The lights on my mark 2 are terrible !!! Particularly on full beam. I have seen various light bulbs that claim to be an improvement. Can anyone recommend which ones are best. (11/99)

I too have noticed normal headlights seem a bit dim. I live out in the sticks where there are no street lights.

My solution it to add some driving lights to the mouth, of the car :). I added a relay and wired them to the main beam. Driving lights are not the same as front fog lamps. The beam pattern is different. It means that instead of two bulbs, you have four and you can see what you are running over. ;)

The ones I got were Halfords finest (Ring, at thirty quid). I would get the fitting kit they sell as well. then throw away the switch. This is cheaper than buying the relay and some wire. However mine are showing signs of wear after only two winters so I think I would get some better (and more expensive) ones next time.

I have some other (cheaper) ideas.
1) Clean the lights. Even a little dirt can make them very dim.
2) Check that both main beams are working. The dipped beam may work when the main beam has gone. (If you do need a new bulb then see number 3 before buying one)
3) There are some bulbs 'with a blue tint' which claim to be brighter. they are about twice the price of normal halogen bulbs. I believe these are the sort that are fitted to BMW's and top of the range Vauxhall's. Whenever I pass one I am not impressed. (My four bulbs always kicks his two into a cocked hat.) (12/99)
In tests observed by the AA, none of these blue-coated bulbs provided clearer beams and most gave a poorer light performance than the best standard bulbs. Some of these bulbs are technically illegal as they create unacceptable dazzle for oncoming traffic. So blue may look cool, but for ordinary headlamps it is not recommended. (12/99)
I have just had the legal requirements confirmed for headlamps 55/60W dipped/main, any more than this would be not suitable for road use probably not e marked either anyway. As people say, would be unlucky to fail MOT for it but definitely possible if tester is "worth his salt". Could be problems with accident's etc if lighting is found to be illegal though. I find that the 55/60W combination is fine for the cars I have had although I always change the lamps to Hella if possible. One of my first mods to the '5... (5/00)