Nightbreakers are a improvement over the original fit with no wiring issues. I have them in the MGTF where they made a noticable improvement on b roads but it is well publicised they don't last as long as standard bulbs.

Nightbreakers on previous SD4 lasted the 2 1/2 years I had it and this car has had them in 13 months, longevity on them acceptable to me.

I take it we're talking about H7 bulbs and not Xenon.
If so, has anybody changed the xenon bulbs to nightbreakers?

I think there is much confusion here over what people call the lamps.

H7 relates to the lamp design and fitment, traditionally filled with Halogen gas and in more recent times Xenon gas, this allows the filament to burn hotter and thus give a whiter light as well as increased output.

The Xenon tag is also used to describe what should be correctly described as a HID lamp, this is a discharge arc type lamp with no filament, again the capsule has Xenon, amongst other gases.

If you are thinking that anyone has tried replacing a HID with a filament type Xenon, then no, I don't believe it has been done, it certainly doesn't make sense, the nightbresker is a filament Xenon lamp which has a shorter filament which burns more brightly, hence the increase in output but still far short of a HID type lamp.

Hope that helps a little ...

Thank you for all the replies guys...............

Thanks for the explanation

How do the Philips Extreme compare to the night breakers?

Is there a discount code for Advanced Factors

well after recommending Nightbreakers I've had another set fail well within 6 months, so I've abandoned them

I'm now onto these new Halfrauds Ultra bulbs that sound good on paper, so I'll report back once they've been in a few months

I fitted these 2 years ago and they are still going strong even with the battering they get
when on Forestry Commission tracks during car rally officiating.

Bill Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

I was using the Halfords Ultra type bulbs (HB3) they give a good light but were only lasting about 2 months each

I am currently experimenting with NOT using the auto headlamp setting. (Some people here believe that there can be a voltage spike when starting the engine which affects the life of the bulbs) but too soon to report on results yet

Steve

Fitted Nightbreakers March 1st last year to all positions. Nearside dipped failed tonight, 1 yr 2 weeks later. I assume the other dipped will follow shortly.
I'd prefer a longer life in these bulbs but will settle reluctantly for a year because of the amount of light they throw up front.

The lamps are unfortunately designed to give 'more light' they do this by burning brighter, ie. hotter.
Therefore with a shorter lifespan, typically half that of a standard lamp.

More light can be achieved by cleaning the reflector and inside of the lamp housing, not easy but you will be amazed how much dirt will be on there. Light works on inverse square laws, so any degradation in the light path causes a rapid drop off in light.

As for 'extra bright lamps' I would (or used to) stick with branded, either Osram or Philips, anything else is a copy of what they are doing.
I now and have had for the last four cars, had HID, massive improvement, although the latest 'laser' headlamp technology is making those look positively dim by comparison, although very expensive, I believe they are £8k option on Bmw

jenks1950 wrote:

I am currently experimenting with NOT using the auto headlamp setting. (Some people here believe that there can be a voltage spike when starting the engine which affects the life of the bulbs) but too soon to report on results yet Steve

In conjunction with my above post I can confirm that I always use auto switch on and have had no adverse effects.
Also I think you will find that the headlights do not switch on until the engine has fired up so there must be a relay in the circuit which will prevent a voltage spike.

Perhaps Pegleg who spent many years working on automotive electrical systems would care to comment?

Bill Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

I have MY10, normal original fitment bulbs, never had to change one and still working fine after 5 years! (and yes they are on auto)

OK maybe a bit more light would help on winter nights, but judging by the Glare I get from other road users using these new very white lights that give me cause to move my external mirrors so I don't get dazzled from behind, I don't think I will bother.

I can see well enough to get where I am going, so a bright solar flare is not really necessary for me.

If you want poor headlights, check out a 6volt beetle, glow worms would be brighter  MY2014 SD4 XS
Ipanema Sand

MY10 TD4-e GS Manual
Lago Grey Now retired after 8 trouble free years

I have just had to replace the passenger side headlamp bulb, two months after the drivers side.
Just wondered if this was coincidence or is this the life expectancy of standard fit bulbs from new? One Discovery, gone
Now on third Freelander 2
2013 HSE Auto Orkney Grey