andythejock01wrx

Hi all,

When I bought my bugeye it (fortunately !) had Prodrive headlights.

One of the Xenon headlight bulbs has just gone. Any idea where I can get a new bulb from ? Do you reckon a bulb would survive the Royal Mail if I need to get it directly from Prodrive ?

I seem to recall one member being a Prodrive employee. Anybody know his name/usrename ?

Any assistance greatly appreciated !

Andy Mc

Chelspeed

Not sure what you mean by Prodrive headlights and the comment about xenon is not as straightforward as it sounds.

The bugeye came with a number of different ones. UK WRX came with one type with one big reflector that took an H4 bulb. UK STi came with different lights with separate reflectors for dip and main and black plastic bits between (look loads nicer), these take an H1 bulb for dip and 9005 / HB3 for main beam. JDM STi came with HID lights, dip only I think so presumably 9005 / HB3 for main. Finally some like the UK300 (is that what you mean by Prodrive?) came with morrette style lights with two lenses.

If you have anything but JDM HID's then you can get bulbs from anywhere, take it out, read the code, H1 (dip in STi), H4 (for the WRX), 9005 (main in STi's), H7 for the morettes (I think, some have H4 in the one and H7 in the other) and pop down Halfords. Many companies make "Xenon" bulbs which are allegedly brighter but usually aren't, is this what you mean?

If you have JDM HID's then you need a new HID bulb, this is a bit more specialist (and expensive). Let us know and we can no doubt find you someone who sells these too.

Oh and I'll still read it when it gets moved to Electrics in Technical.

andythejock01wrx

Thanks very much chelspeed.

Yes, it's a UK 2001 WRX, but with aftermarket Prodrive lights, like the UK300.
There are 3 bulbs : the indicator, the dipped beam and the driving light (full beam). The dipped beam bulb is out.

So you think this is just a Halfords job ? I say Xenon as that was what i was told, and they are McLeans bright with a blue-ish tint.

Cheers again,

Andy

Chelspeed

Take the bulb out and check the base, probably H7 (if I recall other discussions on here right).

You can get an H7 from loads of places inc Halfords (which I just used as an example). Prices will range from £3.99 for a standard one up to around £50 for one of the hyped up ones like PIAA ultra, extreme white, platinum plated, xenon gas, gold plated contact specials. My experience with similar (but not H7) is that it's worth getting something better than standard but not the mega expensive ones. Diminishing return kicks in around £20 a pair.

Check out websites like Autolamps on-line or Powerbulbs for +50% vision plus type bulbs. You'll see there's lots out there all making similar claims.

If you want to match what you have then try and work out what's there now from markings around the edge of the base of the current bulb, even just a manufacturer will narrow it down, phillips, osram or whatever. Or just buy a pair and replace both and keep the one that's still working as a spare.

One word of caution, steer clear of the "off road use only" rally special 100W bulbs, these may (or may not!) make more light but they do it by taking more current from the wiring and Subarus wiring has a reputation for being good for 55W but not much spare capacity. Stick nearly twice the current through it to feed a 100W bulb and you could be in trouble.

IanK Spec C

Hi Andy,

The lamps can be replaced in situ however I find it easier to remove the whole headlamp assembly. To do this, remove the trim panel either side of the front grill (take care not to drop the clips!). The undo the three 10mm bolts and gently ease the headlamp assembly from the car. Refiting is straight forward, just ensure you fit the alignment pin into it's socket before the rest of the headlamp. Take care to protect the gloss shells whilst off the car!

The lamps are H7 for both the dipped and main. I also suggest changing the pair and keep the lamp that hasn't blown as a spare.

Best regards,

Ian

andythejock01wrx

Thanks to both Chelspeed and Ian K 300 for all your help.