14 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996.2 headlight questions
Reported or suspected cause
deterioration of the reflectors
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
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1
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Reported cause
The cars are 20+ years old now and the main issue is deterioration of the reflectors.
Leading evidence: 'deterioration of the reflectors' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'deterioration of the reflectors' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Adjust lights' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Yes, I fitted the "Osram D2S Xenarc Night Breaker Laser" which are 4500K and look reasonably OEM.
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Suggestion
I take it if you can’t adjust the lights for the continent, then you can just go old school and use stickers to block the beam?
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14 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
911uk: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261027T005001Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I have 2 questions re headlights for all the 996.2 experts on here…
1) My 2004 996 was not blessed with xenon lights. Is there a big difference between the halogen projectors and xenon projectors at this age? For the pre-facelift cars I can see it making a much bigger difference but the 996.2 halogen lights have a proper Hella H7 projector anyway. Curious to hear thoughts from those who have driven both.
2) Any tips for DIY adjustment of the non-xenon headlights using the adjustment screws? Does this help improve lighting performance? Owners manual is pretty light on details here
Any help shedding light (
sorry
) on the above is appreciated!
The cars are 20+ years old now and the main issue is deterioration of the reflectors. As I see it, the choice is:
1. Replace the lights - VERY expensive
2. Get the reflectors re-silvered (as per Infrasilver post)
3. Use a Retrofitlabs kit to replace the reflectors
I used the Retrofitlabs kit, it's good but it doesn't have the switch to change for driving abroad. If starting again, I would follow Infrasilver's route, at the time I didn't know this could be done.
For adjusting, that only give you beam adjustment, it's pretty straightforward although you will need a very long Allen key. There are guides on this site for taking the lights apart. Getting the adjusters out of the housing can be tricky, a liberal spray of WD40 or similar helps a lot!
I sold my car but I still have the original reflectors (plus HID upgrade). I'm open to reasonable offers if you want to get a pair re-silvered before taking your apart.
From my recent exploits in trying to fix one of the xenon which went dead, it was such an saga or an expensive endeavor to try and repair it (and the associated fragile wires and source the ballast etc.
I was wishing I had the halogens at that point and just replace with simple LEDs and/or fix the reflects as others noted
The
retrofitlab repair & upgrade kit
, is worth doing. Basically it replaces the projectors and if you haven't already the HID Xenon bulbs as well.
If you've not done it before, it's a bit fiddly - but absolutely doable.
Yes, I fitted the "Osram D2S Xenarc Night Breaker Laser" which are 4500K and look reasonably OEM.
It's really a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you are unhappy with the current performance of the headlights.
Thanks everyone for the detailed replies. I wasn’t very clued in on headlights and
this guide
from retrofitlabs helped me understand a lot of the terminology (in case it helps anyone else).
@maldren
is it just the lack of this switch which makes you regret not doing the resilvering first or is there something else? Also do you happen to have any before/after photos?
Does anyone have any experience with the LED projectors that Retrofitlabs sell? Seems these last longer, wear better and don’t consume as much energy as the Xenon version…but I’m doubtful they will look OEM sadly.
Finally, will these retrofit kits impact us come MOT time?
Yes, just the lack of switch, otherwise the Retrofitlabs lights are fine and they were ok for the MOT, without taking the light apart, I doubt the tester would know they had been changed.
I asked Retrofitlabs about their LED lights and they told me the HID lights give a better beam/light.
Sorry no photos but the light was hugely improved over the previous faded Bi-zenons and they, in turn, were much better than faded standard lights.
Stickers on the light are ok but you would probably have fun finding out where to put them.
I don't drive mine much at night but I've got some after market direct fit H7 LED high beams and they make a huge difference at night. They're cheaper and more effective than other options AFAIK. And they're an easy fit.
I've got some of the Osram's for the dipped beam and they're better than standard but not transformational.
