With the third generation Subaru Outback winning Top Gear’s Car of the Year award along with Ford Mondeo in 2007, show host Jeremy Clarkson commented that it “covers more of the bases for more of the time than anything else […] It’s a big, small, fast, economical, well-made, cheap, fine-handling, comfortable SUV that’s not an SUV”. Shortly put: it is the complete package. But although the Outback Mk3 remained in production 2003-2009, the lighting technology used in these cars is more than 15 years old today.
Factory-fitted options included H7/HB3 or H7/H9 halogen and D2S/HB3 bi-xenon headlights.
The halogen version features an H7 reflector that produces an average light beam even when new. In many cases, its light output has been further compromised as bulb heat and general ageing cause the reflective layer to peel off.
The xenon setup features a 3.0-inch projector, designed in the late 90s. These projectors are known to lose their reflective layer right to the point where they become black inside, causing dangerously low light output.
Needless to say, buying new or used original headlights for your Subaru Outback Third gen. (BL/BP) is not recommended. But there is fortunately no need for that. Whether your car was factory-fitted with H7/HB3, H7/H9 halogen or D2S/HB3 bi-xenon headlights, there are upgrade kits that will fit inside your existing headlights.
These complete retrofit kits not only provide you with superior brightness and durability; they are also more affordable than average Subaru Outback xenon headlights with bulbs and ballasts, and since all components are brand new, they come with a 2-year warranty. Additional benefits over OEM headlights include Canbus-proof designs and effortless halogen-to-xenon conversions. What’s more, the levelling systems will work without any adjustments to the headlight connectors, and you can use any ballasts that you might already own to save further on xenon upgrades.
No matter which retrofit upgrade kit you pick, you will improve the light output considerably, making for safer and more enjoyable driving. And, of course, your Subaru Outback will look awesome with the luxurious bright light of the latest xenon technology.
