change LR headlights to LEDs

[sarabande]

My favourite tow car, Defender 2007 diesel, needs the headlights changing as front lens is a bit scratched.

Has anyone DIY changed the headlights for LEDs incorporating DRL and turn signals please ?

A local Landrover specialist wants just under £600 to replace the old lights.

 

[William_H]

The problems changing to LED will be significant. You need in effect 2 LED emitters for head lights one for high beam straight ahead and one for down and left. A correct incandescant globe will do this with 2 filaments. Turn signal LED may become difficult because the flash controller is designed to be loaded with 2 lots of 21w globes. Any less current will not get the flash controller to work. They are designed to not work if one bulb is dead.
Presumably you do not have DRL at present. These can be added LED strip of course anywhere on front body. I built up a tiny VSR to connect DRL when engine is running but you could connect to ign on circuit.
So IMHO stick with original arrangement for head lights ol'will

 

[sarabande]

thanks William, I think I understand most of that ! The adverts for LED headlights say "replacement" and they cost around £100 a pair.

Plain (high/low) replacement LED bulbs for H7 (with more lumens) come out around £20.

 

[Rappey]

Are you changing the whole headlight unit for one that are purpose built for led ?
In the uk you are not allowed to fit hids or led to a headlight that was designed for halogen as the focal point of the lamp will be incorrect for the halogen reflector.
Replacement led headlamp units can be bought online from as little as £60 up to£600.
Here a pair that are branded.
S7098 - LED 7" WIPAC LED BLACK HALO HEADLIGHTS FOR DEFENDER LHD | LR Parts

 

[benjenbav]

Is the outer surface of the lens too scratched to polish?

 

[sarabande]

Scratched, as in stone through the outer surface...