The light output of a given LED doesn't change much of late for a given power in. I expect they need more cooling.

 

I would contact Philips to see what they say. If you dig down through the info on their site about both 9100s and 9000s, they give identical ratings - 18w, 13.2v, 1000lm, 1500lm. As far as I can see from the pictures on their site, the bulbs are identical. So - a bit confusing.

 

Probably a largely marketing exercise with minor changes a bit like iPhone 13 to 14. Basically the same but makes it look new.

 

The control electronics might be more efficient, so more power gets to the LED itself and less is wasted in the regulator, such that the overall power consumption is similar to the old model. Maybe they have improved materials so the light from the LED junction is better reflected and transmitted ?

 

Ultinon Pro9000 LED car bulbs | Philips

The lamps are not permitted to use on public roads.

While it doesn't seem to stop many people, the fact is that no road-legal kit exists to replace a standard halogen headlamp bulb with an LED unit. These Philips bulbs might be designed better than some, so that the light comes from the right place and so the reflector works properly, but they still aren't legal.

Aftermarket LED Bulbs: MOT Rules And Legalities

This part is interesting too:

Please note that since January 2021, the MOT Inspection manual has been updated to include LED bulbs.
Section 4.1.4 now states the following:
“Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.”
This is a brand new update that seems to only focus on headlights.
There are no mentions to fail other LED bulbs such as brake lights, tail lights or reversing lights.

 

With respect this response does not answer the original question. Almost every thread previously written on here regarding LEDs has stated the legal position of alterations. But salient reiteration.

 

Salie....? whojemwhatsit........., thems big words innit

 

Just reading about pro 9200s, a new bulb from Philips due imminently. They look to be completely redesigned, no heatsink or fan, they look smaller even than halogen bulbs!?

Reassuringly expensive although discounts available seemingly. Still not ece/whatever marked.

Single best thing i've done to mine (9000s) whilst needing to use it in the dark at this time of year, they're so much better than halogen bulbs.

 

Despite only coming to market very recently, seems Amazon have the 9200 H4 for 'just' £108 at the moment. I ordered a pair the other day but then cancelled it after watching this video: LED лампи Philips H4 Ultinon Pro9200. Як вони світять?

You can enable translated captions to make sense. His testing suggests the 9200 produce noticeably less light than the 9100, seems Philips have prioritised convenience (these'll fit more lamps than the older design i imagine) over output/performance. Maybe they'll come down in price, might try them then if they do, am wondering if beam pattern might be even better than the 9000 i have. Interesting to note comparison in that video between 5000 and 9100 outputs too.

 

I was considering the new 9200's to replace my Osram XTR but I think I'll wait until they come down in price or the Osram's give me a reason to change. They've been fitted for two years without any issues whatsoever and were under £50 new.

 

Similar here, 3 years on my pro9000s, been fine. Looking at that channel's various videos suggests some of the lesser ultinons actually outperform the range toppers at certain points in the beam pattern. £40 for entry level ultinon access vs £20-£30 for nightbreakers or philips equivalent is compelling.

I really struggle driving at night, it gets worse every year, more and more matrix lights seems my main bother.

 

They look to be completely redesigned, no heatsink or fan, they look smaller even than halogen bulbs

H4 9200's have:-
Copper PCB running through the centre to the tip.
Thermal paste between the PCB and the frame.
Frame is made from aluminium.
Fan inside the frame that blows the air forwards, past the LED's and they have vents in the tip.
The hotter air then hits the inside of the clear headlamp which helps with defrosting.
Slightly thicker front half but small enough to fit straight in with no adjustments.

Still not ece/whatever marked.

Headlamp approval number is E8 8277 for the UP. ( depends where you are )

beam pattern

Is exactly the same as the bulbs they replace, but brighter.
18W.
5800 Kelvin.
1000/1650 Effective Lumens

HTH

Thanks. UP SI

 

Have you got a pair UP SI? I'm still tempted but am happy with 9000 really. Fan noise is likely to be much less though i guess.

 

Have you got a pair UP SI?

One pair fitted and another pair being delivered today for a second car.

Fan noise

With the engine and the radio off from inside the car you can just hear the fans.
Just went to check this as I had not noticed the noise before.
The fans are inside the headlamp assembly which helps to keep the noise down as well.

I swapped the original bulbs as soon as I had the car for a pair of Osram Nightbreaker's
These were better than the original but much worse than on two of the other cars I own.
The Skoda Fabia III and Skoda Citigo facelift both have 4 H7 Bulbs with Osram Night breaker's fitted.
Both were better than the UP.

Planning to do some photo's when I fit the second set.

Thanks. UP SI

 

Yep, the fans on the 9000 are plainly audible from cabin without engine running (not audible with engine running), so 9200 sound to be a big improvement.

I so wish this car came with twin H7s, there's obviously room for them but only certain Citigos (with their brand-unique shaped lamps) got them - arrgh!

And I did similar within a week of getting this car new - changed for Nightbreaker 150s but didn't feel they added much over the (obviously new) factory bulbs. Then went to the Pro 9000s and what a difference they made, they're so much better than the Nightbreakers it's not funny. I'd likely not have wanted to keep the car had I not easily been able to boost the lights as I have; really pleased with them. Nightbreakers tend to last me 12-18months whilst the LEDs have surpassed (doubled so far!) that too.

Are these your first LED headlamp bulbs or are you able to compare to others?

 

Are these your first LED headlamp bulbs.

First car to have LED's fitted.

compare to others?

I have:-
Fiat Panda with 2 x Osram Nightbreaker H4's in reflector units. Poor light.
Skoda Fabia III with projector for dipped and reflector for main beam with 4 x Osram Nightbreaker H7's . Good Light.
Skoda Citigo Facelift with reflector for both dipped and main beam with 4 x Osram Nightbreaker H7's . V. Good Light.
VW UP now with Philips H4 9200's in reflector units. Good to V good light now.

Second set fitted to a Skoda Citigo pre facelift today.
Will hear later tonight on their thoughts / findings on these bulbs after they drive home.

Thanks. UP SI

 

Will hear later tonight on their thoughts / findings on these bulbs after they drive home.

Quoted as ' Brilliant headlights. '

Thanks. UP SI.

 

The twin H7 lamps sound much more capable than the up's H4 lamps, curses VW

 

Do you keep the LED Bulbs in place for MOT - of do you swap them back?

THANKS

 

Do you keep the LED Bulbs in place for MOT

Not had an MOT yet.
Will leave them in and find out after the MOT is done.
The removed bulbs are in the boot if they need changing.

Thanks. UP SI

 

 

This LED projector bulbs I changed in Up, there not overly expensive but work absolutely great, plus have sailed through MOT’s with them.
They need a bit of fiddling to refit the rubber dust caps on the back of the headlight, need to cut a slightly bigger hole in the back of the rubber so it fits over the fans on the back of the light. Apart from that, it’s plug and play.