LED bulbs for MG ZS EV headlights

[macd2401]

Regarding LED replacement bulbs, they are illegal for headlights in the UK and Europe unless originally fitted by the manufacture, have a self-levelling mechanism and headlight washers. If you fit them to a car as an upgrade and therefore it is a lighting offence if you are stopped by the police, is an MOT failure and technically a modification to the car which could mean you are uninsured also. Don't shoot me I'm only the messenger.

You're kinda sorta right...

The MOT Inspection Manual, section 4.1.4 says putting the LEDs (or HIDs) into a non approved housing would make it a failure.

But section 4.1.5 only says that levelling systems should be checked if fitted, and 4.1.6 only applies to cleaning systems fitted after late 2009. Neither are compulsory.

Is it an MOT failure? Yes. Is it likely to be checked? .

 

[Kithmo]

Headlight washers not necessary either, my old Prius with OEM LED headlights didn't have them.

 

[BarryH]

You're kinda sorta right...

The MOT Inspection Manual, section 4.1.4 says putting the LEDs (or HIDs) into a non approved housing would make it a failure.

But section 4.1.5 only says that levelling systems should be checked if fitted, and 4.1.6 only applies to cleaning systems fitted after late 2009. Neither are compulsory.

Is it an MOT failure? Yes. Is it likely to be checked? .

@macd2401 Thanks for the posting of MOT Inspection Manual para 4.1.4. However, reading down your attachment it says the following:

"Existing halogen headlamp units first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emiting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.

This does not refer to complete replacement headlamp units which may be constructed with HID or LED light sources"

Therefor since the MG ZS is not sold with HID or LED units in any variant in the range there is not complete replacement available to be fitted and any ZS EV on the road with LED bulb fitted would be an automatic MOT failure so would be illegal if inspected at any time for example a police stop.

 

[macd2401]

Therefore since the MG ZS is not sold with HID or LED units in any variant in the range there is not complete replacement available to be fitted and any ZS EV on the road with LED bulb fitted would be an automatic MOT failure so would be illegal if inspected at any time for example a police stop.

Never said it wouldn't. And in fact I did state that in my post. My issue was where you said that LEDs need washers and self levelling equipment to be legal. As I said in my post, they're not required at all, but if they're fitted, they must work. And that would apply to new vehicles, as well as aftermarket headlamp assemblies as they become available.

 

[Dave S]

@BarryH & @macd2401 Thanks, guys. To use the Dragon's Den catchphrase "and for that reason - I'm out!"

I'm just sooo risk averse that I'd be too uncomfortable. I would end up fessing up to every passing Police car!!

One more reason to buy the new style ZS!!!

 

[Kithmo]

What's a "passing police car" ?

 

[busa]

One way to check this one, Fit them go to an approved MOT centre and ask them to check the alignment as you think it maybe out after fitting the bulbs, They can advise?
Hopefully the days of an MOT test centre "letting things slip" are well gone.

 

[macd2401]

@BarryH & @macd2401 Thanks, guys. To use the Dragon's Den catchphrase "and for that reason - I'm out!"

I'm just sooo risk averse that I'd be too uncomfortable. I would end up fessing up to every passing Police car!!

One more reason to buy the new style ZS!!!

Even if you didn't want to go down the LED route, I'd say it's still worth the money to invest in a better set of headlight bulbs. They may not last as long as the ones fitted, but at least you'll be able to see where you're going

 

[Gomev]

@macd2401 Thanks for the posting of MOT Inspection Manual para 4.1.4. However, reading down your attachment it says the following:

"Existing halogen headlamp units first used on or after 1 April 1986 must not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emiting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp for light source and lamp not compatible.

This does not refer to complete replacement headlamp units which may be constructed with HID or LED light sources"

View attachment 5246
Therefor since the MG ZS is not sold with HID or LED units in any variant in the range there is not complete replacement available to be fitted and any ZS EV on the road with LED bulb fitted would be an automatic MOT failure so would be illegal if inspected at any time for example a police stop.

Just being pedantic but is changing the bulbs the same as ...

Existing halogen headlamp units .......... must not be converted to be used with .....

Who's converting the headlamp unit ?

 

[busa]

For my 2 pennies worth I have never fitted LED bulbs, too worried about the Can bus system kicking in, plus on some versions they can "flicker" plus the fitting of some "blister" packs need to go somewhere, as we know on some headlamp units space can be limited as well as the excess, I much prefer to use uprated bulbs, horses for courses.

 

[wsrg1]

Hi all,

I'm having serious issues trying to fit the LED headlight bulbs.

I have the Nighteye 72w HB3 9005 COB LED headlight kit. I can remove the old bulbs no problem. But when trying to fit the new ones, its like the small lugs are just too thick to engage with the bracket, and they wont "catch" on all three lugs, if that makes sense.

Is this a common issue? How do I get around this?

TIA.

Will

 

[Kithmo]

The three lugs are not equally spaced, have you tried them in 3 different positions ?
I have exactly the same LED bulbs and had no problem getting the bulbs in. My biggest problem was getting the tight rear covers off the headlamp unit.

 

[wsrg1]

The three lugs are not equally spaced, have you tried them in 3 different positions ?
I have exactly the same LED bulbs and had no problem getting the bulbs in. My biggest problem was getting the tight rear covers off the headlamp unit.

I tried them in the orientation that I thought would leave the light sources at 9 and 3 (although this was something else that didn't quite look right). I think I tried with the cable to the bulb unit pointing up and the cable pointing down. Otherwise, it didn't look like the light sources would end up at 9 and 3 once twisted in. I think I did notice the lugs weren't equally spaced and tried to match them to the originals, again with a lack of engagement from all three lugs.

 

[Kithmo]

I tried them in the orientation that I thought would leave the light sources at 9 and 3 (although this was something else that didn't quite look right). I think I tried with the cable to the bulb unit pointing up and the cable pointing down. Otherwise, it didn't look like the light sources would end up at 9 and 3 once twisted in. I think I did notice the lugs weren't equally spaced and tried to match them to the originals, again with a lack of engagement from all three lugs.

Are both your bulbs exactly the same, i.e. the lug opposite the connector offset to the same side. Someone else said they got handed bulbs where one lug was offset to the left and one offset to the right. If so it might be worth seeing if one bulb fits in a certain side and one in the other side. My bulbs were both offset to the same side, same as the originals.
Originals: The lug at the bottom of the picture is offset to the left in the picture.

 

[Kithmo]

Other than that, it might be worth trying to file a chamfer on the lugs.

 

[BarryH]

The three lugs are not equally spaced, have you tried them in 3 different positions ?
I have exactly the same LED bulbs and had no problem getting the bulbs in. My biggest problem was getting the tight rear covers off the headlamp unit.

Be sure to smear the edges of the caps with a little petroleum jelly before replacing them.

The three lugs are not equally spaced, have you tried them in 3 different positions ?
I have exactly the same LED bulbs and had no problem getting the bulbs in. My biggest problem was getting the tight rear covers off the headlamp unit.

Hi all,

I'm having serious issues trying to fit the LED headlight bulbs.

I have the Nighteye 72w HB3 9005 COB LED headlight kit. I can remove the old bulbs no problem. But when trying to fit the new ones, its like the small lugs are just too thick to engage with the bracket, and they wont "catch" on all three lugs, if that makes sense.

Is this a common issue? How do I get around this?

TIA.

Will

Remember that LED bulbs in the original ZS are an illegal modification no matter how well the adjustment and dipped beam operates to prevent dazzling any on the coming motorist.

 

[wsrg1]

Are both your bulbs exactly the same, i.e. the lug opposite the connector offset to the same side. Someone else said they got handed bulbs where one lug was offset to the left and one offset to the right. If so it might be worth seeing if one bulb fits in a certain side and one in the other side. My bulbs were both offset to the same side, same as the originals.
Originals: The lug at the bottom of the picture is offset to the left in the picture.
View attachment 7113

Just checked and the lugs are the same as the originals in your photo. Perhaps I’ll try again with different orientation. Failing that I’ll have to do some filing down perhaps.

 

[Kithmo]

Be sure to smear the edges of the caps with a little petroleum jelly before replacing them.


Remember that LED bulbs in the original ZS are an illegal modification no matter how well the adjustment and dipped beam operates to prevent dazzling any on the coming motorist.

I think the record's stuck.

 

[wsrg1]

Be sure to smear the edges of the caps with a little petroleum jelly before replacing them.


Remember that LED bulbs in the original ZS are an illegal modification no matter how well the adjustment and dipped beam operates to prevent dazzling any on the coming motorist.

What are the other options that don’t burn out within 6 months? I’m actually curious as if someone can recommend I’m willing to try.

 

[biffo]

What are the other options that don’t burn out within 6 months? I’m actually curious as if someone can recommend I’m willing to try.

Philips X-tremeVision Pro150 HB3 have a longer lifespan quoted by manufacturer than the Osram Nightbreakers if sticking to legal halogens - 450 hours compared to 110-210 hours.