MG ZS Headlight Replacement: Gen 1 vs Gen 2, OEM Numbers & How to Order in Australia

Gen 1 MG ZS (2017–2021): Halogen Reflector Headlights

The first-generation MG ZS used a halogen reflector headlight unit across its production run in Australia. These are relatively straightforward assemblies: a single halogen globe illuminates a shaped reflector bowl behind the lens, producing the characteristic beam pattern. The design is simpler than the later LED units, which makes the housing easier and cheaper to replace.

Key points for Gen 1 headlight replacement:

• Technology: halogen reflector — globe and reflector assembly behind a clear or lightly tinted outer lens
• DRL: Gen 1 models used separate DRL lamps or indicator assemblies rather than integrated LED strips in the headlight body
• Globe access: Gen 1 halogen globes are accessible from behind the headlight housing through the engine bay, without removing the full assembly in most cases
• Fitment: applies to MG ZS models sold in Australia from 2017 through to approximately mid-2021, across Excite and Essence grades

If the outer lens or housing is cracked, the entire headlight assembly needs replacement. Browse MG ZS parts for current availability.

Gen 2 MG ZS (2021+): Full LED Projector Units with LED DRL Strips

The second-generation MG ZS received a substantial front-end redesign, and the headlights changed completely. Gen 2 headlights are full LED projector units — the low and high beam functions are performed by LED projector modules rather than halogen globes. The DRL strips are integrated directly into the headlight body as continuous LED elements, giving the Gen 2 its distinctive light signature.

This is not an upgrade path from Gen 1 — the Gen 2 headlights are entirely different assemblies that will not fit a Gen 1 body. The mounting points are different, the wiring connectors are different, and the physical dimensions do not align.

• Technology: full LED projector — no halogen globes; LED modules perform all lighting functions
• DRL: integrated LED DRL strips are built into the headlight assembly itself
• Globe replacement: unlike Gen 1, individual LEDs are not user-replaceable — a failed LED module typically means assembly replacement
• OEM-style numbers: 10245621 (LH / driver side), 10245622 (RH / passenger side) for the standard Gen 2 LED projector assembly
• Not interchangeable with Gen 1: under any circumstances — different shell, different mounting, different wiring

Excite, Essence and ZST Trim: DRL Patterns and Headlight Variants

Within the Gen 2 MG ZS range, trim grade affects the headlight specification. This is not cosmetic — different grades may use headlight assemblies with different DRL strip patterns or light module configurations. The three main grades to be aware of:

• Excite — entry grade in the Gen 2 lineup. The DRL strip pattern is simpler in design. Confirm the exact build year as the Excite specification has been updated across model year revisions.
• Essence — mid-grade with a more elaborated DRL lighting signature. The headlight assembly on Essence models may differ from Excite even within the same production year.
• ZST — the performance-oriented variant with its own front fascia treatment. The ZST headlight assembly and DRL configuration should be treated as a separate line item when sourcing parts — do not assume it matches Excite or Essence.

The safest approach is to provide your VIN when requesting a quote. The VIN encodes the exact build specification and allows us to cross-reference the correct headlight assembly with no ambiguity. See the MG ZS vehicle page for model year and grade reference information.

Left vs Right: Always Specify the Side

MG ZS headlights are handed — the left-hand (LH) unit and right-hand (RH) unit are mirror images of each other and are not interchangeable. In Australia, the driver sits on the right-hand side of the vehicle, so:

• LH (left-hand): the headlight on the driver's side — the right side as you face the front of the vehicle
• RH (right-hand): the headlight on the passenger side — the left side as you face the front of the vehicle

Always specify which side you need when requesting a quote. Gen 2 OEM-style numbers: 10245621 LH, 10245622 RH. If you are unsure which side is which, a photo of the damaged headlight in situ is the clearest way to communicate which unit you need.

How to Confirm the Correct Headlight Before Ordering

To avoid receiving the wrong unit, provide at least one of the following when you submit a quote request:

• VIN — the most reliable method; found on the driver-side door jamb sticker or the base of the windscreen. The VIN confirms generation, model year, grade and market specification in one string.
• OEM number from the damaged unit — the part number is typically moulded or labelled on the back of the headlight housing. If the housing is still readable, this is the fastest cross-reference.
• Model year and grade— for example "2023 MG ZS Essence" narrows the specification significantly and is often enough to confirm the correct assembly.
• Photo of the vehicle or damaged unit — the DRL strip shape and headlight body profile differ visibly between generations and grades; a clear photo allows visual confirmation.

For Panel Shops and Smash Repairers

MG ZS headlight replacement is a common job in Australian smash repair shops given the vehicle's market share. 888 Auto Parts stocks brand new MG ZS headlight assemblies from our Melbourne warehouse and confirms fitment against the vehicle VIN before dispatch — eliminating wrong-part returns and repair delays that cost your workshop time and money.

Trade accounts are available for panel shops and smash repair businesses with better pricing across the full MG and Chery crash parts range. To order, submit a quote request with the VIN and side required. For the broader parts range, see the MG ZS parts page or the full MG parts catalogue.

For Private MG ZS Owners

If you own an MG ZS and need a replacement headlight — whether from an accident, vandalism or a cracked lens — the process is straightforward. Locate your VIN on the door jamb sticker or windscreen base, note your model year and grade, then submit a quote request. We will confirm the correct assembly and respond with availability and pricing.

For more information on MG ZS parts beyond headlights, see the MG ZS parts guide for Australia or the related article on MG ZS fog light replacement.