TD5 Defender which had lights courtesy of Lucas Prince of Darkness!  John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)