Hello folks, sorry for this FSQ, but I have tried to get the dip bulbs out of the housings and they are VERY TIGHT! I am concerned if I twist much harder they will smash in my hands. I take it they are like the S type L shaped bulbs which twisted for removal. I can't see exactly what I am doing due to the limited space when the clear plastic cover is removed, any tips please? I can get the high beam bulb out no probs from the wheel arch area. Or is there something I am doing wrong???
I believe the standard XK8 like mine had HB3 bulbs for the dipped and H1 for the main, is this correct?
Tried to do a search but was bogged down with conversions to Xenon etc and changing the lenses to accommodate. As I only use him in the summer dont think I could justify the expensive upgrade.
Thanks for any advice.
Cheers,
Arty

 

Spooky - just done this this morning! See my post https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...d-turn-116082/

Anyway, the dip beam bulbs are HB3's as per this ebay listing OSRAM HB3 NIGHT BREAKER PLUS TWIN PACK JAGUAR XK 8 (QDV) 4.0 02.98-07.05 | eBay

Once you get your hand through the access panel and onto the back of the bulb carrier you turn it 1/4 turn anticlockwise. It's likely to be stiff as the plastic lugs bind. Best to try and grasp the whole bulb holder not just the connector in case it does snap then you are FUBAR'd

In my case the thing came out pretty easy but getting the new one back in was really tricky - obviously a reverse of the above but trying to line up the notches on holder and carrier was a real PITA.

Steve

 

Hi Steve, thanks for the reply, strange we are both about the same task!!!
I thought it was in through the wheel arch for main beam and in through the clear plastic cover under the bonnet for the dip beam. Must be how it is difficult for me, LOL's .
Thanks for confirming the Osram HB3's, and their removal.
Have you tried them yet and were they worth the investment?
Also are they obviously BLUE or just a hint of blue?
Many thanks,
Arty

 

Saw this advert on ebay and could not resist at this price.

OSRAM Night Breaker Plus HB3 9005 (DUO Pack) | eBay

For the benefit of others with the same standard lights.

Cheers,
Arty

 

Hi Arty - no not tried them in anger yet - taking advantage of the sunshine.
You are correct that it's main beam (H1) access through wheel arch and dip beam (HB3) access at back of headlight - I replaced both (and skinned knuckles on both) - I think Coventry Jaguar mechanics were either pygmies or employed monkeys to get access to these confined spaces. I can say that 'cos I'm from Wolverhampton
Steve

 

Just checked with Jaguar handbook 1999. X100

Dipped beam. access through wheel arch wheels turned. Remove panel. H1 Bulb.

Full Beam. Access from clear panel above lamp unit. HB3 Bulb.

H1 bulbs seem to be much less expensive than HB3 type and easier to change.

 

Honestly, it’s easier to remove the entire headlight assembly than attempt to swap the bulbs in-situ.

 

This thread seems to contradict itself. Post #1 says:
"I believe the standard XK8 like mine had HB3 bulbs for the dipped and H1 for the main"
Post #6 says:
"Dipped beam. access through wheel arch wheels turned. Remove panel. H1 Bulb.
Full Beam. Access from clear panel above lamp unit. HB3 Bulb."

The two posts are contradictory. Which is correct please?

 

Well on my car I replaced the dipped beams with LED H1 bulbs through the panel in the wheel arch - a big improvement over the standard bulbs.

 

On my car, I had D1S low beam HID (I converted it to D2S Bi-xenon), 9005 (HB3) High Beam (converted to an LED projector setup), and H1 Fogs.