Ideally you should get the lights realigned, but I changed the bulbs just before the MoT so it could get aligned then. As it turned out it didn't actually need adjustment.

Getting the bulbs replaced is indeed a pig - the access is restricted and the collar holds the bulb in place very firmly. Basically, you have to rotate the collar through about a 1/8 turn, then you can kind of slide it off. Doing the first one it felt like I was going to break the assembly as it was so tight, but once off you can see how it fits and the second one was a lot easier. Probably more hassle than it needs to be, but glad I did it.

The Nightbreakers will probably give you more light, but I prefer the slightly whiter Cool Blue as I feel it picks out more detail on unlit roads. Both should be an improvement over the stock bulbs though.

thanks again for the info. think i will go down the nightbreaker route at some point

Try the Phillips bulbs, same brightness as the nightbreakers but last a whole year, rather than 6-8 months. Both makes are good bulbs, focused well and much brighter than standard

Every HID bulb that only lasts a Year or less will be replaced under warranty by the manufacturer. 

I drive with HID headlichts for almost 15 Years and never had any HID bulbs (even some Chinese ones) that lasted that short.

6 to 8 months.  wow.  thi k the ones on my 62 plate are prob originals. so at least 6 yrs old. 

Original bulbs are much lower output than the night breakers or Phillips super visions, If you drive them harder for lumens then their life decreases

Many years of using and testing bulbs, I can tell you the Vision Plus Phillips and Nightbreakers are the brightest standard bulbs. (not a lot in it), but NB's last 6-8 months average, Phillips last around a year. In all cases total lumens start to fall off after 6 months or so. Replace either of them after a year and the replacements are noticeably brighter

Any bulb that has a blue coating on the bulb, may look whiter, but that coating is absorbing light and I've yet to test ANY blue bulb that puts out as much light as the above

6 minutes ago, madmole said:

Original bulbs are much lower output than the night breakers or Phillips super visions, If you drive them harder for lumens then their life decreases

Many years of using and testing bulbs, I can tell you the Vision Plus Phillips and Nightbreakers are the brightest standard bulbs. (not a lot in it), but NB's last 6-8 months average, Phillips last around a year. In all cases total lumens start to fall off after 6 months or so. Replace either of them after a year and the replacements are noticeably brighter

Any bulb that has a blue coating on the bulb, may look whiter, but that coating is absorbing light and I've yet to test ANY blue bulb that puts out as much light as the above

Are you confusing xenons with halogens?  At £60 a bulb I doubt you'll be changing xenons every 8 months...  

gud point

13 hours ago, madmole said:

Try the Phillips bulbs, same brightness as the nightbreakers but last a whole year, rather than 6-8 months. Both makes are good bulbs, focused well and much brighter than standard

The HID nightbreakers last much longer from my understanding, it's just the standard halogoen replacement (ie: H4, H7) bulbs that tend not to. I used a H11 nightbreaker bulb in my motorbike and that lasted about 6 months (light is on all the time when engine is on), using a cool blue intense now.

Yes, wasn't aware they called their HID's nightbreakers as well as their Halogens. 

I wouldn't worry about the lifespan. I had Xenon Nightbreakers for over 4 years in the Mondeo, and the only reason I can't say it was longer was because that's when I sold the car! They should last a while.... But I agree that the halogen Nightbreakers don't last too long. I had them as cornering lights and they didn't last a year.

I also have a tit x and in the rain I think they're terrible but good in the dry. So the bulbs can be changed..... Interesting, may have to have a look into getting brighter /whiter bulbs 

well if u change ures let me know what ones u use and if any better than standards

which way do you adjust the lamps. is it unscrew for up and tighten down to adjust beam down