Headlights in UK
09-04-2008, 02:20 AM
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I find that the night vision is quite feable with the standard lights (the adjustmnt is set correctly) . I'm not one for new ballasts and HID's, so was wondering what the Phillips +80, or OSRAM etc are like, and whether anyone has any idea about the different bulbs and how much better they really are, where to buy?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
09-04-2008, 02:27 AM
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Your right the standard lights in low beam are quite poor, I had them in my 2004 E61.
I put in some up rated bulbs, supposedly with Xenon technology, and claiming 50% brighter. I didn't notice any improvement
I put in some up rated bulbs, supposedly with Xenon technology, and claiming 50% brighter. I didn't notice any improvement
09-04-2008, 02:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Jambers' post='661567' date='Sep 4 2008, 11:20 AM
I find that the night vision is quite feable with the standard lights (the adjustmnt is set correctly) . I'm not one for new ballasts and HID's, so was wondering what the Phillips +80, or OSRAM etc are like, and whether anyone has any idea about the different bulbs and how much better they really are, where to buy?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
The downside is that they don't last very long. 2 out of 4 have died in just 11 months so as they fail I am gradually returning to the standard bulbs.
Obviously they will last longer in the main beams as they get much less use...
Anyway, forget bulbs, get yourself Sports auto!
Regards,
09-04-2008, 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by 525d MSport' post='661574' date='Sep 4 2008, 05:39 AM
I installed Osram Nightbreakers and there was a noticeable improvement. I think they cost about ?50 for 4.
The downside is that they don't last very long. 2 out of 4 have died in just 11 months so as they fail I am gradually returning to the standard bulbs.
Obviously they will last longer in the main beams as they get much less use...
Anyway, forget bulbs, get yourself Sports auto!
Regards,
The downside is that they don't last very long. 2 out of 4 have died in just 11 months so as they fail I am gradually returning to the standard bulbs.
Obviously they will last longer in the main beams as they get much less use...
Anyway, forget bulbs, get yourself Sports auto!
Regards,
What do ou mean "Sports Auto"? Is it the 2TB Transmission from the 530? Or something else?
09-04-2008, 03:48 AM
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I used to use the Philips Nightguide bulbs in my E39, but I believe they are not suitable for use in the UK. It's a shame, because they were a significant improvement over the standard bulbs that came in the E39.
I did find myself in the UK once needing replacement bulbs and found a similar type on sale in Halfords. Can't remember the brand, but they did the job almost as well as the Nightguides. I'd recommend popping into a large Halfords near you and have a close look at what they've got.
I did find myself in the UK once needing replacement bulbs and found a similar type on sale in Halfords. Can't remember the brand, but they did the job almost as well as the Nightguides. I'd recommend popping into a large Halfords near you and have a close look at what they've got.
09-04-2008, 04:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Jambers' post='661580' date='Sep 4 2008, 11:55 AM
Cheers guys -
What do ou mean "Sports Auto"? Is it the 2TB Transmission from the 530? Or something else?
What do ou mean "Sports Auto"? Is it the 2TB Transmission from the 530? Or something else?
Regards,
09-04-2008, 05:44 AM
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Changing bulbs alone doesn't make much difference.
I've changed mine to a HID kit and it's fantastic. Upgraded the main beam bulbs to some super normal type ones but they just look so feable compared to the low beam HIDs.
I've changed mine to a HID kit and it's fantastic. Upgraded the main beam bulbs to some super normal type ones but they just look so feable compared to the low beam HIDs.
09-04-2008, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by smarty156' post='661652' date='Sep 4 2008, 02:44 PM
Changing bulbs alone doesn't make much difference.
I've changed mine to a HID kit and it's fantastic. Upgraded the main beam bulbs to some super normal type ones but they just look so feable compared to the low beam HIDs.
I've changed mine to a HID kit and it's fantastic. Upgraded the main beam bulbs to some super normal type ones but they just look so feable compared to the low beam HIDs.
Were there any issues with check control messages etc?
Costs?
Thanks,
09-04-2008, 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Jambers' post='661567' date='Sep 4 2008, 01:20 PM
I find that the night vision is quite feable with the standard lights (the adjustmnt is set correctly) . I'm not one for new ballasts and HID's, so was wondering what the Phillips +80, or OSRAM etc are like, and whether anyone has any idea about the different bulbs and how much better they really are, where to buy?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
The manufacturers all make their claims, but what are they honestly like? If you use DRL, will they burn out quicker?
I have replaced my standard H7 bulbs with Phillips X-Treme Power. They are street legal and the result is very good. They are a bit pricey but they worth every penny. If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can replace your halogen fog lights with xenon ones (PM Eric @ elite_motorsports_BMW). I replaced my fog lights recently and the result is great.
09-04-2008, 11:05 AM
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Hi,
I upgraded my dullish yellow headlights to bright white H7's and the difference in look is great...try www.powerbulbs.co.uk ... I cant comment on how long they last coz i've just put them in! Also changed the halo rings from yellow to bright white with Pingu's bulbs...that made a striking difference...
I upgraded my dullish yellow headlights to bright white H7's and the difference in look is great...try www.powerbulbs.co.uk ... I cant comment on how long they last coz i've just put them in! Also changed the halo rings from yellow to bright white with Pingu's bulbs...that made a striking difference...