NC 3.5 Sport Tech Xenon bulbs

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC 3.5 ST PRHT
  2. I’m based near: Hereford/Worcester.
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: D2S HID

Just popped a dip beam bulb.
I think these are D2S HID bulbs?
Any recommendations for make etc?
Would these Osram ones be okay?

Also, looks like an inner wing out to replace them I guess?
Just read the Haynes manual and it states you must disconnect the battery to replace them.
Is this the case? It’s a bit of a pain if you do, as every time I disconnect the battery the car takes days to sort it’s ECU out!

Cheers.
Rick.

2

I didn’t think any UK NC’s had Xenon bulbs to be honest.
The dipped beam is H7.
Just turn the wheel or wheel off and pop the liner back is the easiest.
Can be done without,but very tight.

EDIT. Just read again.
Putting aside everything else.
Are you really really sure you have HID Xenon bulbs?
Because those won’t fit (without adaption) in the existing headlight because they are longer than the standard H7.

3 Likes
3

Will hid bulbs, like LED bulbs, not lead to an MOT failure if the vehicle didn’t have them fitted as oem?,

4

In theory yes if the tester realises that they are not oe fitting. In practice it’s possible if they are correctly aligned they may be passed.

5

Haynes always recommends that you disconnect the battery before doing anything relating to electrics. It’s not essential, merely best practice. The only thing to be careful with is that HID lighting uses quite high voltage and converts it from 12v in the dedicated ballast you’ll find behind the lights. Take care with that bit. Though it’s almost guaranteed it’ll have discharged entirely by the time you’re handling it, a little caution never hurt anyone!

6

Just an update…
Yep, H7’s!
Original owner told me they were Xenon.
You cannot tell until you physically remove them (Unless the Xenon bits, such as ballast etc, are visible somewhere??).
The owners manual lists both, so that didn’t help.
Just as an aside, the drivers side was not bad to change. Definitely easier if you remove the washer bottle.
The passenger side was a real pig to change!
And no, removing the inner wings really doesn’t help!
I would strongly suggest if you need to change the near side, take it to Halfords and pay the £8 fitting!
Picked up a couple of Halfords home brand 200% brighter bulbs at a knocked down price (Discount card etc…) to try out.
A quick run last night and they do appear brighter, but not convinced they are 200% brighter!

Cheers Guys.
Rick.

2 Likes
7

That’s good. :+1:
I changed mine early this year and really hope they last!!!

1 Like