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MG MGF Technical - Poor headlamps

Our R plate MGF seems to have one headlamp unit(offside) giving reasonable performance while the other shows a much reduced output. The diffuser is not as clear on the nearside and I assume them to be of different ages(possibly accident replacement). The car is almost a danger to drive after dark and worse in wet conditions. Can the top hat covering the dipped beam bulb be removed to increase output without blinding oncoming drivers? Can both units be easily replaced by the latest units to good effect?
Note,the MG upgrade bulbs have had little effect, do others exist with higher spec?
Terry Wickens

The problem is the reflector of the unit, the chrome layer gets misty over time. One solution is to replace the complete unit, another is to rechrome the reflector(s).

I think it was Rob Bell that has tried this last option to good effect.

Johan
Johan Slagter

Terry

Try the ARCHIVE. Search for headlamp or headlight or other variations. You will find hoards of hits. Would point you to Rob Bells site but I believe he still has host problems.

Best solution is to buy 2 new units and fit them (very easy). You will probably get a better price from MGF Centre than from an MGR dealer.
JohnP

Spent a good few hours yesterday rebuilding the website ... will get it back on line soon, I promise! :o)
Rob Bell

Rob

I'm sure you didn't realise how essential your site really is :-)
JohnP

Thanks John - I'll get on the case as quickly as I can...
Rob Bell

Terry
Christopher Marshall

Terry

Sorry I pressed the wrong button!

The archive contains a number of references to the F's iffy headlamps. Even when my car was brand new, I found that the stopping distance at 70mph was similar to the range of the dipped beam.

Everyone seems to agree the TF headlamps are far better, so go for it.

Chris
Christopher Marshall

With my previous F, I was more comfortable driving my motorbike at night than I was the car. Even with a single headlamp and my natural instinct for self preservation, I was able to negotiate A and B roads faster than in the F.

Changed to a TF and I still marvel at the improvement in the lights when we are out at night.
JohnP

There is only ONE solution

An MGF/TF conversion to the front of the car. I tried everything to get better light. One one trip 600Km in wet weather hitched a lift behind a Ford Explorer and used his lights. On my own I could not go faster than 60 Km without losing my way.

The TF lights are so musch better


Have fun

David
David

Thanks everyone.I may try a mod on the lampholders before saving for new units. There are so many faults both design and old age this is just one of the problems so good luck to all owners beyond the warranty period.
Terry Wickens

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2004 and 30/09/2004

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.