Headlamp Bulb upgrade

Dr Dave · 05-25-2009, 05:49 AM

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......

willhollin · 05-25-2009, 05:53 AM

These always get good reviews.

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=81

Dr Dave · 05-25-2009, 05:58 AM

Wonderful, thanks Will.

Not going to break the bank either.

kceire · 05-25-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

These always get good reviews.

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=81

do you know if they throw an error code or not?

thanks.

Dr Dave · 05-25-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kceire

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!!

kceire · 05-25-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

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.

Dr Dave · 05-25-2009, 05:22 PM

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!

xenon · 05-26-2009, 03:55 AM

They're just higher-quality H7 bulbs so there will definately be no error.

jjbirch · 05-26-2009, 09:07 AM

tell me how it goes m8 and some pics one side with the normal bulb and the other with the brighter one

Dr Dave · 05-27-2009, 12:23 PM

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.

swanseahammer · 05-28-2009, 06:33 AM

Photos please

Cardinal Fang · 05-28-2009, 10:04 AM

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.

SiKkBaSs · 05-28-2009, 11:36 AM

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...

dxb335d · 05-28-2009, 11:40 AM

WHATS wrong with the ''drop in'' ones?

MOB · 05-28-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

These always get good reviews.

http://www.powerbulbs.com/product_detail.asp?prod=81

I've got those on my Cayman - definite improvement in power, a bit whiter than stock but not dramatically

Very good bulbs IMO

SiKkBaSs · 05-28-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

WHATS wrong with the ''drop in'' ones?

"drop in"?

Dr Dave · 05-28-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightweight

"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!

foxy-367 · 05-28-2009, 02:22 PM

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.

Dr Dave · 05-30-2009, 03:57 AM

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.

Duhst · 05-30-2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

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.......

Dr Dave · 05-30-2009, 04:02 AM

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.

Dr Dave · 05-30-2009, 04:07 AM

Here's the official stance from the UK Dpt for Transport

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

05-25-2009, 05:49 AM	#1
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	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
willhollin Major General 272 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	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 Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Wonderful, thanks Will. Not going to break the bank either. __________________
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05-25-2009, 05:22 PM	#7
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	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
xenon Major General 1469 Rep 8,199 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	They're just higher-quality H7 bulbs so there will definately be no error. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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05-26-2009, 09:07 AM	#9
jjbirch Banned 79 Rep 2,927 Posts Drives: E60 530D M SPORT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: england iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 320d m sport [0.00]	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
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	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
swanseahammer Lieutenant 26 Rep 400 Posts Drives: F30 LCI 330e M Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Swansea iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 320d SE [0.00]	Photos please
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05-28-2009, 10:04 AM	#12
Cardinal Fang New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: BMW 335d SE Coupe Join Date: May 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ 2007 335d SE Coupe with all the toys
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05-28-2009, 11:36 AM	#13
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 178 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	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
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1011 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	WHATS wrong with the ''drop in'' ones? __________________ 997.2 GT3
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05-28-2009, 02:22 PM	#18
foxy-367 Lieutenant 6 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 320d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Now - E90 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue, sun protection glass, Auto lights and wipers, 193M, a big grin Previous - Seat Leon FR, Golf Gttdi (x2), Mk3 Fiesta SI, E30 318i Peugeot 205 Roland Garros, Mk2 Fiesta Ghia (it had a rev counter!!!!)
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05-30-2009, 03:57 AM	#19
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	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, 04:02 AM	#21
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	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 Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 116 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Here's the official stance from the UK Dpt for Transport http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps __________________
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