LED retrofitting for classic cars in the focus of permissibility and technology!

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A touch of modernity shines through the charming patina of the classic cars when it comes to their nighttime lighting when you convert the headlights to LED. But is that allowed? During the BMW 2002 as one of the pioneers with standard equipment H4 headlights was used and made eyes sparkle, the lights that were so advanced back then appear rather dull and tired compared to today. Simply “funny”, you might think. The focus today is therefore often on retrofitting with modern LED technology, for example through products like the Philips Ultinon Pro 6000 H4 LED, the Bosch H4 LED Pure Light or the Osram Night Breaker LED. All of them have twice the luminosity and provide a bright, clear light when going out at night.

LED retrofitting for classic cars?

Retrofitting is as easy as changing a conventional one H4 bulb, but with the small difference of the noticeable heat sink on the back of the LEDs. Brands like Philips and Osram score points here bespoke LEDs, with the latter at a price of around 120 EUR bringing a bright smile to the faces of British classic car fans, such as the Land Rover Defender (1984-2016), can do magic. With a price of around 100 EUR, Philips not only focuses on German classics such as the BMW 2002 or the Mercedes SL (R 107), but also illuminates foreign classics.

Our advice: If it's about the H license plate / TÜV, then just drive up to the appointment with H4 bulbs. Then convert to “permitted” LEDs. After all, it's just a simple change of the bulbs and "not a conversion".

But a quick word of caution: Not every inspection or every appraiser recognizes the modern conversion. Despite the existing headlight manufacturers Compatibility lists (Philips / Osram), on which there are more than 50 vehicles from German, American, British and Japanese manufacturers - including classics such as Ford Mustang, Austin Mini, Lada Niva, Mercedes SL or VW Beetle – there is sometimes no acceptance among the examiners. The General Type Approval (ABE) plays a role here, it must always be carried in the vehicle and an individual approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority for each model and each headlight (KBA) show.

This is where the controversy comes into play: while institutions such as Dekra, KÜS and TÜV Süd see no problems if the light pattern and the original headlight match an existing ABE, other experts strictly adhere to them the guidelines for classic car appraisals. These stipulate that xenon headlights, daytime running lights and LED lights are only permitted if they were available at the time of the respective vehicle series - a requirement that often only meets vehicles from the late 1990s or 2000s.

Were there LEDs in classic cars before? Of course not…

So under the hood of the discussion there is more than just a technical aspect: it is also a question of preserving the cultural and historical value of classic cars. The classic car working group is planning a meeting in October to smooth out the curves of the contentious issue and possibly provide a clear direction in which the light of LED retrofitting can shine in the classic car scene. The subject's light cone therefore has both light and dark areas. And as long as there is no uniform opinion among the experts, the only option left for classic car enthusiasts is to ask the inspectors for advice before converting - despite all the brightness and clarity that the new LEDs conjure up on the asphalt.

FAQ on the topic of installing LEDs:

• Adjusting the headlight after installation: Do I have to have the headlight adjusted by a workshop after installing the NIGHT BREAKER LED?
  Yes, it is recommended to have a professional do it after installing the lamps Adjustment of the headlights to be carried out in the workshop to ensure optimal lighting and safety in road traffic.
• Need for installation accessories: What do installation accessories mean and why do I need them?
  Installation accessories, including Adapter, canbus and Cap, is necessary to install and operate the lamps in a vehicle-specific manner. It is central that exclusively Original accessories is used for street legal use of the LED lamp.
• Using adapters and Canbus: Do I have to install an adapter or Canbus and/or cap if this is included in the vehicle list?
  Yes, the use of adapters, Canbus and/or caps, if specified in the vehicle list, is essential for compliance street legal and the safe functioning of the LED lamps.
• Error message and OSRAM LEDriving SMART CANBUS: Can I have the error message programmed out instead of using the OSRAM LEDriving SMART CANBUS?
  No, the use of the OSRAM LEDriving SMART CANBUS is crucial because the Authorization the LED lamps can only be guaranteed in conjunction with this.
• Electromagnetic compatibility and radio operation: Do I have to expect disruptions in radio operation due to the additional electronics of the LEDriving SMART CANBUS?
  OSRAM has carried out extensive tests electromagnetic compatibility carried out in accordance with ECE R10 to ensure that there are no interferences in radio operation caused by the LEDriving SMART CANBUS.

FAQs about “LEDs in classic cars” from OSRAM:

• Why choose the NIGHT BREAKER LED for classic cars?
  The NIGHT BREAKER LED offers significant advantages such as: Street legal LED retrofit lamps, up to 230% more brightness, Up to five times longer lifespan.
• How do I check the authenticity of my OSRAM LED lamps?
  OSRAM allows customers to check the authenticity via the Trust program, which serves to distinguish original products from counterfeits.
• Special features in the design of the NIGHT BREAKER LED:
  Unique heat dissipation, Optimized Reflector designs. Compact lamp size and vibration resistant to shock.
• Differences between original and fake:
  Despite the challenges of product piracy, OSRAM guarantees you with quality and performance genuine OSRAM product hold in hands.
• What guarantee does OSRAM offer?
  4 year warranty on all NIGHT BREAKER LED lamps. Additionally 1 year extra guarantee when purchased and installed via a workshop.
• Vehicle not listed – what now?
  The Authorization New vehicle models for the NIGHT BREAKER LED take place continuously, with each approval being a comprehensive, individual process.
• Approval in other countries:
  Approval is country-specific and depends on the respective legal regulations and the recognition of the ABG.
• Attaching the enclosed sticker:
  The sticker should be placed in the engine compartment or on the back of the headlights, but is not mandatory for admission.
• What if the sticker is lost?
• The loss of the sticker affects not the approval and is not mandatory.
• Use in unlisted vehicles:
  Use in non-approved vehicles will result in the loss of operating license and insurance coverage.
• Traveling abroad with NIGHT BREAKER LEDs:
  The laws of the country of registration generally also apply abroad, with the exception of countries with left-hand traffic, where it may be necessary to switch back to halogen lamps.
• Questions from testing organizations or police:
  OSRAM does not expect any queries as the products comply with the regulations.
• Finding the Headlight Approval Number:
  This number is placed directly on the headlight, either on the glass, as a sticker or embossed.
• Approved lighting functions:
  The approvals usually concern the low beam and in some cases also the high beam.

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