To achieve this, I really had three options:

1. Replace the reflectors
2. Upgrade to higher wattage bulbs
3. Upgrade to more effective bulbs at the same wattage

Realistically option 1 is probably going to make the biggest difference, but is very expensive.  My reflectors are in pretty good shape.   Option 2 is probably the next best, but since all the current goes through the headlight switch, is only advisable if I were to re-wire the headlights with separate relays.   This is a good thing to do, and probably worth it, but is more time consuming.

Therefore, since I was replacing the bulb anyway, I decided to try a more effective 60/55W H4.   The Osram Nightbreaker 220 is advertised as doing this.  It’s quite a bit more expensive than a regular H4 bulb, but since I had to replace one, I decided to give them a try.

There are also LED kits, but these involve modifying the light, which I didn’t want to do.

Bulb replacement on the 107 is a bit of a pain, as the trim beneath the headlight must come off, then the entire headlight assembly is removed.   The trim slides down inside the bumper bar, so once you know that trick its not difficult to get the headlights out.

I re-installed the bulb, tested it and then finished putting the trim back on. So I could do a proper comparison, I only changed the side that was blown. It is very difficult to show the difference in photographs, but the Nightbreaker 220 is brighter. The light is whiter too, but not that terrible blue tinge that cheap bulbs get.

I drove home and I could certainly tell the difference. I would estimate it to be around 10-20% more effective. Is it worth it, given the bulbs were about $27 each? Not sure, I’ll have to do a night drive with them in. So far, it seems like its worth it if you’re replacing a bulb anyway.

The picture below shows the difference against the garage wall.   You can see the impact old vs new.

The post Trying Nightbreaker 220 Halogen H4s in my 450SLC appeared first on Classic Jalopy.

The Halogen upgrade also included relays and wiring directly from the battery to the lights.     Before this upgrade I never felt particularly comfortable driving the car at night.   With this upgrade both the dipped and main beams really illuminate the road.

I took the car on a drive through Galston Gorge and then up the Old Northern road, almost to Wisemans Ferry.   Hawkins lookout is a nice place to stretch your legs and turn around.   This is a nice drive and there was little traffic.   Too bad so many drivers do not dip their beams when there is oncoming traffic.

For anyone who has a classic car with the standard round sealed beams, I highly recommend this upgrade.   I generally like to keep cars stock, but this upgrade increases the drivability (and safety) of the car.  Relays are also a worthy addition to stop all that current going through the headlight switch.   Relays can be added to cars that already have halogen headlights.    The previous owner added relays to my DS and it also has excellent lighting.

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