Replacement bulbs

[mikal]

One of my dipped lights went a while ago and I thought I'd buy 2 of those fancy white xenon type jobbywotsits, make the front like a lighthouse, what could possibly go wrong. Well they are crap, yep white light instead of sort of yellow ish but noticeably dimmer.

Anyone else changed...……….for the better and what were they!

Mike

[GiveMeABreak]

Brighter bulb = shorter life as a rule with halogens. You didn't mention the make / model of the replacements you fitted. The alternative 'enhanced bulbs' rarely last as long - especially the Halfords 'up to' 150% brighter - complaints of failures within 3-4 months.

Halogen technology is limited, retro-fitting LEDs headlight bulbs to halogen fittings is illegal for road use - so either stick to what you have or get a branded bulb. Even the latest OSRAM Laser branded Halogens only offer a life of between 150 - 300 hours. I've yet to see any guarantee either - so it's very hit and miss.

[white exec]

Have used both Osram Nightbreaker and Philips X-treme H1 and H4 clear white halogens.
Bulb life runs to many years. No premature failures to report.
These bulbs are outstanding quality (assuming they're genuine!), and probably the best available, as well as being original-spec wattage.

[GiveMeABreak]

I'll second OSRAM as a brand - although I have Bi-Directional Xenons, I did replace the stock D1S bulbs with a high performance OSRAM upgrade £130 the pair but have had them on for 4 years so far and no problems and fantastic improvement.

When I had my earlier MK II C5, although that also had directional headlights, they also fitted an additional standard mainbeam headlight and I also went for an OSRAM brilliance bulb which made a lot of difference.

[myglaren]

Have used both Osram Nightbreaker and Philips X-treme H1 and H4 clear white halogens.
Bulb life runs to many years. No premature failures to report.
These bulbs are outstanding quality (assuming they're genuine!), and probably the best available, as well as being original-spec wattage.

I generally fit the Philips Xtreme Vision bulbs, mainly as someone who had tried both those and Osrams claimed that the Philips elements were more precisely located and have a better beam with better cut off. They look OK to me anyway and seem to last several years.
Also currently have a pair of Osram H1s in as the Philips ones weren't available when I needed them (ordered the wrong ones)

[Hell Razor5543]

I have so far found the Tesla bulbs sold by Lidl (when they have them in a 'Car Parts' special) have been reliable, and nicely priced. Typically around £5 for a pair, I will buy two or three sets.

[Lenny]

My last pair of Phillips X-treme went pop after just over a year.
I'm trying a pair of Osram Nightbreakers now. If these go die as quickly then I'll move onto the extra life versions Phillips and Osram do.
I know the extra life ones are allegedly not a bright but to be honest I can't tell the difference anyway!

[myglaren]

Ring bulbs used to be considered to be crap but seem to be held in quite high regard now, might be worth a look.

I couldn't say. At least 30 years since I last bought any.

[white exec]

Both the Osram and Philips lamps have been counterfeited, so it's worth checking out what is being offered. I think the manufacturers' sites have details of packaging holograms, etc.

[van ordinaire]

Nothing wrong with those Ring +X% bulbs, Osrams ARE good, running those Halford +150% jobbies in the Eldo which, much to my surprise, I came across quite by chance in Waterford. A definite improvement (& much cheaper than the PIAA's generally favoured by thinking Cadillac owners); can't speak for longevity but while old school 80, 90, 100, 130w bulbs (especially 90/130 H4's) did seem to have a high failure rate - but then none were made by any known manufacturer - I've not noticed the same to be true of the current uprated bulbs.
Actually, I might have a couple more pairs than I will probably ever use, especially as only the Cherokees use H4's, which I'm prepared to share for the postage, rounded up to the nearest £5.

[xantiagreen]

Yes to the Osram NB's have them on dipped and the Philips Xtreme vision on high beam they are still running after i replaced them when i bought the car 5 yrs ago. Still have the ones that were fitted in the car when i bought it

[mikal]

Cheers for the replies, I think now that winter is coming and I'll be on dipped a lot, I shall change to something recommended here. Which ones are cheapest BUT still good?


These??

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Osram-Night- ... :rk:2:pf:0

[white exec]

Probably right to say that none of the cheapest are the best, and certainly when it comes to life and light output.
You won't go wrong with the Philips X-treme Vision (+130% iirc), and worth going for the pure white version, rather than any blue tint. Shop around for a good price: Amazon a good bet, and easy return/refund if anything should go wrong.

[GiveMeABreak]

I would recommend the OSRAMS, but that is my personal choice from past use. However, I would certainly NOT buy from eBay when it comes to bulbs due to the high incidence of fakes, which are poor quality and do no last. Even a 30 days return policy won’t help if they fail just after.

[MikeT]

Just to be contrary I bought my Nighbreakers off ebay last year and would recommend them, except I don't have a link to the seller or know if they're still available from him/her but IIRC, they cost £12.
I do recall at the time, ECP also had them on offer for £14.