Thread: H7 Halogen to LED bulb upgrade

The fogs aren't H7 but their type should be listed in the handbook.

HID globes including those used in the bi-xenons use a ballast so those globes can't simply be replaced with LED globes which have their own driver.

The initial extra burst of the bi-xenons is provided by the ballast which initially draws more current than halogens, for which the BCM allows more current draw and the reason why the CCF setting is required. I would not expect LEDs to draw nearly as much current as HIDs so should work properly in place of bi-xenon globes if the mount and light source position of the LED globes are designed to replace the HID globes used in your bi-xenons, which I consider is unlikely as I suspect the demand for such a conversion to be quite low. The wiring would also have to be changed to bypass the HID's ballast.

as per my previous I am looking to leave the bi-xenons alone though will put new D2S globes in, regardless if I was to fit LED type globes I would not need a bloody ballast which is nothing more than a glorified step up voltage convertor and capacitor & simply by pass the ballast.

That wasn't what I was asking.

high beams are straight halogen using a H7 globe, swap over to a canbus enabaled LED globe should not present any issues.

Fogs are H11, again a simple swap over to canbus enabled LED is simple.

Out of curiosity, what is the "life" of the D2S globes?
I've just fitted +30% H7 globes and it has made a slight improvement to the high beam.
But am curious what can be done to improve the D2S globes on my D3 - am not looking to rewire anything, just a simple repalcement if needed.

I put a set of Philips x-treme vision D2S globes in my L320 to replace the original factory items (Philips OE). Noticeable improvement to light output over the original 10yo globes. Matched that with a pair of +130% Philips H7s in the high beams (replacing the original LL items) and that was a big step up in performance over the stockies. And all 100% legal and no more taxing on the vehicle
So, yes, globes do lose performance over time and quality replacements can give a significant benefit. Plus the OE fit globes are detuned to a lower output to provide longer life. The warranty cost to replace one is significant to the OEM, so they fit LL (long life) globes to ensure that doesn't happen.

I'm considering these as the D2S replacements. Assume the existing ballast can be used.

OSRAM Xenarc Night Breaker Laser D2S | Xenon Headlight Bulbs Twin Pack | PowerBulbs

Not sure on the H7 & H11 yet but some sort of LED type with a higher output would be nice.

Those look alright, don't they? I'll bet those are a really solid upgrade and well worth the outlay. The ballasts and everything else will be absolutely fine with those.
And Powerbulbs are excellent. Great price and service with fast shipping. I've been using them for years.

I'm finalising an order with them at the moment which will also include putting LEDs globes in the tail light cluster as well hough I might got the D4 facelift on those yet - undecided! Given the price of those D4 styl clusters I'll probably just do LED globes. 235GBP plus shipping for aftermarket D4 style clusters, OEM is 453GBP

Originally Posted by Celtoid

The back end of the electronics can suck up a lot of power and not produce a proportionate outcome at the performance end. It's a bit like a Toyota traction control system LOL!!!

Toyota has a traction control system?