Improve your H7 headlights in about 5 min for less than $50.

[WilyB]

Braddman recently posted a nice DIY about upgrading to HID. There is no question HIDs are the best technology available today for our headlights and it is a pity that smart does not offer HIDs as an option.

As for myself, I tested a cheaper, easier modification: replacing the smart H7 bulbs with OSRAM Rallye 65W Ultra High Output 2100 lumens bulbs vs. 1400 lumens for an ordinary H7.

Stock cutoff and pattern are maintained of course.

Bulbs are $25 to 30 each and the modification took me less than 5 minutes.

I took the smart for a quick drive through the neighborhood tonight and the difference is real: the illumination is whiter and more intense.

A last note of warning: those bulbs are not DOT approved. However, they do not cause any glare as the filament is exactly where it is suposed to be.

I shall try to post more relevant pictures (night time driving) in the coming days.

[SunDiego]

Thanks for this option - looking forward to night time pics!

[Turbo42]

did you put them in as your high beams also?

[16d @ 4]

Originally Posted by WilyB

Braddman recently posted a nice DIY about upgrading to HID. There is no question HIDs are the best technology available today for our headlights and it is a pity that smart does not offer HIDs as an option.

As for myself, I tested a cheaper, easier modification: replacing the smart H7 bulbs with OSRAM Rallye 65W Ultra High Output 2100 lumens bulbs vs. 1400 lumens for an ordinary H7.

Stock cutoff and pattern is maintained of course.

Bulbs are $25 to 30 each and the modification took me less than 5 minutes.

I took the smart for a quick drive through the neighborhood tonight and the difference is real: the illumination is whiter and more intense.

A last note of warning: those bulbs are not DOT approved. However, they do not cause any glare as the filament is exactly where it is suposed to be.

I shall try to post more relevant pictures (night time driving) in the coming days.

65Ws
I would hate to drive in front of you at night.

[WilyB]

Originally Posted by 16d @ 4

65Ws
I would hate to drive in front of you at night.

I suppose you missed that part: stock cutoff and pattern are maintained of course.

So feel free to drive in front of me at night.

[WilyB]

Originally Posted by babybenz

did you put them in as your high beams also?

I wanted to test those bulbs first. Give me a couple more nights and if I am satisfied, I sure will put them in my highbeams too.

Does anyone know whether there is an optima battery for the smarts?

[donnyonee]

i was going to do something with all 4. these look good!

[Turbo42]

Originally Posted by WilyB

I wanted to test those bulbs first. Give me a couple more nights and if I am satisfied, I sure will put them in my highbeams too.

Does anyone know whether there is an optima battery for the smarts?

odyssey makes a much nicer battery and it is half the size of an optima and has double the output and is cheaper

here is the number Odyssey Battery PC925 we currently have one in a turbo is 300 and in a 454 chevy no starting problems

[donnyonee]

i ordered 4 and im looking forward to more light. :-) and i also will try to post something in a few days.

[jediknight36]

If they are not DOT, then how do you even get them? What would they normally be used for then?