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MG HS Bulb Guide — Headlight & Indicator Bulbs (2020-2024)
Bulb Compatibility Chart
Headlamp type on the UK MG HS: Pre-facelift: bi-function projection (halogen) on Excite and Excite Plug-in; bi-function LED on Exclusive and Exclusive Plug-in. From the April 2023 facelift (SE/Trophy) MG announces new bi-function LED headlights model-wide; per-trim confirmation not obtained.
Headlamp unit: Sealed – ‘Other light sources not included in the list are LED, which cannot be replaced individually’
Checked against MG UK HS owner’s manual; MG UK HS brochure Oct 2021; MG UK 2023 HS announcement. Fitment varies by trim and build date — confirm by registration or VIN before you buy.
| Position | Bulb | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dipped Beam | HB3SL+ (60W) – MG notes HB3SL+ is identical to HB3 in shape and structure | The bulb you are most likely replacing |
| Main Beam | HB3SL+ (60W) – same specification | Full beam |
| Front Fog | H8 (35W) – a bulb on every trim, LED-headlamp cars included | Where fog lights are fitted |
| Front Indicator | WY21W (21W) on the bulb trims; LED sequential on Exclusive | Amber front turn signal |
| Rear Indicator | LED – not replaceable | Amber rear turn signal |
| Reverse Light | W16W (16W) | Reversing lamp |
| Tail / Brake | LED – not replaceable | Rear side light and brake light |
| Number Plate | W5W (5W) | Rear registration plate lamp |
Recommended Bulbs for MG HS
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Recommended HB3SL+ Bulbs
The MG HS takes a HB3SL+ dipped-beam bulb on the halogen headlamp. Always change headlight bulbs in pairs — a new bulb next to an aged one gives visibly uneven light and colour.
Philips X-tremeVision Pro150 HB3SL+
Up to 150% more light than the legal minimum (Philips’ own claim), and road legal in the UK. A straight swap for the standard HB3SL+.
Osram Night Breaker 200 HB3SL+
Up to 200% more light than the minimum ECE requirement, measured in headlamps (OSRAM’s own claim). Also road legal.
Standard HB3SL+ bulb (twin pack)
The like-for-like option if you just need the car through its MOT.
How to Change the Headlight Bulb
Access on the MG HS varies by side — one headlamp usually has more room than the other. The general sequence is:
- Open the bonnet and find the back of the headlight unit.
- Unplug the wiring connector from the bulb holder.
- Twist off the dust cover anti-clockwise if one is fitted.
- Release the retaining clip and withdraw the old bulb.
- Fit the new HB3SL+ without touching the glass — skin oils create hot spots and shorten bulb life.
MOT note: a blown headlight bulb is an automatic MOT failure, and so is a mismatched pair that throws an uneven beam.
Can You Fit LED Bulbs Instead?
No — not legally, on a car that left the factory with halogen headlamps. Retrofit LED bulbs in a halogen reflector or projector are not road legal in the UK and will fail an MOT, because the beam pattern the headlamp was designed around no longer holds.
What is legal is a brighter halogen HB3SL+. The performance bulbs above are all ECE-approved and are a direct swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headlight bulb does a MG HS use?
The MG HS uses a HB3SL+ dipped-beam bulb and HB3SL+ for main beam. Pre-facelift: bi-function projection (halogen) on Excite and Excite Plug-in; bi-function LED on Exclusive and Exclusive Plug-in. From the April 2023 facelift (SE/Trophy) MG announces new bi-function LED headlights model-wide; per-trim confirmation not obtained.
What are the best upgrade bulbs for a MG HS?
For the HB3SL+ dipped beam, the Philips X-tremeVision Pro150 and Osram Night Breaker 200 are the strongest road-legal options. Both are ECE-approved and both fit the standard HB3SL+ holder.
Are LED headlight bulbs legal in the MG HS?
Not as a retrofit. Because this car was sold with halogen headlamps, fitting LED bulbs into the existing housing is not road legal in the UK and is an MOT failure. Only a brighter halogen HB3SL+ keeps the car legal.
Other Mg Hs Guides
Engine Oil GuideCorrect grade & capacity
Cabin Filter GuideFilter type & replacement
Battery GuideSize, type & specs
Spark Plug GuideType & gap settings
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →