LED Headlight Conversion

[ted280sl]

It seems that LED bulbs are brighter and new bulbs include any special transformer previously required. I switched to Euro headlights many years ago and installed Halogen bulbs. It seems like it should be an easy switch but, I have been surprised in the past. Has anyone switched their bulbs to LED? If so, I am sure I am not the only one that would want to know of your experience.
Thank you,
Ted 280SL
1969 280SL w/ Euro headlights

[Garry]

Yes there has been quite a bit about conversions but some Euro countries it is illegal.  I have done it and they are a whole lot better and brighter. Some minor adjustments were needed to fit into Euro headlights but result was good. 
Others discussed for US vehicles. 
Do a search, here is one. [size=78%]https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=26215.msg187808#msg187808[/size]

[ted280sl]

Garry,
  Thank you for your quick response. I searched the website before posting and I guess I used the wrong words.
  The link I was able to find required me to order from England. I guess I am just a spoiled American. I assume that the correct Euro led headlamp bulbs are available in the USA. I tried Amazon and some other sites which gave me the h4 conversion from the US sealed beam headlights, but not the Euro led bulb.
  Does anyone know of a US based supplier?
Thank you,
Ted 280SL w/ Halogen & uro Headlights
1969 280sl Dark Green & Standard shift

[JamesL]

This help?

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30512.msg221151#msg221151

[66andBlue]

... I assume that the correct Euro led headlamp bulbs are available in the USA.
...

If these correct bulbs were to exist they might be available, unfortunately their existence is as mythical as Unicorns, Loch monsters, and Bigfoots.
The the reflector optic in the Euro-style headlamps is fixed and LEDs cannot morph into a light emitting wire. You might want to read this:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30927.msg229364#msg229364
There are of course proponents who are convinced that they have seen Bigfoot and Nessie, perhaps there is such a LED. 

US version headlamps with sealed beams are a different story because one can design a new sealed beam bulb with reflector optics to match the output of a bundle of LEDs.

[Garry]

My understanding is that the Euro headlight for the US were never designed for halogen bulbs I think Stern was discussing the conversion from halogen to LED which is not what is occurring. Given that US laws did not allow halogen headlights until 1983 i am not sire that his comments apply to the earlier Euro Pagoda.


I sit in my Pagoda with one original light and one LED and the light throw is like chalk and cheese with the original unable to light up the unicorn but the LED does.  They are also legal in Australia to convert provided they comply with the ADR’s.

[ted280sl]

Euro headlights were never designed for US models. When our cars were built the US required sealed beam headlights. Cars equipped with Euro headlights could not be sold by dealers. I acquired my Euro headlights many years ago and easily switched from the standard US sealed beam headlights. I upgraded the bulbs to Halogens at that time. It was a great improvement.
  The dialogue regarding LED optics makes sense to me. I do not drive after dark that often and I am satisfied with my halogen lighting. The thought that my car would not be recognized as best in show because of the LED lights is a great excuse not to switch

[DavidAPease]

Hi, Ted,

Based on information available on our site, I converted my Euro headlights to LED (here in the US) last November, and am very happy with the upgrade.  (My car will never lose Best in Show due to its non-standard headlight bulbs.  )

I ordered a pair of "BEAMTECH H4 LED Headlight Bulb 50W 6500K 8000 Lumens 9003" from eBay, along with an adapter with the following description "HEADLIGHT BULB H4 ADAPTERS VINTAGE CLASSIC CAR BMW ALFA H5 TO H4 P45T P43T R2".  Both are still available on eBay.  Once I got the parts, the upgrade took about 10 minutes per side.

             -David

[Pawel66]

The LED bulbs definitely throw more light in front of you. That is why they are forbidden in Europe. I do not know if they are allowed in the US.

It is all because the reflectors are not for LED bulbs. All adapters are only for wiring and socket.

I have H4 Euro headlights, not bad, but I would love to have LEDs... until it comes to a dialogue with insurer or a Policeman on the road.

[teahead]

GOod headlights for US cars IMHO:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294112757042?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372