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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > Headlamp Bulb upgrade



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      05-25-2009, 05:49 AM   #1
Dr Dave
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Lightbulb Headlamp Bulb upgrade

One option I'd have liked on my 330 was Xenon headlamps, but beggars can't be choosers!

Have any of you guys swapped your stock headlamp bulbs for something a little whiter/bluer - something a little more xenon looking? I'm looking for real-life reccomendations.

Not going down the slap-a-HID bulb-in-the-normal headlamp reflector for many reasons of which I'm sure you're all aware of!

I guess I'm correct in thinking I have an H7 bulb fitment on my low beams......
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      05-25-2009, 05:53 AM   #2
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These always get good reviews.

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=81
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      05-25-2009, 05:58 AM   #3
Dr Dave
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Wonderful, thanks Will.

Not going to break the bank either.
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      05-25-2009, 12:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willhollin View Post
do you know if they throw an error code or not?

thanks.
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      05-25-2009, 02:13 PM   #5
Dr Dave
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kceire View Post
do you know if they throw an error code or not?

thanks.
They shouldn't do - as they are like for like bulbs.

I'll report back on my findings as soon as I can locate a pair locally. I want a pair NOW and can't wait for delivery!!
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      05-25-2009, 05:15 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Dave View Post
They shouldn't do - as they are like for like bulbs.

I'll report back on my findings as soon as I can locate a pair locally. I want a pair NOW and can't wait for delivery!!
thanks mate, these are my next mod if they are error free.
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      05-25-2009, 05:22 PM   #7
Dr Dave
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With a bit of luck I'll be able to let you know tommorrow!

They will be error-free, I'm 110% certain of that!
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      05-26-2009, 03:55 AM   #8
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They're just higher-quality H7 bulbs so there will definately be no error.
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      05-26-2009, 09:07 AM   #9
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tell me how it goes m8 and some pics one side with the normal bulb and the other with the brighter one
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      05-27-2009, 12:23 PM   #10
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Just ordered the Phillips Extreme bulbs x 4 for both high & low beams - will let you all know how things go - probably at the weekend now.
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      05-28-2009, 06:33 AM   #11
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Photos please
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      05-28-2009, 10:04 AM   #12
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Used Osram Nightbreakers in my old Accord Type-S - made a significant improvement. Bought them cheap off Ebay. I may have some spare if anyone is interested.
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      05-28-2009, 11:36 AM   #13
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Show pics when done. I had one high beam go out. Considered getting a whole replacement for all of them but then decided to go for the cheaper route by replacing just the one. The bulbs are f***ers to get in place though. Would consider getting these if all goes well. Let us know how it goes...
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      05-28-2009, 11:40 AM   #14
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WHATS wrong with the ''drop in'' ones?
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      05-28-2009, 11:42 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willhollin View Post
I've got those on my Cayman - definite improvement in power, a bit whiter than stock but not dramatically

Very good bulbs IMO
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      05-28-2009, 11:45 AM   #16
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WHATS wrong with the ''drop in'' ones?
"drop in"?
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      05-28-2009, 11:55 AM   #17
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Quote:
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"drop in"?
"Drop in" probably means as you "drop" them down into the depths of the underbonnet area while you fiddle the things into the lamps!
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      05-28-2009, 02:22 PM   #18
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I had the Osram Nightbreakers on my Leon, very good bulb but seemed to pop sooner than expected. Looked whiter and were much brighter. Also got them from Power bulbs really reasonable prices.

Let us know what the Philips are like.
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      05-30-2009, 03:57 AM   #19
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Bulbs arrived yesterday as promised on a next-day delivery - I'll fit them later (might do a How To as I reckon it'll be fiddly!)

I'll leave one side as standard and see if my camera will pick up the difference.
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      05-30-2009, 03:59 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Dave View Post
One option I'd have liked on my 330 was Xenon headlamps, but beggars can't be choosers!

Have any of you guys swapped your stock headlamp bulbs for something a little whiter/bluer - something a little more xenon looking? I'm looking for real-life reccomendations.

Not going down the slap-a-HID bulb-in-the-normal headlamp reflector for many reasons of which I'm sure you're all aware of!

I guess I'm correct in thinking I have an H7 bulb fitment on my low beams......
enlighten me.......
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      05-30-2009, 04:02 AM   #21
Dr Dave
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Headlamp beam scatter for starters in a normal lamp reflector - you must have seen the young lads with retrofitted HID kits in 'normal' headlamps?

One word......blinding.

The only retrofit I would do is one into a projector style lamp assembly. But then you risk upsetting the bulb failure monitoring system.
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      05-30-2009, 04:07 AM   #22
Dr Dave
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Here's the official stance from the UK Dpt for Transport

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps
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