I just got a 2008 E350. It has the sealed beam headlights rather than the composite style. The visibility at night really stinks. I'm not sure if I should waste my time and money trying to upgrade tot he composite style headlights? Or just put in Fog & Driving lights?

What is the general opinion on the factory headlights?

What should I look at / for when it comes to Fog & Driving lights?

Thanks,
Brian

With the 5x7 sealed beam lights you have a couple of options. If you're on a budget, replace them with e-coded (European light pattern) Hella H4 halogen lights, add a pair of Osram Nightbreaker or similar bulbs and you have a 100% improvement over the standard lights for less then 100 bucks.
I had the Hella's (e-code with at least H4 is mandatory here in Germany) and replaced them with a set of TruckLite LED headlights. That was the cherry on top of the cake, but still can be topped by the new generation J.W. Speaker LED lights. But then we're talking 500+ bucks.

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'98 E-250 5.4 2WD Cargo Van

I have an 08 with the composite ("Euro") headlights. They absolutely stink...I think the headlights in my 1971 Firebird with round sealed beams were better.

Stick with replacing/upgrading your 5x7's.

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DesertBoat ...has been SOLD. Sad to have seen it go.

Driving/Fog lights serve and entirely different function from headlights but that's another topic I'm sure...........

Here's an alternative to the headlights issue: http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...p?f=44&t=15376

Upgrading the sealed beam housings to E-Code types gives a lot of flexibility in terms of wattage, color of light etc. Much of that is covered in the above-linked thread.

HTH

The composite headlights are CRAP. Be glad you got the sealed beams because there are a ton of upgrade options. I'd go with Cibie or Hella e-code lamps, and a proper relay/wiring setup.

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Sportsmobile-less.

"A job worth doing is worth doing at least twice."

I am wanting to upgrade my sealed beams also.
Would it be the 200mm beams? I see there is also a 165mm version of the e code lenses.
Not sure how they are measuring.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11054

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Sportsmobile-less.

"A job worth doing is worth doing at least twice."

Thank you sir!

What is your (or anyone else's) preference between Hella and Cibie?
As far as beam pattern and quality. Is it noticeable to justify the cost difference between the more expensive Cibie?

The Cibie's are really nice, but the Hellas are more than adequate.

One thing to note, if you use the bulbs I mention, get a couple of spares as they don't have a super long life (3 yrs maybe?)

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Sportsmobile-less.

"A job worth doing is worth doing at least twice."

For many years I have been adding lights to the front of my vans...
I stopped this time and bought the trucklite 5X7 LED headlights.
I am so very happy with my decision.

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Rob.
Current:
2001 E350 PSD w/ a bunch of stuff.
And had three other E350s...