N16 headlamp units

G

goldblade1983

Hi there
I am new to this forum so apologies about this post - I'm sure there's been hundreds about the Almera's headlamp units....

Anyway here goes. I have a 54 plate Almera (Feb 05 first registration) and the headlamp units are awful. Driving on dipped beam is like on sidelights. I've tried changing bulbs to know avail. I understand after the facelift there were issues with the headlamp units and Nissan did a recall. I've spoken to a number of Nissan dealers and as far as I can tell it wasn't an official "recall" but a "bulletin" which expired in August 2009. Therefore Nissan will not replace my headlamp units - I have even tried calling Nissan direct.

I am amazed that the car actually passes its MOT as they are so bad but not sure MOT checks light output (as compared to light alignment). My mother-in-law has a similar aged Almera and got replacement units which she says made a HUGE difference (night and day - pardon the pun).

So.... the reason I am writing this post is to ask whether anyone has any 'replacement' head lamp units for sale or know the best (and cheapest) place to get them. I am not bothered about the different styles of headlamp units that look a bit nicer - all I want is a decent set of lights that light the road reasonably well on dipped beam. I used to own a phase 1 N16 and had to replace a unit for that car. It was quite easy, you just unplugged took off the bolts and pulled it out. I assume it's the same for phase 2? I am happy with second hand units so long as decent condition (ideally would be looking for a genuine part with motor for alignment of dipped beam)

Thanks in advance for your help .

Brian
 
Just get depo units. Not illegal, not dazzling and will have better output than HIDs in burnt out lens.
 
Am I right in saying that the Depo ones don't have a mechanised dipped beam adjuster?
I had heard that when Nissan had finally solved the problem that the free replacements they offered back in the day were good. Albeit no-one here has replied saying that so maybe I'm making that bit up!
Any other thoughts?
 
The revised Nissan ones were supposed to be more reliable, and didnt melt, but not better output. Depo lights are a better unit anyway, but you are right about the dip motor. But all you need to do is move the motor from your OEM Nissan ones onto the Depo units.
 
Products of Depo (headlights, taillights etc.) are poor quality products generally. How is it better than OEM Koito?
 
The lens design on the OEM unit is ribbed and cloudy with too small a gauge wiring, the Depo units have a smooth clear lens with higher gauge. Trust me they are better.

I had post recall lights on my dCi and they were shocking compared to the Depo units I replaced them with. I had the Depo units for over 2 years with no issues to date.
 
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Got a £30 6k 55w hid set from ebay that made my nightbreakers look like candles, and passed the mot with em in. Having said that mine were prob pre revision units the wiring is pretty thin so i was never gonna get decent output with any bulb.
 
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You dont. You have manual control, not auto. Weight change ie putting shopping in the boot or filling fuel will raise the angle of the light beam and start dazzling. I doubt you adjust the levels constantly as you're driving.
 
If I was a traffic cop I wouldn't need to get my speedy gun out-i'd hit my quota on dodgy hid kits and foglight fuckwits every day easily.one of my pet hates-usually mk4 golfs or saxos around here
 
Liam said:
I just dont like HID in non levelling lights. Its fine for the driver but a pain in the cunt for everyone else.
Click to expand...
There's a shortage of fucks about others I could give. Hids on my van for years. Need some for the Transit soon


Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
 
I get pissed off last winter in my long commute with HID's in most cars inc SUV's & Range rovers. Cant beat em - join em.
Besides mine are dialled down right now & the colour is close to white.
I spend my lifew considering others so fuck em all, if nothng else ir warns people i'm coming up...
 
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