Headlamp with a difference!

[richard.w]

I've just bought a 2nd hand pair. They do work but...within the lamp unit itself and obscuring the end of the bulb there is a metal cap, it doesn't exist in my headlamp. With the lights on, the replacement seems to be really diffused and I'm not convinced it's going to do the job (this is in daylight of course). The difference on the glass of the headlamps:
Existing: HCR E4 12.5 Hella 302 315004
Replacement: H4 E1 25 Hella 201 116560
Any thoughts would be most welcome.
Thanks,
Richard

[pocolow]

The replacement lights are designed for use with halogen bulbs in which the light is reflected back to the reflector then out through the lens. The metal cap does not reduce the light output and was standard on most vans I've ever seen.

Mark

[CovKid]

Though surely the end of halogen bulbs already has a painted cap, stopping light from exiting in that direction anyway? I took the reflector thingies out.

[richard.w]

Thank you. they're in and we're off to the Peak District for the week (with a break for the ODI England/Bangladesh).
Richard

[StuM]

Hi All,

I'm out at work with no access to my van, but want to stop on the way home and pick up a bulb (offside dipped beam has blown). Mine does not have H4 on the lens - rather E4 as per the top post here. Do I still need H4 bulbs?

Thanks,
Stu