X-Type headlights - are they any good?

Herzlos

I've got a 2005 X-Type with when I assume are upgraded headlights (they've got the linear cut-off as if there's a filter on it), but the normal lights seem totally useless to the point that if there's other lighting I can't even tell mine are on.

The full-beams are great though, but obviously not useable. Lens are clean and it's adjusted as far up as I can do from the dash dial, but the distance lit up and intensity seems pretty poor.

Is that normal, or do I need to get something fixed?

DUTR

When you say upgraded, do you mean xenons (HID)?
HID lighting has a more precise pattern than halogen, this is noticed more because the colour temperature is different, or it could be the self adjustment needs correcting, my current car has HIDs and to start with the beam seemed dissapointing although the light was whiter.
This seems to have improved over a few months , but as your car is a few years old that should have settled by now. Perhaps the bulbs need replacing.

forgotmyname

If by upgraded you mean those useless "xenon" type bulbs sold cheaply then there is a good reason, that blue coating cuts down the lights output.

Aftermarket HIDs can be similar with quality control issues. They make them too blue which give less visible light.

Genuine HID bulbs also degrade so maybe just a new set of bulbs.

Herzlos

Thanks. I've no idea how old the bulbs are so hopefully it's just degradation.
I take it my best option is just to replace them and see if it makes a difference?

forgotmyname

Check what type of lights you have first. Standard bulbs? If so get some uprated philips +30 or +50 or Nightbreakers.

If they are HID then just make sure the lights themselves are clean and the lenses are not dulled. Before splashing out on new bulbs.

Decent HID bulbs wont be cheap.

colino

I can't say I've ever had a problem with X Type headlight output, perhaps the headlight adjuster is goosed?

alastairq

colino wrote: »

I can't say I've ever had a problem with X Type headlight output, perhaps the headlight adjuster is goosed?

In that respect, I know of an eBay trader who has a wee sideline replacing the Jagwar gears with better made items, on an exchange basis.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-X-Type-S-Type-Headlights-adjuster-repair-service-No-need-for-new-lights-/281517884957?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item418bc6061d

My neighbour [not tinternet equipped] got me to organise some for his X-type....he seems pleased with the results......

But I cannot speak from personal experience.

colino

£40 per side? Can't be much different from the e39 arrangement that is about £5 per side in plastic bits DIY.

alastairq

Depends if the owner feels capable of dealing with the issue, or prefers to have someone else do it?

I am informed that the type of plastic used by Jagwar became 'brittle' with time....something that a lot of manufacturers in various fields have suffered, with the outsourcing of parts, mechanisms, etc.

Seeing as a broken adjuster appears to be an MoT failure point on this car, and given Jagwar's price for replacement units...this fella seems to be a decent deal?

I re-iterate...I post this from the viewpoint of someone who was only involved in providing internet and parcels access...I don't own the car, but the neighbour is a retired engineer.....with very much an engineer's mind.

Herzlos

The adjuster (on the dash) works, but I took it to my local friendly garage (10 minutes before they closed for Christmas) who had some kind of light testing rig and they brought it up a bit further, so the reach has improved.

The intensity still seems pretty lousy so I'll investigate new bulbs.

forgotmyname

Ahh you have the adjuster, Standard lights then. get yourself some +50 philips extremes or nightbreakers.