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DB9 Upgraded LED Carbon Headlight

Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights

Posted on January 2, 2023April 18, 2025 by Paul

Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights. Upgraded I found the stock DB9 headlights to be pretty awful, they consist of a dipped beam HID projector and a full beam halogen projector, in addition at the front of the lights are a blue sidelight with the orange indicator bulb behind it.

The DB9 is a fairly fast car and I wanted to be able to see where I was going at night, particularly important if trying to use some of the performance. I also wanted to remove the orange look to the indicator and make the indicators/sidelights clearer. I already have DRL (Daylight Running Lights) fitted.

Even Autocar in its used car review of the DBS said that it has “Dreadful Headlights”.

Original DB9 Headlights

Building Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights

Indicators and Sidelights

DB9 Upgraded Headlight results

Demon eyes

Original DB9 Headlights

I feel that the original Aston Martin DB9/DBS headlights, although they look good cosmetically, are poorly designed. The HID projector for dip beam has a shield that cuts off part of the beam, on Bi-Xenon projectors this shield flips down to give full beam but is fixed on the Aston. To my mind this means that half the output of the bulb is wasted. The HID bulb is a D1S, see here for types of HID bulb. The Halogen full beam is the opposite with a fixed shield covering the top part of the beam, this means that the full beam only adds light above the dipped and doesn’t add light to the lower part of the beam, again wasting efficiency, see the images below. The main beam is a 65W H9.

Bi-LED Projectors
Bi-LED Projectors
DB9 Headlight Projector design
DB9 Headlight Projector design

Building Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights

I wanted to upgrade the light output of the DBS headlights to at least match and preferably exceed that of the newest performance cars on the road but without dazzling other road users and keeping the stock look of the original Aston Martin headlights.

I decided to go for quad Bi-LED Projectors, that is 2 projectors per side, each projector capable of low beam and high beam and with LEDs for quick start up and length of life. Some beam patterns shown below show that probably the best Bi-LED available at the moment is the Morimoto M-LED 2.0.

This means that in addition to each light being far more efficient and brighter than before, I would have 4 dipped beams and 4 main beams as well. Another advantage of LEDs is the instant on at full brightness, no warm up needed like HIDs.

Both new projectors use 3″ (76mm) lenses as opposed to the original 3.2″ (82mm) High beam and 2.5″ (64mm) low beam but the original shrouds will still fit with a little modification.

Various Beam patterns
Various Beam patterns

I used the original headlights and took them apart. The rear section of the headlight and the plastic lens are held in place by a silicon-like sealant, if this is heated using a large oven (max 100C) or carefully with a heat gun this pulls apart easily. The insides can then be removed quite easily, the screws need a 5.5mm socket.

Aston Martin DBS Headlight
Stock Aston Martin DB9 Headlight

I wanted to use the original plate/bracket that was used for the original lights as then both the manual direction adjusters and the auto levelling system would work and the original shrouds would bolt straight on keeping it looking original. So I separated the parts until I was left with the original plate with the light bowls from the projectors in it.

DB9 Mounting plate and headlight bowls
DB9 Mounting plate and original headlight bowls

I then had to test fit the brackets and lenses from the Bi-LED projectors so that they would fit in exactly the same positions and in the centre of the shrouds, then cut and drill to fit the bracket for the first LED projector. The bracket is the centre part of the projector and the bowl and lens both bolt together through this bracket.

Morimoto M-LED 2.0 Bi-LED Aston Martin
Morimoto M-LED 2.0 Bi-LED Aston Martin

First bracket attached, after measuring, cutting and drilling the original bracket to ensure the new low beam projectors fits centrally in the shroud.

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 1
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 1

Projector test fitted to bracket

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 2
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 2

First Shroud test fitted

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 3
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket part 3

Shrouds need light modifying to fit new lenses.

DB9 Low beam shroud on lathe
DB9 Low beam shroud on lathe

Both brackets fitted and painted, because of using the same original mounting bracket this ensure both lights are parallel and can be adjusted with the stock adjuster/auto levelling.

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket finished
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket finished

Both bowls fitted to the finished bracket, as can be seen the LED bowls are a very differnt shape, due the fact that the LED illuminates in a 180 degree arc instead of 360 degree

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Bowls
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Bowls

Both projectors fitted to the main bracket

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Projectors
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Projectors

Both shrouds test fitted

DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Projectors and shrouds
DB9 LED Headlight Bracket with twin LED Projectors and shrouds
DB9 Quad LED trial install
DB9 Quad LED trial install

With the drivers mounted and wiring finished the internals are quite full, the existing holes in the Light unit have been sealed with plastic welding and sealant, the electrical connector is sealed in to as that was a loose fit and would let moisture in.

Aston Martin DB9 Modified Bi-LED Headlight Internals
Aston Martin DB9 Modified Bi-LED Headlight Internals

and tested with the inner parts of the original headlight

DBS Quad LED low beam trial

See results at the bottom of the page

Indicators and Sidelights

The front sidelight and indicator are at the front of the healight in a combined reflector, I prefer the more modern look without the orange glow of the indicator light bulb, I also prefer a whiter light than the sidelight provides. One downside of upgrading to LEDs is that the sidelight bulb can be seen through the lens and that when the sidelight is on it make the indicator less visible.

Stock view below with Orange indicator bulb and blue sidelight

DB9 sidelight and Indicator
DB9 sidelight and Indicator

LED Indicator and sidelight

DB9 LED sidelight and Indicator
DB9 LED sidelight and Indicator

I intend to use a switchback LED inplace of the Indicator bulb, this will light up white when the sidelights are on and then switch off when the indicator is switched on. I will cover the hole in the reflector with chrome tape

Stock bulbs and switchback LED bulb

DB9 Switchback Indicator LED
Stock Bulbs and LED switchback bulb
DB9 Indicator and Sidelight Reflector
DB9 Indicator and Sidelight Reflector

I filled the hole from the sidelight with chrome tape so it would be un-noticable looking at the headlight.

Modified Indicator Reflector
Modified Indicator Reflector
DB9 Switchback Indicator
DB9 Switchback Indicator
Comparing the switchback indicators with original partway through building the headlights

DB9 Upgraded Headlight results

Initial testing results below – This is for one headlight only, with new Osram D1S and H7 bulbs in the original light. As can be seen the original headlights on dipped beam, have extremely poor reach, more extraneous light to the right (on the wall) dazzling oncoming drivers, and very patchy coverage leaving large unlit areas and hotspots. The Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights have a brighter, whiter light with far more reach, much more even coverage and a sharper cut-off meaning that the driver can see much better whilst dazzling other road users less.

Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights DB9 Headlight upgrade before and after - dipped beam
DB9 Headlight upgrade before and after – dipped beam

On full beam the stock inefficient main beam light adds a little bit of range but with a very narrow and not very bright beam, The new lights are much brighter with a wider more even beam allowing much safer driving at night.

DB9 Headlight upgrade before and after - main beam
DB9 Headlight upgrade before and after – main beam

The finished headlight below, looks absolutely stock but has far more hidden inside.

DB9 Twin Bi-LED Conversion
DB9 Twin Bi-LED Conversion

I later decided to go for a more custom look with carbon fibre shield and washer cover and the Aston Martin wings etched on the outer projector lenses.

DB9 Upgraded LED Carbon Headlight
DB9 Upgraded Bi-LED Carbon Headlight

Links

Daylight Running Lights
Morimoto Bi-LED M LED 2.0
Aston Martin Sequential Rear Lights
Aston Martin Headlight Bulb Comparison
Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Headlights
Upgraded Headlight Service


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24 thoughts on “Upgraded Aston Martin Headlights”

  1. John Tumminia says:
    April 21, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    Is there a complete parts list for this up grade ?

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      April 21, 2023 at 2:26 pm

      The only parts I had to buy were the 4 Morimoto M-LED 2.0 projectors.

      The Switchback indicators and Demons were just parts I had sitting around but are really just extra to the upgrade.

      Reply
  2. iain says:
    August 9, 2023 at 6:47 pm

    Great job. Did the LED projectors terminate in a socket that fitted the exisiting loom that originally went to the ballasts? I see that Moromoto sell optional splitters in H4 and H13, not sure that that is.

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      August 10, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      No, the LED projectors come with two twin connectors, it also come with the other side of the connectors with loose tails – I soldered the loose ends onto the wires coming from the Headlight main connector (so the headlight main connector wiring wasn’t changed externally to the headlight) – two sets were connected to the dip beam and the other two to the main beam

      Reply
      1. Iain McIntosh says:
        August 13, 2023 at 12:09 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
  3. paul stone says:
    July 23, 2024 at 11:19 am

    hello paul,
    if you offer a similar headlamp rebuild service for a 2017 vantage v12 s, i’d be very interested so please drop me a mail to [email protected].
    thanks

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      July 28, 2024 at 6:18 am

      I do offer the upgrade for the VH Vantages, the headlight part is internally the same as the DB9

      Email sent.

      Paul

      Reply
  4. Vince Robinson says:
    August 8, 2024 at 10:11 am

    Good morning
    I am very interested to have the lamp up grade on my 2012 DBS. could you contact me to discuss and quote.
    Thanks
    Vince
    Based in East London

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      August 9, 2024 at 5:29 am

      Morning Vince,

      I have sent you an email.

      Paul

      Reply
  5. tom martin says:
    November 3, 2024 at 9:36 pm

    What would it cost to do this on my 2005 DB9?

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      December 20, 2024 at 7:57 am

      Hi Tom.

      I’ve sent you an email

      Regards

      Paul

      Reply
  6. Maximilian Pfeifer says:
    November 11, 2024 at 8:14 pm

    Hi Paul,
    just came across your great work.

    I have a 2009 DBS and it would be awesome, if you could also upgrade my headlamps.

    Please contact me regarding quote and timeframe.

    Best

    Max

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      December 20, 2024 at 7:53 am

      Hi Max

      I’ve sent you an email

      Regards

      Paul

      Reply
  7. Steve Hill says:
    December 27, 2024 at 8:30 am

    Hi, I am really interested in your headlight upgrade, I have a 2010 DBS, could you advise how much to would be to upgrade both headlights, please? I am in the North-East of England

    Thanks

    Steve

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      January 1, 2025 at 10:40 am

      Hi Steve,

      The prices are on the website, https://db9s.com/aston-martin-headlight-upgrades/

      I’ve also sent you an email.

      Regards

      Paul

      Reply
  8. Simon Spurrell says:
    February 19, 2025 at 9:57 pm

    I am interested in the Vantage headlight upgrade as I also have one replacement lamp with a different colour light to the other. Can you email me price and rough duration please for the work to [email protected]

    Reply
  9. James Richards says:
    April 24, 2025 at 8:43 am

    Hi

    I have a 2007 DB9 and have just been told the projector on drivers side maybe broken. Can you fix and if so how much plus polish on both please? Also could you give me cost for LED upgrade also?

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      April 24, 2025 at 10:40 am

      Hi James,

      Not sure how a DB9 projector can be broken, unless they mean that all the reflective material has worn off.

      Are they talking about the dipped beam, if it is the reflective material then it can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced or upgraded with another projector such as an LED one.

      The full LED upgrade, which is obviously both lights (can’t just do one) is £1600

      Paul

      Reply
  10. James Richards says:
    April 24, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    Hi Paul
    Basically when I go over a bump the drivers side sort of blinks which is weird. I think I’ll go for the LED upgrade just need to save some pennies. When I’m ready what’s the process?

    Cheers

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      April 25, 2025 at 12:57 pm

      Hi James,

      I’ll need to know a few weeks ahead so I can order the projectors in time. You can either take the lights out and send them to me, or drop the car here and I can remove and refit the lights for you.

      There is no change to the car, just the lights so either method works equally well.

      Best to email me on [email protected] or whatsapp on 07869 159191

      Paul

      Reply
  11. Chris. Hawkesworth says:
    May 16, 2025 at 8:39 pm

    Hi Paul,

    I have recently obtained a 2004 V12 DB9
    The headlights are unbelievably poor and for a performance car has no day time driving lights.
    Can you upgrade?? How much?? Where are you located??
    Private enquiry.

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      May 16, 2025 at 9:07 pm

      Hi Chris,

      I’ve sent you an email.

      Paul

      Reply
  12. Max Gueli says:
    June 18, 2025 at 5:18 pm

    Hi – I have a 2009 DBS – lights are terrible.

    Please let me know if you can update my lights also!

    Many thanks,

    Reply
    1. Paul says:
      June 19, 2025 at 5:02 am

      Hi,

      Yes, I can update DBS headlights as well, they are the same as DB9 headlights.

      Paul

      Reply

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