Just started one of those “5 minute” jobs which is turning into a right pain.
I decided to upgrade the headlights to a better bulb so using the registration number I ordereed the below bulbs from eurocarparts.
Once they arrived I nipped outside to do the 5 minute job but it turns out the bulbs have diffferent fittings.
In the pic below you can see the new bulb has a 3 prong fitting but the existing ones have only 2 prongs. I thought it was something to do with the adpater at first but even remnmoving that they appear to be completely different…or am I missing something?
can’t really comment on the fitting, but the garage I use don’t and won’t get parts for any car fromEuro Cr Parts and say that the overall quality is poor they use Dingbro - who sell to trade only
Well, try as I might I cannot select the correct bulb based upon using my registration or saying its the correct year ie 2005. They all return H4 bulbs. Even Osrams own website gets it wrong.
Only way I can get the H7 bulbs is to forget the registration and say the car is a 2006 1.8 (its a 2005 1.6). I’ll have to speak to eurocarparts tomorrow and see what they say.
There is a cut-off VIN number for these, assuming we are discussing the outer dipped beam bulbs. The three pin H4 fits cars with a VIN number where the last six digits are less than 413680, typically up to 2005 manufacture date, NOT registration date. The H7 took over at the end of the MK2.5 run and was used in the MK3 car as well.
I think the confusion with your car is manufacture date versus registration date ie 2004 manufactured but registered 2005. If its a ‘55’ plate rather than ‘54’ or ‘05’ plate would confirm.
It’s not a problem H4 is a standard bulb type, just buy bulbs with the right power output and you are sorted.
Sorry about that, changed it now; I got two of the three references right I think?
Yes very confusing, here is my reference. Your VIN appears to be some way further forward into H7 territory, not even close to the cut-off VIN number.
The point is that these are not interchangeable so you will need an H4 bulb rated at the correct wattage for your application.
Aahhh, with it now, I they sent you the older H4 with three pins:-)
That makes perfect sense now; defo a Europarts cockup.
55 watt H7s clearly correct for the car as currently fitted and specified.
I hate to defend ECP but it does say quite clearly on their web site that there are 2 different headlight bulbs for a 2005 MX5, it then proceeds to list both the H4 and H7 types. Its the up to the individual to see which is the correct one. In this case the removed lamp is clearly marked as H7 andhas 2 prongs. If i doubt, check.
Got to say that I went on to their website just now and entered a 2005 MX5 1.6 rather than a registration and chose bulbs of which there are 21 dipped headlight variants available, all H4. Chose a couple and there was no fitment advice in this respect.
I get a pop up on screen saying more than 1 type may be fitted before it goes to the selection of bulb type. You haven’t got pop ups blocked by any chance? As I was always told as a Trainee, If in doubt check.
This is the Android version. I notice that the i pad one just has a banner across in the middle of the screen as part of the product info. Not checked on a PC though.
Strange.
Put the rubber seal back on giving a good and repeated press down not just round the outer edges but around the inner side of the seal too to go around the bulb.
Re-attach the electrical connector and try it out. On below pic the LHS as your looking at it is the new one - original on right. Hopefully you can tell the difference - I certainly can (adjusted to point at highest setting).
Both done (with adjusted to point at the lowest setting)
Weather not conducive to going for a drive but will report back once they have been tested on the road.
Just as a conclusion I went to my “local” eurocarparts last Saturday and got my refund. Slightly annoying that I had to travel to a branch when it was a web order and teh refund was minus the postage but better than nothing.
