[TheDarkKnight]

Hello everyone,
When I bought my CRV I didn't realise it had the old fashioned reflector lights with yellow bulbs. I had assumed (lesson learned there!) that it had more modern headlights with lenses - the other models I test drove did not have yellow lights like this. The photo doesn't really show how yellow they are. Has anyone found a bulb that makes the lights match the daytime running LEDs? I've seen LED bulbs on Amazon but when you read the description they all say they aren't road legal in the UK! Is there a legal way to make the main bulbs match the white light of the LEDs without replacing the whole headlight units (which I'm loathe to do)?
Thanks 😊

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If this has already been discussed and resolved please delete.

The biggest issue you would have if you swapped headlight units for Xenon ones is the MOT.

Xenon units from factory on all cars have a self levelling system and washers - yours has neither and would automatically fail because as soon as your reg is entered into the DVLA system, the MOT tester knows every intricate detail of your car, spec and what to test.

The issue of having LED bulbs in a reflector headlight will almost certainly be an MOT fail too since they are not designed to be housed in a reflector headlight as the light pattern distribution/scatter could blind drivers and you probably wouldnt know about it.

Really all depends on what hassle you want/can stomach...

This is why checking specs/trim is so important - my advice, leave it well alone.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I looked at a few CR-V's before settling on the SR model, one of the deciding factors was the Xenon lights.

Coming from Accords (not Type S) the low beam halogens were really dissapointing and I was surprised to find out that not all of the CR-V's have Xenon as standard.

On the pre-facelift 4th Gen CR-Vs, the headlights are Bi-Xenon. On the facelift, they are Xenon but the high beam light is a standard halogen one.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Hi, Thanks for the info. I had no idea that the headlight specs are matched to the car during the MOT. I watched a video where a man tried LED bulbs and he blinded other drivers. When he adjusted them he just illuminated the road immediately in front and could actually see less than with the old bulbs! It seems like I'm stuck with the yellow lights then unless the bulbs that hondAL mentions above can match the daylight running lights.
The specs for this car are quite confusing - I'm sure one of the others I tested was SE spec but it had the xenon lights with the lens. Also I parked next to an SR black edition of the same age from the same dealership last week (Rochdale Honda CRV owners clearly like Egyptian cotton bedding from Dunelm Mill 😀) and I was surprised to notice it had headlights like mine. I had expected it to have the lenses. I guess this is what can happen when you can't test drive a car before you buy. (As a side note I noticed a couple of broken things which I'm trying to get the dealer to pay for.)
A friend suggested I buy the better headlights but having looked at them the price is prohibitive - I could have bought a younger model with EX trim for the same money! 😡

4th Gen only has:

S / SE / SR / Black Edition / EX

Only the SR/EX had Bi-Xenons (prefaclift) and single Xenons in the facelift like yours.

I can guarantee you the SE spec you saw did not have factory Xenons because they dont exist.

Of course you CAN change the bulbs, but unless you swap them back each year for your MOT, or you forget, its a hassle not worth doing. On reflection, I'd have gone for the top trim EX.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I almost bought one in a lovely metallic grey colour that was EX spec but it had come from Scarborough and I noticed the underside was caked in rust.

I have a good friend who for years has lived in Scarborough. On the contrary, that wouldnt have been rust - more likely sand/dust given proximity to the sea/North sea winds.

Probably would have come off with a simple pressure washer rinse

In recent years, I made the distinct decision to always buy top spec - couldnt care less if it had features I dont use, but I'd rather that than wish it had something that I didnt have.

I mean, I've opened the sunroof less than a dozen times, and I cant even remember the last time I actually used the Head Up Display - but again, I'd rather I have them than not. 👌

Jesting aside, if you find a top spec EX model, and if the financial stars align, you should swap.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

In your shoes, I wouldnt get too hung up about the headlights - why?

Because if they do go bad, you know that they are cheaps as chips to replace.

While I would advise against those Amazon type LED bulbs, there's nothing stopping you from using something like OSRAM Nightbreakers which are always highly recommended as an alternative.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I don't think they're the best headlights for driving on roads without street lights but for most driving they're fine.

Bear in mind, the headlights are more than adequate in the view of regulators who ultimately permit such vehicles on the road

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Would it be an idea to have a sticky thread to contain the different models and its variants, from MkI to present.

Maybe we could also upload PDF's of the sales brochures etc.

I think they do that over on civinfo forum

In principle, its a great idea.

However, the reality is that many folks simply do not read the sticky/pinned threads at all. Way too many people put their queries in the Diesel section when certain markets have no diesels (🤦‍♂️) or post things in the wrong generation and/or fail to see the sticky about infotainment/audio stuff to go in the Mobile Electronics area.

It would be a lot of effort to compile all that stuff, pin it and no one pay a blind bit of attention - like many do now.

Makes the Mod job that much more difficult - and I doubt beyond a few people, anyone would provide any thanks for it either.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I'm happy to do it, or, if you wish to collate the material, then thats no problem either. Just highlighting that the "value" may be limited.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

No worries - send me a Private Message and we can work on it together

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Headlightexperts.com

Nice site but pointless for UK buyers - and wouldnt comply with regulations here either.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

What did you use for the interior lights - one of those packs from Amazon or did you go to a garage?

5th Gen has LED lights already.

For your vanity lights you need:

28MM WHITE LED SUN VISOR CAR VANITY LIGHT LAMP FUSE FESTOON BULBS 269 T6.3 30MM | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 28MM WHITE LED SUN VISOR CAR VANITY LIGHT LAMP FUSE FESTOON BULBS 269 T6.3 30MM at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

For the map lights & glove box & rear boot lights you need:

T10 Car Led 501 Side Light Bulbs Smd Error Free Canbus Xenon White W5w Bulb 12v | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for T10 Car Led 501 Side Light Bulbs Smd Error Free Canbus Xenon White W5w Bulb 12v at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

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Not sure what other lights you need.

Post some pics, and I will tell you what else you need.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Cheap as chips, honestly.

I remember this video -

It will help - very straightforward.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Glad to assist 👍