Dip beam bulb change

[Andy Pandy]

Does anyone know how to remove the dipped beam headlamp Bulb from an S-Type 2003. There's a spring clip, but I can't see how it unclips... :(

[Russ68]

I think the 2003 might be updated, but the dipped on the 2001 is pretty straightforward. Unscrew the black cover at the back of the unit, remove the wiring block for access and ferk about with the Bulb clip to release it. If I recall you push the non hinged towards the front of the car until it clears the hooks on the back of the light it locates into. i.e. on the offside light (left from the front), the non hinged end is on the left. The clip can then hinge out of the way to allow Bulb removal. Hope this helps ;)

[Andy Pandy]

I finally did the headlight & took a photo of the clip, for anyone else tying to change the Bulb. I think it can be done in situ once you know how to open the clip! 

[Russ68]

Well done Andy, as you say, once you know how the clip works, you can do it in situ, and your picture may help someone doing it for the 1st time. It's really just a matter of unclipping the non hinged end which appears to be a standard fitment on most (of my) cars... 

[Tim Jag]

I managed to get the clip off mine in situ.... the issue was getting the thing back on it again, its so fiddly and annoying when you drop it 4000 times haha

[Dave29951]

Thank you Andy!!  Without those clip pics I'd still be trying.  It's almost impossible to see in there with such limited access.  Also be aware that the Bulb has a tang which goes to the bottom to fit properly.  Of course I got it wrong first time.  After that it was easy,

[LairdScooby]

Very useful thread for me as i was after confirming the bulbs are in fact H7 - used my S Type for the first time after dark the other night only to discover dipped beam is horrible! bulbs are dim and yellow, because of the age of the car i can't use LED upgrades so now hunting some decent H7 bulbs.

The clip is easy - push on the "bridged" part until it's free then lift up to clear the bayonet - come across that on other cars but not the S Type so far, will soon though and yes, i may eat the word "easy"! 😛

[Wrinkly]

4 hours ago, LairdScooby said:

Very useful thread for me as i was after confirming the bulbs are in fact H7 - used my S Type for the first time after dark the other night only to discover dipped beam is horrible! Bulbs are dim and yellow, because of the age of the car i can't use LED upgrades so now hunting some decent H7 bulbs.

The clip is easy - push on the "bridged" part until it's free then lift up to clear the bayonet - come across that on other cars but not the S Type so far, will soon though and yes, i may eat the word "easy"! 😛

Dave

Had similar problem with my S-Type. Changed bulbs to RING Xenon 200. Also checked the height that the lights were set at and found they could be increased higher slightly without causing dazzle problems. The bulbs are readily available from the likes of eBay etc. and are legal compliant.

No problem with dazzle , people flashing at you, or seeing well myself when dark.

Best Wishes and Regards, John

[LairdScooby]

2 hours ago, Wrinkly said:

Dave

Had similar problem with my S-Type. Changed bulbs to RING Xenon 200. Also checked the height that the lights were set at and found they could be increased higher slightly without causing dazzle problems. The bulbs are readily available from the likes of Ebay etc. and are legal compliant.

No problem with dazzle , people flashing at you, or seeing well myself when dark.

Best Wishes and Regards, John

Thanks John i'd already found some bulbs on fleabay as it happens from a seller i've used before and bulbs that either i've used or someone i know has. They're also very wallet friendly!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372067399765

A comparison photo taken one evening several years ago, all Rover 800s, all beams previously checked for correct alignment and from left to right, the H4 version of what i've linked to above, LED headlamp bulbs and then Nightbreakers.

As you can see, the LED bulbs are brightest and have the best definition of the beam pattern (but they were expensive LED bulbs!), the next best is in fact the cheap eBay H4 "Xenon look" bulbs and the Nightbreakers are pretty poor by comparison.

As such i'm dubious about buying bulbs that are on the pricey side with promises of being able to see better in the dark although your comments on the performance of the Ring Xenon 200 are very welcome and duly noted.  For now i'll get some of those eBay ones and if they deteriorate more quickly than i hope then i'll give the Xenon 200s a try.

I have to confess i'm halfway tempted to buy a set of filament bulbs to fit annually for the MoT and a set of LED bulbs for the rest of the year.