LED High Beam - delighted with results

[GH77]

My D2 came with halogens and yellows all round. So, separate projector lenses for dipped beam and reflectors for the high beam.

I fitted aftermarket HIDs a few years back for the dipped beam behind the projectors with a basic ballast and bulb kit from that 'well known internet auction site'. One of the standard 35W ballasts failed a while back and a friend donated me a pair of 55W ballasts. Was more than happy with the light output from them at 35W but properly delighted at 55W. Especially compared to the woeful D3 HIDs! Understand the shortened life expectancy of the 35W HID bulbs running at 55W but all good so far and, at the so-said 3,000 hours vs 5,000 hours, it seems like a compromise I'm willing to make.

If it's true that HIDs burn out and fade the light from the projectors over time then it would appear that halogens don't have the same detrimental effect as these projector lenses seem to be at perfect illuminating capability.

The yellowy main beam however has been a niggle ever since so I recently took a punt on these eBay H7 LEDs and am very, very impressed over stock. And now everything up front, except the fogs, is nice, white and bright. Did a bit of research and although the claimed 6,000 lumens is a bit dubious, the measurements seemed like they would fit in the housing okay and the fact that the main beam isn't ever on for any real length of time I concluded that for £20 the passive cooling instead of fan cooling ought to be okay. It all fits inside and the cover closes completely.

Main beam flashing is also instant and immediately bright which is a definite bonus. Especially if you like a bit of flashing of an evening

The attached pictures are the 35W HIDs on the 55W ballasts and then the LED high beams. About 30m in the distance pictures and 10m closer up. Just thought worth sharing if anyone is considering an upgrade on the main beams and unsure if worth the trouble. I certainly think it's been worthwhile.

Maybe worth mentioning that I did an outer lens refurb back in summer and, while that no doubt adds a bit, I think the main light output improvement is down to the 55W and the new LEDs. LEDs in the sidelights make up the white front-end package nicely.

No bulb-out warnings too, btw.

Cheers