Yesterday was the first time I attempted to change the two dipped headlight bulbs of my MX5 Mark 2 (2002). From the manual it was easy to identify access to each location but having got both right and left original bulbs exposed I hit the following problem.
For the life of me I’m unable to extract either bulb from its seating in its socket. Perhaps my finger grip isn’t powerful enough, or maybe there’s a technique I’m missing, but right now, on a new day, I have two replacement ‘Cool Blue Xenon bulbs by OSRAM’ sitting in their box awaiting fitting.
Any early advice on how to crack this frustrating problem would be very much appreciated.
Have you looked at the new bulbs? I think the actual plug on the bulb is at 90° to the glass part of the bulb. There is a plastic connector on the bulb.
Google Mx5 2002 headlight bulb and check out the pictures.
Thank you for your speedy response. Despite all the information available to me, I now find that I’d bought the wrong replacement headlight bulbs for my MX5 Mk2 2002. They should have been HB4’s which I’ve now ordered on Amazon UK as Osram Night Breaker bulbs. Hopefully these will perform as ‘written on the tin’
Glad I could help. Shame. I have a full set (Hi and lo beam) of bulbs for a 2002 Mk2.5. Halfords extreme brilliance. I bought them for my Arizona as a spare set but never used them. Car now sold and I have a Mk1.
ABD.co.uk SKU TWD906120-2 HB4 Twenty20Daylight120+120% 12Volt 51Watt 9006 Halogen Bulbs (pair) Bought recently, but not fitted yet. These are lo beam, Hi beams are HB3, Mine are fine as is. Hardly use them anyway.
I ordered these originally - bad choice. They are twin element bulbs with a three pin connector. obviously low and high beam bulbs. Fortunately ABD took them back, and after some research they suggested the above in my earlier post.
I also got a refund, despite saying I wasn’t worried - as it was my mistake. Both Osram and ABD list these as a direct replacement for a MK2/2.5, but they are wrong, and ABD now know they can’t trust Osrams information. You’ll see when you get them - I suggest you try for a refund. ABD sent me a free return voucher, so it didn’t cost me anything to send them back.
True - MX5 Parts say the earlier model had one type of bulb up to Chassis No. 413680 and after that the bulb changed, but the Nightbreaker does not have an angled fitting but is straight and short, and it is a three pin connector, with twin elements instead of two pins and one element,.
Conclusion - if in doubt pit your faith in MX Parts - not Osram. ABD now know the truth. ( I hope they act on it)
Just have a look at what is fitted. I’m not sure when the changeover was. Should be able to tell from the bulb which it is. The Halfords EB lights are quite good I had them in my old A6. I still have the set if you are interested.
The above are standard replacement bulbs, so order upgrades to match. You may find upgrades less expensive than as shown on this website, but make sure they are the right fitting pattern, and that you order the upgrades accordingly.
All Bulbs come complete with mount and wiring connectors, so don’t try to remove/replace the bulb, it’s fixed in the base. Also, NEVER touch the actual bulb (the glass) or you will shorten the life of the bulb itself. Use a clean cloth or clean rubber gloves to handle, if you want to keep the lamp life as stated.
Many thanks indeed. Your post just about seals it for me. Yesterday I completed the changes in my 2002 MX5 Mk2 1.8 headlight bulbs which means I now have HB4’s in the dipped beam and HB3’s in the main beam; all with an angular connection. The difference in brightness and light throw is quite remarkable.
Downwind - if your car was first registered in 2002 then it’s a Mk2.5 (NBFL) which stands for Model NB Facelift. A Mk 2 was an NB, built up to spring (at a guess) in 2001.
NBFL’s started production around June/July 2001. Mine was built October 2001 - bought at end of February 2002 - came in the dealer the week before. Not sure, but IIRC the first NBFL was released in August 2001 in the UK.