A new generation of certified LED replacement lamps is widening the scope for plug-and-play upgrades in automotive interior, signal and auxiliary lighting without regulatory ambiguity.
ams OSRAM has broadened its NIGHT BREAKER LED lineup with a range of newly certified retrofit lamps aimed at simplifying LED upgrades for 12 V vehicles. The highlight is the NIGHT BREAKER LED C5W ECE, the first signal lamp in this class to receive ECE R37 approval, meaning it’s road-legal across all countries that are party to the UN’s ECE regulations, including the EU and many export markets. The approval removes the need for garages, fleet managers and DIY installers to cross-check vehicle approvals or carry additional documentation when retrofitting to LED.
The key features are:
- ECE R37–approved LED retrofit, legal across ECE member countries
- Designed for direct replacement of conventional C5W and selected halogen bases
- Cool white output around 6000 K for a modern lighting appearance
- Up to 80 % lower power consumption than halogen lamps
- Significantly longer service life, reducing maintenance and replacements
The C5W ECE targets a broad set of applications where a C5W bulb is used: cabin and reading lights, door and entry illumination, side markers and license-plate lamps. Rated up to 6000 K for cool white output, it promises a more premium look than traditional halogen signal lamps, while cutting energy draw by up to 80 % and extending service life up to five times compared with conventional options, a significant benefit for high-demand electrical systems.
Alongside the C5W, ams OSRAM has rolled out four additional road-legal NIGHT BREAKER LED SMART variants for forward and auxiliary lighting: HB3, H9, HIR2 and H19 bases. These join the existing SMART portfolio following the earlier release of the ECE-approved H11 headlight LED, expanding coverage to more vehicle types without sacrificing compliance or plug-and-play ease.
The SMART series is designed to make modern LED technology accessible across a wider range of aftermarket scenarios. The new models share technical specs with existing SMART products and, in the case of the SMART H4, can also serve as an H19 replacement using a dedicated adapter ring and dual marking. This adaptability helps support owners of older or less LED-ready vehicles looking to upgrade without complex rewiring or compatibility headaches.
