Questions regarding headlights...

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Brian 111

The Osram bulb is the same temperature as the OEM bulb (about 3200K, but it is 50% brighter. The Silverstar bulb runs at 4000K, but is only 30% brighter than OEM. I found this on a couple of sites that sell both.

It can be confusing when talking "Osram" and "SilverStar". The Osram SilverStars are the European versions of the bulbs - they are not necessarily 50% brighter than OEM bulbs - they are 50% brighter then the minimum allowed standard bulb. But they are in fact significantly brighter than the OEM bulbs. The Osram SilverStars are the maximum legal brightness.

The "Sylvania SilverStars" are the American version of the bulbs. Osram bought out Sylvania a few years back, and market bulbs in the US under the Sylvania name. The difference between the Sylvania and the Osram SilverStars is huge. The Sylvania bulbs are blue tinted (for the ricer image that sells in the US). The actual light output is less than the Osrams (and probably the OEM bulbs) but they have the "cool" blue color if you are after the image. The Sylvania SilverStars also do not last very long due to the higher heat caused by the blue tinting.

Osram also sells a SilverStar +80%, that is brighter than the standard Osram SilverStars, but I would expect the life time to be shorter.

[ChrisB]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

Osram also sells a SilverStar +80%, that is brighter than the standard Osram SilverStars, but I would expect the life time to be shorter.

The +80 is a 65W bulb (versus the standard 55W). They might work OK, but I would be concerned about whether the extra heat produced could be handled by the projector housing.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by ChrisB

The +80 is a 65W bulb (versus the standard 55W). They might work OK, but I would be concerned about whether the extra heat produced could be handled by the projector housing.

That' why I bought the regular Osram SilverStar... Just thought I'd mention that it exists...

[CALtd]

Is there an US online outlet for the Osram Superstars that you would recommend? The 1st 2 pages of search results are all in the UK.

[ChrisB]

Originally Posted by CALtd

Is there an US online outlet for the Osram Superstars that you would recommend? The 1st 2 pages of search results are all in the UK.

Never done business with them and don't know anything about their reputation:
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html

[Brian 111]

I found www.suvlights.com to be a very informative site, with links to the manufacturers. Haven't bought anything from them, though.

My girlfriend replaced the lights in her new Honda Pilot with Sylvania Silverstars, and they were much whiter, didn't seem blue like rice bulbs. She thought they were brighter too; she has to wear glasses to drive.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by ChrisB

The +80 is a 65W bulb (versus the standard 55W). They might work OK, but I would be concerned about whether the extra heat produced could be handled by the projector housing.

I have the 65 W bulbs, and there is no issue with the extrea heat. I've driven extended periods with the high beams on and the housing is just fine.

[peck555]

I got the HID lowbeams,and high beams,I've got 3200 miles and I've hardly used the high beams(but then again I hardly ever have the chance to in the densely populated area in which I live).The HID's are fantastic,I can always see where I'm going,and people in bigger cars(all other cars )can see me.

[raggedy1]

Originally Posted by CALtd

Is there an US online outlet for the Osram Superstars that you would recommend? The 1st 2 pages of search results are all in the UK.

got mine through eBay

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by CALtd

Is there an US online outlet for the Osram Superstars that you would recommend? The 1st 2 pages of search results are all in the UK.

Here's a thread that I started last November: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7549. Several other people have bought the bulbs from Peter and I haven't heard any complaints. No interest, yadda, yadda, yadda, just got a good deal and good service from him...

[Fusion]

thx for the feedback guys.

i too didnt really like the Sylvania SilverStars that was fitted on my isuzu vehicross. being blueish (not the light itself but mostly the whole housing/reflector when not turn on) and not lasting. switched to PIAAs instead but still not much diff except they lasted much longer.

looking for the best outcome since its gonna be the same amt of work... almost.
just changing bulbs would be easier to maintain than HIDs if anything fails in the future. but do like the pure white ~4500k light better than ~3000+k light output.

plus i think i'm getting lazy in a way these days... having to lift a car up just to change bulbs... i rather be drivin it.
its like great sex... just cant get enuf of... oops... can i say that in here?

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Fusion

plus i think I'm getting lazy in a way these days... having to lift a car up just to change bulbs...

You don't have to lift the car. You can remove the access panel in the wheel well with the car on the ground and the wheels on. Two plastic screws/inserts and one Phillips to remove the cover, then the three Allen head bolts to remove the headlight cover.

[Fusion]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

You don't have to lift the car. You can remove the access panel in the wheel well with the car on the ground and the wheels on. Two plastic screws/inserts and one Phillips to remove the cover, then the three Allen head bolts to remove the headlight cover.

did u do it that way? how was it? enuf room to work with?

i was thinking of liftin and have wheels remove for better work space and light.

[andykeck]

Originally Posted by Fusion

did u do it that way? how was it? enuf room to work with?

i was thinking of liftin and have wheels remove for better work space and light.

No need. There's all the room you need if you just turn the wheels to the outside.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by andykeck

No need. There's all the room you need if you just turn the wheels to the outside.

Well, you do have to use stubby screw drivers, but no big deal...

[Terminus]

Originally Posted by Fusion

Given the fact that the high beams are placed lower on a lower car, I would think that it has a lesser glare effect on oncoming traffic.

I have the factory driving lights and this is ABSOLUTELY not the case. The driving lights have a very wide dispersal pattern (great for twisties) in addition to sending a lot of the light way ahead of you high enough to briliantly light up roadsigns and markers 1/2mi or more down the road.
I would not want to be an oncoming car dealing with these lights pointed at me.

[Fusion]

Originally Posted by Terminus

I have the factory driving lights and this is ABSOLUTELY not the case. The driving lights have a very wide dispersal pattern (great for twisties) in addition to sending a lot of the light way ahead of you high enough to briliantly light up roadsigns and markers 1/2mi or more down the road.
I would not want to be an oncoming car dealing with these lights pointed at me.

i hear u. so u do have to turn the high beams on too in order for the driving lights to be turned on? or is it seperate?

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Fusion

i hear u. so u do have to turn the high beams on too in order for the driving lights to be turned on? or is it seperate?

Driving lamps are on only when high beams are on.

[Terminus]

Originally Posted by Fusion

i hear u. so u do have to turn the high beams on too in order for the driving lights to be turned on? or is it seperate?

As makes sense with a driving light (repeat after me, these are NOT fog lights), they come on only with the highs. You would never want these on if there was oncoming traffic.

[Fusion]

well in that case, driving light will definitely be out of the equation as i drivie alot in the city.

thx guys for the info.