OEM Headlamp H7 Bulb Replacement

[saronian]

One of my low-beam headlamp bulbs went out today and I went looking for a cheap replacement. At Walmart they stocked a basic GE H7 (see package below) for $10 each so bought one, and took out the dead bulb. I was surprised to see that the exact same GE model was the original bulb that came with the car. Same code numbers, same country of manufacture, Hungary.

I plan on trying a set of Philips X-tream Power bulbs, but thought others might want to know that the GE bulb at Walmart was the same as their original H7's.

[NeWave]

I myself am putting the "white" halogens in mine when I get a burn out. Had them in my Impala, loved them. Lasted only a year though before both went out within a few days of eachother. Sylvania's Silverstars are the other brand, of which is all I can find around here... I bet they'd look awesome with the projector headlamps of the smart.

[MPrice2984]

I've had the Silverstars in my car for about 5 months and will advise against using them, as time goes by they get dimmer and dimmer and I am ready to replace them now. I had the same experience with them in my previous car which I thought was just an anaomoly.

[donnyonee]

try osram rally bulbs 65 watts ea.

[mvaldes]

My Silverstars lasted about 6 months. When one died and I replaced it with OEM halogen, I found that I couldn't see a difference between the two sides. Either the other had dimmed over time, or the initial improvement I saw was psychological. Since then I've gone to HID's which actually do make a difference. Interestingly, a kit is about the same price as a set of Silverstars.

[NeWave]

Halogens in themselves dim over their life. It's why some people replace in pairs, to keep them even looking. It's also even stated on the packaging that the silverstars don't have the life of a regular halogen (5/5 rated) or even ultra halogen (3/5 rated). Silverstars are (1/5). Silverstars are now like around $45 and the Silverstar ultras are bloody insane....

Oh, and to the original post.. thanks for the news from wally world.

[SmartDigger]

try these they work great Crutchfield.com - h7

[Larry Realtor San Antonio]

Can any of you smarter than I folks give a tip on replacing the lamps. I can't get them back in the socket and clamped.

[theguywiththelongestname]

Originally Posted by Larry Realtor San Antonio

Can any of you smarter than I folks give a tip on replacing the lamps. I can't get them back in the socket and clamped.

be sure to line up the slot on the bulb base with the tab in the headlight housing...

[Benjamin]

I do not know about how bright many smart owners would like to go with their headlamps...but every night coming home I get angry high beams in my face from oncoming traffic...as a signg of protest due to bright headlits that my smart emits...I still have original bulbs.