New car lights - look like xmas trees!

[Peter C]

Any new Audi, Porsche, even the new Citroen DS3 (no relation to the original DS whatsoever) are fitted with LED driving lights. Viewed from the front the bloody things look like xmas trees!

 

 

 

I much prefer old skool head lights and traditional styling that does not depend on gimmicks!

 

Rant over.

[Spiny Norman]

Agreed. A real pet hate of mine on new cars, they look like a council house at Christmas time.

 

I hate what the stylists are doing with headlamps in general on a lot of modern cars, they seem to all be going for the 'Stepford Wives' failed facelift look, with the lights being smeared round the wings till they're at the tops of the suspension struts.

Modern Peugeots and the new Ford Fiesta are worst for this, but there are others.

 

 

Thing is, modern LEDs and projector-type lamps are quite small and would fit into a tiny strip just above the bumper, so there's no need for them to be so big and ugly.

Remember the neat little lights on the Vauxhall Calibra?

[wuvvum]

Remember the neat little lights on the Vauxhall Calibra?

Aye, I do. They were hopeless. You needed a white stick strapped to the front bumper to drive one of those at night. I'd still rather have those than the monster-from-the-deep front end of a 208 though.

 

I really fugging hate DRLs. Especially LED ones. White LEDs are so harsh. And there's absolutely no need for any car to have any form of lighting on during daylight hours in good weather. If you can't see a seven-foot-wide metal box coming towards you without it being lit up like Vegas at night, you deserve to be removed from the gene pool in my book.

[Justin Case]

Thing is, modern LEDs and projector-type lamps are quite small and would fit into a tiny strip just above the bumper,

Like this?

 

[Peter C]

I do like BMW's angel eye head lights, they are different, cool but don't look ridiculous!

 

 

The head lights do not interfere with the shape of the car, unlike the Fiesta and Peugeot lights mentioned above!

[trigger]

I quite like those little DS3's If i had the money and was looking for a small "Mini" type car, I think these would be at the top of my list.

 

My pet hate is the headlights on some new that are really bright, I'm guessing it's those Xenon type lights, Some of them are as bright as the full beam on normal cars, oh and led indicator's on the back of new cars, You just can't see them.

[Timewaster]

Xenon / HID Headlights plus ridiculously hard suspension (because everything has to have a sporty feel ) + Britains utterly fucked roads =

 

 

Flash, flash, flash - "Why is the Knut in the BM flashing me?!"

[HillmanImp]

Xenon / HID Headlights plus ridiculously hard suspension (because everything has to have a sporty feel ) + Britains utterly fucked roads =

 

Flash, flash, flash - "Why is the Knut in the BM flashing me?!"

Agreed. I keep thinking my car is on fire or the wheel is falling off or something. Then you get some pricks in a Focus who have put the bulbs in and no reflector so you are blinded a mile away.

 

I cant stand these bl***y things. Have the roads suddenly got darker than they were 10 years ago? I get dazzled all the time by them in my GT6 because its so low (with the oncoming car having correct reflectors or not) which basically means i cant drive the car at night. Bunch of arse. I am having to invest in some anti glare glasses which will ultimately make me look like a total prick......

 

There have been studies done which show that whilst HID do not cause more glare they do cause something called 'discomfort glare' which i think means that the eye cannot look at the same amount of light. Bit boring but if someone is interested.

 

http://www.unece.org/trans/doc/2004/wp29gre/TRANS-WP29-GRE-52-34e.pdf

 

I think i once complained about the stupid rear LEDs on Golfs that are so bright under braking that you cant see the indicator too. WHINGE. Thankfully they seem to have got rid of them by the time they got to the latest one.

[dollywobbler]

I quite like the Audi ones, which dip when the indicator that side is flashing. Shame Audi drivers don't tend to indicate much...

 

But indicators are now too close to the headlamps, so you can't see whether people are signalling or not anyway. Citroen had it spot on with the DS. Rear indicators nowhere near the tail-lights and front indicators outboard of the headlamps, on the corners - where they should be.

[Milford Cubicle]

As much as I hate to say it, today's Audis are fine-looking cars. Most of them look very elegant in a sea of bloated, ill-proportioned, blingy gargoyles.

[Richard]

Headlights have been mostly useless since the late 1990s. The correct solution is to start designing the reflectors and lenses properly again, not to throw more light out.

[Pete-M]

I like (proper, factory) Xenons, I like DRLs, I like LED tail lights.

 

LED brake lights are great. There are a couple of cars out there that have them along with a filament lit centre brake light, you can see the difference in reaction time easily. The LEDs are lit and on before the filament jobbie has got into full swing. At 85 on the motorway I like the car in front to have the fastest acting, brightest brake lights possible.

 

Xenons are great. We've got Mercs in work with them and at night on a country road the difference between them and halogen lights is pretty startling. I'm gonna fit 'em to the XJR if I can find a set of headlamp washers and the self levelling gubbins.

 

I think the complaints about Xenons are pretty similar to the complaints I used to hear when they started fitting projector light units in the late '80s. "They're too bright", "They dazzle" etc. I don't agree. Yes, they're brighter than older technology lights, but they also have a much sharper cut off point on the beam pattern so the light only goes where its meant to. There is more light, but it is in the same place as the majority of light from older units. Everyone used to complain about the headlights on Mk3 Transits when they came out as they were very bright compared to the ones on the Mk2, so all of a sudden the roads were awash with brickies and plumbers who all of a sudden could see where they were going at night and used this new ability to the max.

 

I wouldn't swap Xenons for a set of sealed beam units from a Mini, and I don't think I'm the only one who thinks like that.

 

As for designing lights properly, yeah. 100%, some of the best lights I've ever driven behind were the standard ones on a Mk2 RS2000 on full beam. Round, y'see. None of this square / oval crap.

[Richard]

The lights on our C5 throw out a huge amount of light, although they are only 55w Halogens, but you can see fuck all by them. I'd have a set of 7" sealed beams over them any day.

[Pillock]

I like good lights - the lights in my Golf are a revelation even when compared to newer stuff I've had. The GTI and VR6 got a proper seperate dipped/main setup and this seems to throw out much more light than the poverty efforts.

 

Xenons on cars that were meant to have Xenons are great. Or retro-fitted properly, Pete-M style. What annoys me is any old monkey throwing the lamp units in without setting them up so they burn into your retina coming towards you. Headlamp washers and leveling system are legally required for Xenons for a reason!

 

I also like DRLs, especially this week when I've lost count of the number of people who have just failed to see me at junctions - I could have written my car off many times over. There's a way of wiring the Golf headlamp switch up to do DRLs, as it was so equipped in some countries. I like that idea and I might do it.

[Milford Cubicle]

DRLs are required for the fuckwits who don't turn any kind of driving lights on until it's night time.

[Guest]

I quite like those little DS3's If i had the money and was looking for a small "Mini" type car, I think these would be at the top of my list.

Yes.

 

And then you'd buy one, and it would infuriate you day to day because despite appearing 'stylish' and 'different' the fact the running gear was built down to the cheapest cost possible would soon tell.

 

Trust me, in engineering terms the profit margin on those wheeled mutants will be massive.

 

Pete, Xenons are great if you're picking up Tarquin from nursery in your massive Chelsea tractor, and when all your friends are doing it they're all on the same level as you.

You then drive down a country road on dipped and blind oncoming cars that have the audacity to have a normal ride height.

 

The DRL \ 'driving lights' debate rumbles on it seems. If you're not in a Volvo, turn your fucking foglamps off!

[CIH]

I really hate this massive modern lights too. It's one of many cliched ploys to die the size of the car. Exagerated wheel arches are another.

 

Bet they cost a fortune to replace too.

[Pete-M]

Pete, Xenons are great if you're picking up Tarquin from nursery in your massive Chelsea tractor, and when all your friends are doing it they're all on the same level as you.

You then drive down a country road on dipped and blind oncoming cars that have the audacity to have a normal ride height.

 

The DRL \ 'driving lights' debate rumbles on it seems. If you're not in a Volvo, turn your fucking foglamps off!

So what you're saying is that people who drive big 4x4s don't need decent lights, because decent lights are gonna blind anyone in a normal height car? Um, the lights on 'em have to be dipped about 1.5% from horizontal same as on anything else, and they have the same beam pattern as anything else on the road, so they basically dip down and away from you as much as is reasonable.

 

Personally, I'm much happier that 2.5 tons of Rangie has lights that mean the driver can see where to point it. When you're driving that kind of thing, from inside you can see the beam levellers doing their utmost to keep things under control and the beam pattern is more often than not exactly where it should be. If you give it lots of loud pedal the lights can take a while to sort things out though.

 

They do have a habit of flashing anyone in front if you nail the gas. I think that's a bonus. I'd rather be warned if there's a 400 bhp bungalow on its way.

 

Having said all that, I very rarely get blinded by 'em when I'm driving normal cars.

 

As for DRLs, lots of cars have relay slots in the fusebox for them. Just lob a relay and fuse in and Bob's your Aunties husband.

[Guest]

 

Pete, Xenons are great if you're picking up Tarquin from nursery in your massive Chelsea tractor, and when all your friends are doing it they're all on the same level as you.

You then drive down a country road on dipped and blind oncoming cars that have the audacity to have a normal ride height.

 

The DRL \ 'driving lights' debate rumbles on it seems. If you're not in a Volvo, turn your fucking foglamps off!

So what you're saying is that people who drive big 4x4s don't need decent lights, because decent lights are gonna blind anyone in a normal height car? Um, the lights on 'em have to be dipped about 1.5% from horizontal same as on anything else, and they have the same beam pattern as anything else on the road, so they basically dip down and away from you as much as is reasonable.

Rangies maybe, but I've been blinded by loads of Sports on dipped down the country roads near my parents house.

 

I know it must be so tiresome to deal with the gauche plebs who have cars smaller than the island of Herm, but I'd rather the manufacturers filter the beams better.

 

Either that or my eyes are hypersensitive. Or my filthy windscreen is putting a harsh edge on the spectrum of light that comes out of the headlights.

 

It might just be me mate. The dislike I harbour for these fucking pointless vehicles might be making me squint involuntarily with disdain.

[M'coli]

DRLs are required for the fuckwits who don't turn any kind of driving lights on until it's night time.

I thought they usually bought the typ of car where it turns them on for you? The same cars that will turn the wipers on for you too.

[Tayne]

,

[eddyramrod]

Did I miss something? What is a DRL please? Is it something to do with so-called "driving lights" which are nothing but truck-driver-blinders? My considerable experience has been overwhelmingly that these add-on lights are always aimed directly into the eyes of the driver of an oncoming truck. That driver was usually me... And why are they fitted to every BMW on the planet? Oh wait... I worked that out already, didn't I?

[whiskeyonesix]

These LED DRLs are now fitted to the new Holden Commodores here. It seems like one of their design bods had one look at an Audi and thought "yeah, we can do that..."

 

I think they look trashy and cheap personally.....

[Tayne]

,

[Conrad D. Conelrad]

I don't like them myself - but I'm sick of being on the losing side of arguments so I'm trying to trick my brain into liking them.

 

The cars that are currently fitted with them can have the DRLs switched off. But only by a main dealer.

You can switch the current Golf's DRLs off yourself via the dashboard computer - it tells you how in the manual. Presumably this applies to all VWs fitted with them.

[Albert Ross]

I drive my RED Land Rover during the day with dipped beam on. It's 7 feet tall, and RED. With a flashing orange lamp on the roof. And it's RED. With the lights on. I still get knobheads thiinking it's OK to pull out in front of me, as it won't be going fast. But it does do somewhere near the legal limit. And yes, when I DO cruise up behind you at 50, it's because YOU pulled out in front of me and couldn't accelerate in your 70hp 1.3 Diesel Astra weighing in at 1500kg. DON'T wave your fingers at me, don't slam your brakes on, I WILL get closer. Two tons and un-servoed drum brakes are my friend. Did I mention that it's RED, with the lights on?

 

I received better manners when I drove a 1961 109 in Olive Drab. That got more respect. Invisible as it was.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

As much as I hate to say it, today's Audis are fine-looking cars. Most of them look very elegant in a sea of bloated, ill-proportioned, blingy gargoyles.

I agree with Milf, I think the A5 'Sportback' is one of the best-proportioned cars out there, theres one in our works car park and I would be quite happy to sit and look at it all day.

 

I also think the rear lights of the latest BMW 5 and 7 series are class in a glass, I love em.

[pogweasel]

As much as I hate to say it, today's Audis are fine-looking cars. Most of them look very elegant in a sea of bloated, ill-proportioned, blingy gargoyles.

I agree with Milf, I think the A5 'Sportback' is one of the best-proportioned cars out there, theres one in our works car park and I would be quite happy to sit and look at it all day.

 

Not so keen on that 'sportback' (hunchback!) version but the normal 2-door A5 is one of the best looking cars in years, super sexy machine. Just a shame that you get those wanky light on the front when you turn it on.

[MK5 Escort]

Not that long ago I spotted a 10 plate Citroen DS3 in New Brighton that had it’s whole nearside set of LED Daytime Running lights out. Obviously a blown fuse or an electrical glitch already...

 

I don’t really have anything against DRL any more as I’ve grown used to them the more I see them. I don't mind them as long as they're neatly designed into the headlights (like Audi) rather than stuck into the bumpers like some kind of afterthought (like Mercedes - and Ford seem to be going along the same lines shortly, too). I fully understand other's negative comments on them though - many of which I’ve said myself more than once in the past.

 

I don’t like most modern car headlight designs either - awful bulbous, wrap-around things which no doubt cost a fortune to replace.

 

The cars that are currently fitted with them can have the DRLs switched off. But only by a main dealer.

No need to visit the dealers on the current Audi A4. They can be turned on and off via the screen in the middle of the dashboard (instructions in the handbook). It's the same with the A5. I couldn’t comment on the other models though. I see tons of current A3's with them turned off for some reason.

 

As much as I hate to say it, today's Audis are fine-looking cars. Most of them look very elegant in a sea of bloated, ill-proportioned, blingy gargoyles.

Seconded. I don't want to sound too much like an 'Audi fanboy', but they're one of few manufacturer's left which still produce a range of largely fine looking and understated cars. I tend to lean towards conservative designs and whilst the press relentlessly moan on about them 'all looking the same' - they miss the point entirely. That's exactly what I like about them. A manufacturer with a 'uniform' approach. You don't see that too often any more.

 

I'd happily take almost any Audi over any BMW made over the last decade. Very, very easily.

[wuvvum]

I have to agree on the Audi thing, much as I hate to admit it. I'm still not sure about the chuffing great grilles they all seem to have nowadays, but they're about the only cars out there which still have sensibly sized / shaped headlights, and the A5 is a proper nice looking bit of kit.