Hi
I have a 2017 Panda Cross 4x4

Feel the front headlights are quite dim for this model of car.

Looking for ways to improve the situation.

Can I upgrade to led or is it better to upgrade to a specific type of bulb.

Great to know the best options

cheers

Upgrading to LED bulbs is possible but it's not for road use. The headlamps have an "E" number as do the bulbs. If you fit a bulb that has no E mark then it is illegal for road use. I know of no kit that replaces both headlamp and bulb for the Panda.
The snag is of course internal reflections that can be produced by a bulb that doesn't conform to the regulations and may cause dazzle.
There are many updated halogen bulbs like Night Breakers that give a brighter light, they conform to the regulations but have a shorter life and are more expensive. I've used them and yes you do get an increase in light output but it's not a huge amount.

I've heard of a couple of motorcycles failing MOTs due to bulb upgrades. Maybe the rules have been tightened up?

TS is from Iceland so different rules may apply.
(as an aside: what will happen after Brexit with E numbers and regulations?)
I've fitted LED H4's to my 100HP. Important is that they have the little lid under the SMD's so you get a right projection _/ _/ .
Mine went through APK (dutch MOT) with flying colours.

gr J

A3jeroen said:

TS is from Iceland so different rules may apply.
(as an aside: what will happen after Brexit with E numbers and regulations?)
I've fitted LED H4's to my 100HP. Important is that they have the little lid under the SMD's so you get a right projection _/ _/ .
Mine went through APK (dutch MOT) with flying colours.

gr J

Click to expand...

What make are they Gr?

China made. First H4 LED I bought barely were brighter than the proverbial candle in the wind. Second set lighted up the sky and stars so they went in the bin after 5 minutes. The ones that are in now give a perfect line between light and dark just like the normal bulbs that were in, but more lumen.

Edit: These are what I bought.

gr J

A3jeroen said:

...
(as an aside: what will happen after Brexit with E numbers and regulations?)...

Click to expand...

No change, since 'E' markings are from the worldwide World Forum for harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, or ECE, not the EU:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automotive_light_bulb_types
and

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Forum_for_Harmonization_of_Vehicle_Regulations

I got Osram Night Breaker Halogens for my TA 4x4. Brilliant.

I too changed the original bulbs for ‘150%’ brighter and it was much better. I got an even better result from setting the beams correctly - the height was too low and the beams from each light pointed in towards the centre giving poor coverage. Once set correctly they are actually pretty good.

(note about “150% brighter”... that’s 150% more than the required standard. But it may well be that OEM bulbs are brighter than that minimum. So, yes, the “150%” bulbs are brighter than the original, but not necessary 1.5 times brighter )

Herts Hillhopper said:

I too changed the original bulbs for ‘150%’ brighter and it was much better. I got an even better result from setting the beams correctly - the height was too low and the beams from each light pointed in towards the centre giving poor coverage. Once set correctly they are actually pretty good.

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I've just put some 130% lamps in, so hopefully I'll be able to see at night now...

How did you realign your lights? Is it easy to do or something I need a dealer to do for me?

Cheers

Neb1 said:

I've just put some 130% lamps in, so hopefully I'll be able to see at night now...

How did you realign your lights? Is it easy to do or something I need a dealer to do for me?

Cheers

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I'll reply so you know I've seen this...
and later will post an illustrated 'how to'! (And no, don;t need the dealer)

Herts Hillhopper said:

I'll reply so you know I've seen this...
and later will post an illustrated 'how to'! (And no, don;t need the dealer)

Click to expand...

That would be really useful. Thanks!

Out of curiousity - are any of you changing the bulbs in newer Pandas?

I have a 2018 City Cross and feel that the light output is fantastic. Jumping in my partners (admittidly old) Aygo and it can't be more than 50% of the output of the Panda, and even my parents Civic feels lacking!


Maybe the City Cross comes with good headlights as standard but I feel if I increased the output I'd be blinding other road users for minimal gain!

Al D said:

I got Osram Night Breaker Halogens for my TA 4x4. Brilliant.

Click to expand...

I'v just fitted the same, they do seem brighter