Headlight bulb upgrade

[forestacademy]

Im only saying this because no one else is.

Originally Posted by 2smartArizona

beacuase its got H7 bulbs and projector beams, I intend to do a VVME HID conversion when the day comes....I don't know that there is THAT much difference with non HID bulbs, and an HID conversion can cost the same as these bulbs these days.

NOT DOT APPROVED

Originally Posted by Smartfor2guy

Osram on sale here
Osram Rallye 65w Ultra High Output H7 Special-Service Bulb <b>SALE!</b>

NOT DOT APPROVED

Originally Posted by saronian

Here's another new H7 bulb option, Philips X-Tream Power for about $23 each.

Look's like it's the new brightness champ for DOT legal bulbs.

DOT APPROVED

That being said, it's your car, do what you want but don't say you were not warned


On another note, one of the things that make this a "smart" car is its green aspect. That being said, why would you replace a part that is perfectly fine, thus creating extra waist.

I have not had to change a head light in a car in over 10 years.

[Smartfor2guy]

I really dont need any extra "waist"

[smart fortimo]

While I have extra waist, I'm not making extra waste but my low beam driver-side is dark in under 20 months.

I'll look for a standard H7-55W replacement for now.

[garibaldi99]

Did you do the HID lights yet? I don't want to overwelm the wiring.

[Jeff C.]

My understanding is that the brighter the bulb,the quicker that they burn out.I cant say this from personal experience becouse I buy the standard bulbs but that is what I have gathered from other posters.Is there any support for what I am saying from those who would purport to know first hand?

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by garibaldi99

Did you do the HID lights yet? I don't want to overwelm the wiring.

If that's a concern, use the OEM headlamp wiring to control relays, and connect the primary wires of the ballasts directly to the battery.

I have the Smart Madness HID 4300°K conversion in my dipped-beams, and have had for over a year so far without any trouble at all, powered through the OEM wiring. They are definitely *BRIGHT*; they make the SilverStars in my main-beams look sickly and yellow by comparison.

(I won't put HIDs in my main-beams; too many hot restrikes and they'd be history.)

[GeekGirl]

I am good with my stock ones and I live in a very dark place.

[OliverB]

I have used the SilverStar bulbs for several years. Now installed in both my Mercedes sedans - W123 & W124 - as well as our Mazda RX8 and my motorscooter and classic Yamaha XS400. The SilverStar "Ultra" version is brighter, better beam pattern and lasts longer. I cannot speak to the HID conversion kits - no experience with those, although some friends have done the conversion on their motorscooters. Never had a SilverStar bulb burn out and my first set is now in use in my motorscooter, moved from the W124 when I replaced them with the Ultra version. HID conversions will be a little brighter but I didn't want to get fiddly with the wiring. Actually, HIDs only use more amps at fire up. After that, IIRC, they only consume 35 watts compared with the 55 watts of conventional bulbs.

You can find the SilverStar Ultras on sale for less than the usual $50/pair. They will make an improvement.

BTW, comments such as "I don't see anything wrong with the stock bulbs at night, they're bright enough for me." are really meaningless and not very helpful as night vision differs widely from person to person. As far as waste goes, it is better to waste a pair of stock bulbs and improve your night vision.

[raybones]

Originally Posted by The Rigger

If that's a concern, use the OEM headlamp wiring to control relays, and connect the primary wires of the ballasts directly to the battery.

I have the Smart Madness HID 4300°K conversion in my dipped-beams, and have had for over a year so far without any trouble at all, powered through the OEM wiring. They are definitely *BRIGHT*; they make the SilverStars in my main-beams look sickly and yellow by comparison.

(I won't put HIDs in my main-beams; too many hot restrikes and they'd be history.)

What are u referring to when you say "dipped beams"?

[smarticus]

"dipped beams" = low beams