Headlight bulbs

[Paul]

Anybody else had any problems with headlights blowing? The offside bulb blew at 10k, had it replaced and the replacement bulb blew 1k miles later at 11k. Then the left bulb blew at close to 15k miles.

Luckily the car's now on 35,000 miles and hasn't needed any further bulbs. Is this a common fault or was I just unlucky? Thankfully that's the one and only problem I've had with the car.

[3rensho]

There is a similar thread on the German Berlingo forum (Der 3er als Lampenkiller?). Some people report a similar problem but most say they have not experienced it. A number of people have switched to either Osram Nighbreaker or Philips Xenon Effekt and have had no problems with these bulbs.

[Paul]

Thanks for the tip.

Just looking up about these and they both seem quite decent.

[3rensho]

I ordered a set of the Osram from ebay. Had a look under the bonnet and it looks like the swap should be a piece of cake. Rubber cover off, connector off and pop the retention clip. On both sides of the car the access is well out in the open and easy to get to. Now just have to wait for ebay.

[3rensho]

It is a snap to change them. Just did it. Took 5 minutes because it was the first time. It's not dark here yet but comparing them in the garage with low light conditions the lamps are clearly much brighter and the color temp is definitely higher. Original bulbs were a warm, yellow-white color. These are very white and not a trace of yellow. Can't wait to get them out on the road.

[3rensho]

Had them out at night and they are great. Now, have to see how long they last.

[Opensauce]

No probs with mine, 20k miles plenty of night driving.

[pch]

ok so what fitment does mk3 require and what is difference between h1 h7 etc etc. Also is nightbreaker and nightbreaker+ different?
cheers
Pete

[3rensho]

My 2010 (built Sept. 14, 2010) takes an H4 lamp. That is a three prong socket. The other H numbers require different sockets. I got the Nightbreaker Plus lamps which are advertised as having a longer life.

[pch]

does anyone know if march 2010 van takes same?
cheers
Pete