Upgrading the MG ZS EV headlight bulbs (part 1) - well worth doing!

In this video I switch out the factory halogen bulbs and am very surprised at the difference.
To order these OSRAM HB3 bulbs on Amazon, go to amzn.to/2MNxzaO
Part 2 video here • Upgrading the MG ZS EV...
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[@tonyfuschillo3657]

ZS EV Had the car two and a half years.just came across your video.just changed the headlight bulbs can't believe the difference brilliant thanks.

[@jcflippen1552]

Thanks for this video. I have just fitted the same bulbs. All went well but until the knack was learnt it took a while. Well worth it though. At least I now know how to change a headlight lamp!

[@kithmo1]

The reason the OEM bulbs are dimmer is that they are HB3LL where the "LL" stands for Long Life so they don't burn as bright (thicker filament I assume).

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

Watching this on TV, I flicked on my i Pad to make exactly the comment you have written - in fact the handbook actually states that the OE bulbs are ‘long life’ and should be replaced with equivalents. Clearly the Chinese developers/test drivers have far superior eyesight to mine! They are, apart from the sluggish centre screen (oh, and the lack of tinted windows!). about the only poor aspect of the car, in my view. Driving my ZS EV at night for the first time on winding country roads felt positively suicidal and, coincidentally, I have replaced the bulbs with these Osram Nightbreakers, having used them, to great effect, on my 3 previous cars.

[@turbokadett]

I've used Osram Nightbreakers for years, I think I've only ever had one fail. They are an excellent bulb upgrade. The only reason I've not fitted a set to my current car, a Mitsubishi i-Miev, is that I need to remove the headlights to do so. The reason you shouldn't touch headlight bulb glass is that, due to the high operating temperatures, the glass is made from Quartz: If you touch it with bare hands then, when lit and heating up, oils deposited by your skin can cause the touched area to expand at a different rate to the rest of the glass causing failure.

[@iandavies1591]

I’m grateful for this video, what gets me is that you put something up to help people but there are people that chose to slate, you ! Great video, thanks it’s most helpful, I haven’t even got my MG yet but I will be ordering these bulbs ready and as for you knockers, get a life!

[@GoGreenAutos]

Thanks. Lot of hate from behind the keyboard.

[@stephen7630]

Can't wait for you to do the under the hood check. I'm a bit scared to get this car because my father in law, a mechanic, has big reservations about the quality of Chinese cars he's seen so far. I'm really hoping this one is different though because there's pretty much nothing else available in Australia that would suit our needs without being absurdly expensive. Your videos so far have made me hopeful. So much of youtube is focussed on the initial experience of driving, but what I'm really interested in is how likely am I to have problems in years time.

[@GoGreenAutos]

SAIC have more experience of making EVs than European manufacturers. I expect the drivetrain to be excellent.

[@stratac30]

There is nothing wrong with the MG’s, they are are just as good as any equivalent manufacturer around, the only difference is they are better value for money and the build quality and reliability is excellent. I’m running a mk2 MG3 and have been very pleased with it. Regarding the lights, the 3’s headlights are excellent, the only downside with the car I wish they fitted driving/fog lights so you could put them on when driving down country lanes at night giving you the extra spread of light into the verges. I’ve been told that they are not going to offer that option, whereas the ZS & HS they do.

[@choncord]

Have had my MG ZS for 3 years. Trouble free and no issues. Only thing was the GPF filter.. just like the DPF but for petrol cars. Fortunately my dealership did a 'forced regen' on it costing £114. A bargain when you consider it can cost 1k to get a new part replacement.

[@cameraramblings4107]

Thanks for the tip. Picking my ZS ev up tomorrow!

[@Lucy-rc7vk]

Hi Matt, just wanted to say that's for your help and advice on here a couple of weeks ago re my MG3 upgrade bulbs. I got a garage to supply and fit the night breakers and went out for a drive after dark the other eve. Mega impressed with the bulbs, thank you so much for your advice 🙂

[@GoGreenAutos]

Glad the videos helped.

[@terrylivermore9107]

Thanks Matt for another helpful video.

[@chrishoultonguitar]

Everyone keeps saying the original headlights in the ZS EV are awful, but I think they're great! I must have had really rubbish ones in my old car (2011 Honda Civic)! I took the headlights out today to check the old owner hadn't upgraded them, but nope, they're the Philips ones.

[@CambuGus]

Thanks for that. I've found the same thing but didn't know where to start as a new MG vs ev owner.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Have a watch of the part 2 video too. Link above.

[@groundhoglife]

I use Ring Xenon 200 they are really good. Highly recommended by Auto Express website.

[@3000Robbo]

Very informative, thank you

[@robmoston4263]

Thanks mat i am ordering a pair now keep up the good work

[@bhagwansinghrana8224]

What is the model/type/size of halogen head light bulb of MGZS EV ? H4, H7 or H11 ? Plz reply

[@markhuntley6756]

I ordered the bulbs and fitted them and saw the improvement all too briefly before one bulb failed! Not sure whether to abandon the idea or order some more and have one more go.

[@GoGreenAutos]

If you ordered them on Amazon, try returning for a replacement.

[@makestuffwork9205]

Would be interesting to see if the original bulbs would fail an MOT? I'm guessing none have had to have an MOT yet being less than three years old. Big implication if they're all being sold with sub legal headlights but surely that would have been covered to be allowed to be sold here.

[@davrov8610]

Good video, but it might have been a good idea to take a view of the lights on the car at night, so we could see the difference.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Covered in part 2 video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZorFg5iwhK18qdEsi=7WVA7sb-z55mnZdK

[@matthewwakeham2206]

To get the maximum life out of your bulbs, clean them with brake cleaner or simliar to degrease them (even if you haven't touched them). Then only touch them with a clean tissue or paper towel (not gloves).

[@grahamtoyn2912]

When you say that the original bulbs were no shining high enough did you make sure the head light adjustment on the facia panel was in the proper position on the little wheel.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Of course.

[@jesperpedersen1388]

The originals are really c...👎. I can only surgest everyone with a ZS EV to change bulbs as fast as possible. I have gone with LED's, but here I can hear a good set of halogens also can do the job. But for heaven's sake CHANGE💡💡💡💡💡

[@peteramos6081]

Philips Ultinon pro9000 led , identical beam pattern to halogen , white 6000 Kelvin colour temperature, excellent throw , brighter yet do not glare or blind (tested) . Past my MOT at a strict garage, down side expensive .

[@GoGreenAutos]

That should be an MoT fail now, but of course many testers do not notice the change of bulb types.

[@peteramos6081]

@@GoGreenAutos They usually test beam pattern as far as I know , and as long as they "work" within legal light output its a pass. The Philips ones are also almost silent in operation. I had brought a couple of sets of Philips White vision ultra bulbs just incase , really just wanted to see if it passed. I do know cheap leds will fail though. It was an experiment really , but , as they do not blind anyone and I live in a rural area they will stay , but if they do become troublesome to others and i start getting flashed then they will be out and the White vision ultras will go in.

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@peteramos6081 The MoT rules changed not too long ago and now the bulbs have to be the type the fitting was designed for. So putting LED bulbs in a halogen headlight is technically now an MoT failure....if they notice.

[@kevlec1947]

Great video. I have a new MG - MG3 2024 My 24 Core Nav. I assume the HB3 will fit ok. Please advise.

[@GoGreenAutos]

It will tell you in the owners manual.

[@Eb3nez3r]

Cool, but these night breaker bulbs, although marginally better only last a couple of years and generally fail very close to each other so hang onto the original bulbs in the car in case you get caught out on a journey. Novsight LED bulbs, okaaay for dipped beam but could do with being a bit brighter. The foglight versions are just way too dim.

[@varmaTrini]

I believe that the newer 2022 MG ZS EV Facelift carry the LED headlights.

[@markslade9722]

How does this single filament bulb provide both main beam and dipped beam? There is only one hb3 fitted per side, and the bulb is just a two wire (+ and -), single filament, so I am guessing when you put the stalk to main beam position, there must be some sort of motorised reflector inside the headlamp that deflects the light beam.

[@GoGreenAutos]

It is this, yes. A mirror I think.

[@Lucy-rc7vk]

I have the same issue with my headlights in my MG3 headlights being rubbish. I've been told by the dealership that if i change the bulbs that my warranty will be invalid. I've been to a couple of MOT testing stations and they've said changing/upgrading the bulbs will fail MOT and may cause the wiring to catch fire. Need help finding someone who will help me to change the bulbs to what you suggest.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Modifications would invalidate the warranty, but changing to another halogen bulb is fine and is like for like...just like changing the tyres. See part 2 of this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZorFg5iwhK18qdE and read the video descriptions for both videos for all the information and links to the correct products.

[@Lucy-rc7vk]

@@GoGreenAutos thank you SO much, I'll watch the other video etc now. The dealership told me changing the bulb would invalidate the warranty. I said what if the original bulb goes am i expected to drive round with no lights?! They wouldn't answer that, just said the bulbs can't be changed. I said i can't drive the car after dark as the lights are so bad. Your video has made it clear that the lights are bad but can be changed. Thank you so much! I even emailed MG head office in UK and they just referred me to the dealership. Now to watch your other video and the product details link and find a garage willing to help me. So frustrating that the lights are so bad, the car itself is amazing. Many thanks!

[@karlmanning2997]

Hi, very useful video thank you. Can I ask please if you had any trouble with the clips when changing the bulbs?

[@GoGreenAutos]

No clips. The bulbs just twist quarter a turn to hold in place.

[@karlmanning2997]

@@GoGreenAutos Well there certainly were on mine that go over the lug on the bottom of the bulb casing to keep the electrical connecter tight. They break off very easily though which is why I asked the question. The only mention I can find about them is at the start of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XdhZ6QmbRmiZI I guess the connector is tight enough anyway so not worth worrying about?

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@karlmanning2997 Sorry, I thought you meant clips that hold the bulbs in as you get on H4 and H7 halogen bulbs. But I now see you mean the clips on the electrical connector. On my car, the previous owner had snapped these retaining clips when changing the bubs to LEDs. But the connectors are tight enough anyway as they have rubber seals that its not a problem, particularly when the cable isn't under strain inside a seal headlight housing.

[@karlmanning2997]

@@GoGreenAutos Thank you, appreciated. I broke the ones on mine as well and was looking for reassurance that it wasn't too much to worry about.

[@jacobVF]

Interesting and good info. I see your new lights are 60W, is this the same as the original?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Yes. From memory the OEM bulbs are 55W

[@jacobVF]

Yes, saw they come in 55W and 60W. I haven't got my car yet so can't check the manual. But it says 60W is ok?

[@ComputermanAM13]

retrofit leds are way better than halogens , not those cheap ones tho. Luckily in Italy we don't have a strict MOT, as long as they work and do not blind incoming traffic nobody will ever say anything. Not a fan of those "high end" halogens, way too expensive for a very marginal upgrade. With quality leds you get 5 to 6 more times the light output

[@brianstevenson9967]

I have to be honest, if I paid £30 for headlight bulbs and they only lasted a year I would be seriously pissed off 😤. My Seat Leon is 3years old and I have not replaced 1 single bulb of any description on the car.

[@lahbiboussama7931]

For headlights H4 or H7 MG ZS 2018 ?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Its in your user manual.

[@tonychallinor6721]

My covers won't twist half a turn - absolutely welded in place

[@GoGreenAutos]

They are very stiff. Even after removing them a few weeks ago and lubricating them, they've gone stiff again.

[@AjaxDas]

Would changing the bulb void the warranty?

[@GoGreenAutos]

No, because I've just put another halogen in.

[@ZEXT13]

Hi, is this compatible with MG zs 2019 model?

[@GoGreenAutos]

This vehicle is a 2020 model. You'll have to check in your manual as to what bulbs yours has. Its likely to be the same.

[@stud196761]

Are these bulbs ok for renault zoe 2019 41kwh

[@GoGreenAutos]

The Zoe uses H7 bulbs from memory, but yes OSRAM do these in all sizes.

[@stud196761]

@@GoGreenAutos just thought I would upgrade

[@chrisrichmond403]

Hello .. I read that the call it 1st Gen Nissan Leaf has bad dipped beam headlights as well , Did you retrofit better bulbs on any of them and if yes which ones please & how much better did it make it .. Thanks .

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@chrisrichmond403 Get the same. amzn.to/2MNxzaO They will either by H4 or H7s.

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@stud196761 We did the same on both our Zoe's we ran for two years and it makes a big difference. Not as much as it did in the ZS, but still well worth doing.

[@johnfaulkner6776]

Surely properly set up and road legal LED lights would have lower consumption and be more consistent with EV practice of power conservation? Why are the manufacturers so slow in bringing forwards and modernising the legacy stuff on the car? Having a 12v cranking battery for the auxiliaries is another example of unsuitable left overs.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Just comes down to cost. An LED lamp assembly (not just an LED bub) costs considerably more than a halogen unit, that they will also use on the ICE models.

[@Bestjdmcar]

Nice, can u show as how looks at night?

[@GoGreenAutos]

See kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZorFg5iwhK18qdE

[@MrHsv123]

When I put in model of globes it shows it doesn’t fit?

[@GoGreenAutos]

The MG ZS EV uses HB3 bulbs amzn.to/2MNxzaO

[@GoGreenAutos]

Ignore the Amazon "does it fit" tool. That is inaccurate. The MG ZS EV uses HB3 bulbs.

[@Mickster428]

What’s the real world range of this car ??

[@GoGreenAutos]

I'm getting 135 miles now in the winter with heating and air con on all the time. Summer should be 160-180.

[@automotivel3501]

R56 Mini's have crap headlamps. BMW need to address issue. Nissan Qashqai has LED with auto main beam etc, brilliant lights.

[@nicksss1843]

Hate my MG, not in finance but with a young family it would put me in a hole changing cars now. Guess I’m stuck for now, absolute massive mistake. SAIC junk.

[@Hockss]

There's a lot of aftermarket LED light system out there that cost next to nothing, and makes a big difference to your lighting

[@GoGreenAutos]

There are but the new MoT rules are "Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp."

[@GoGreenAutos]

@@marc2026 Rules changed recently and LED or HID bulbs not allowed in units designed for halogen bulbs.

[@iandavies1591]

Seen them bulbs for £24 on Amazon!

[@GoGreenAutos]

They are cheaper in H4 & H7 sizes, but not in HB3.

[@pt6423]

If the headlight original bulbs are too dim it points to a reflector and lens design issue. £15 a year for better headlights? Not impressed.

[@GoGreenAutos]

Then why would the new bulbs make such a huge difference - like twice as good? To me that points to poor original bulbs not a lens/reflector issue. I suspect putting new 'standard' bulbs in would improve things too.

[@stevegascoigne1482]

Hmmm.. they don't last fullstop.

[@mcdon2401]

The standard bulbs are horrendous.

[@Ken.Howard]

Don’t leds run cool and the halogens run very hot??????

[@GoGreenAutos]

The drivers in LED bulbs run very hot, and why they have fans and which can often make the plastic lamp housings melt. Plus modern high output LEDs (I think they call them CREE) do run very hot.

[@Thinkofwhat]

The City with 16,000 Electric Buses & 22,000 Electric Taxis | 100% Independent, 100% Electric by Fully Charged kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoGal4eGgbiAm6s

[@Andre1980stavanger]

Why not just buy a car with good headlights from the start?. And why bother to make a video at all when its too much hassle for you to actually show the difference at night?

[@GoGreenAutos]

Do you test the headlights on a test drive? Unlikely. An electric SUV with better headlights such as a Kona or e-Niro costs £10K more than the MG ZS, so I'll happy save the £9,970 and swap the bulbs! Video showing the difference hopefully coming next. I forgot I have a dash cam fitted so hopefully I have some before and after footage.

[@rajeshchetty5519]

I don't think your statement about LEDs is entirely true, halogens will run ALOT hotter than led bulbs, sure hid bulbs run the hottest but it is untrue that led bulbs are hotter than halogens. Its why they use halogen bulbs at the bottom of lava lamps and not led bulbs

[@GoGreenAutos]

Generally yes, you're correct - an LED will be cooler than a halogen, but its the drivers which also had heat and this needs cooling. For example, the LED bulbs I show in the video have fans on them. There's plenty of examples where people have melted their plastic light housing by using (cheap/hot) LEDs. They don't melt with halogens which is what they are designed for.