Anyone using Euro-spec Osram (NOT Sylvania) lights?

AutoZone has a sale on Sylvania SilverStars, and I almost bought some yesterday. Then I discovered Osram sells an entirely different bulb in Europe (50% more light than standard vs. 30% increase with SilverStars). But those bulbs are marketed as H1, H4 and H7, and I don't know what an American-spec Explorer would take. I can't find any specs on the wattage, but one online vendor claims they are "standard wattage - the extra light output is due to the use of xenon gas" (I have no idea whether "standard wattage" refers to European or American vehicles)

Is anyone using Euro-spec Osram SilverStars in their Explorer? I'm guessing these bulbs would require a new harness. I wonder if they would fry the headlamp housing...

 

[xlt-sport]

sorry.


i am a retard/returd

 

[Rob Slade]

Those are actually H1 bulbs on the link, but eBay is a source for some imported bulbs, the only downside is the additional shipping cost.

You can get H4 Osram Silverstars +50%'s at powerbulbs.com at the current exchange rate price of US$27.95 for a pair and shipping is free.

Autolamps-online.com also has the H4 GE Megalight +60% for $27.99 a pair, and is having a "buy one pair, get a second pair at 50% off" promotion. Shipping is free.

For $11 though, the Sylvania XtraVisions might be the best choice for a replacement bulb for most US DOT-spec headlamps, both in price and performance.

Awesome, thanks

 

[Rob Slade]

Hey XLT-Sport

I see you have HIR upgrades. I have a set of HIR H3 bulbs in my IPF Driving lights. How are you liking them? I LOVE mine! They are amazing!

(Sorry for the thread hijack)

 

[xlt-sport]

they have to be seen, they are incredible.

what are 'ipf fog lights'?

do you get flashed?

'seems' like they'd glare like a ***** in fogs

 

[Rob Slade]

IPF is a company that makes Aux. Lights. The ones I have are the IPF 900 MSR driving lights. The are kinda expensive, but totally worth it!

Here they are:
http://www.4by4connection.com/900dddrivlig.html

 

[Anime]

The "HIR" bulbs are another gimmick. The claims of producing the brightness of higher wattage bulbs is just marketing. In driving lights, regular 100W H3 bulbs would probably do just as well, and cost the same as 55W H3's, a few bucks. Even the best 130W H3 rally bulbs only cost $8-15. Beware of bulbs marketed as "like HID" or those costing 3-4 times as much as a regular halogen- they are just cosmetic items.

 

[Rob Slade]

The "HIR" bulbs are another gimmick. The claims of producing the brightness of higher wattage bulbs is just marketing. In driving lights, regular 100W H3 bulbs would probably do just as well, and cost the same as 55W H3's, a few bucks. Even the best 130W H3 rally bulbs only cost $8-15. Beware of bulbs marketed as "like HID" or those costing 3-4 times as much as a regular halogen- they are just cosmetic items.

You have obviously never used/heard of the HIR type bulbs. They aren't fake HID bulbs, they are a real technology patented by General Electric. You could argue the 100 watt bulb thing, but not only are you drawing more amps from your alternator/battery, but are creating much more heat. Since there is more heat, the bulbs don't last as long. HIR's are the real deal. All I can say is to experience them for yourself.

 

[Anime]

I've heard of and seen the HIR bulbs, but currently the GE HIR technology is mostly found in commercial and domestic applications such as interior and flood lamps, with some automotive applications such as newer 9011 & 9012 series headlight bulbs. The H3 HIR bulbs that IPF markets and sells are similar technology, but aren't really a drop-in replacement H3 bulb that works better in standard halogen lamps designed for a H3 bulb. Most reviews on the web report the bulbs are a poor value for the price, with the results more like using superwhite bulbs than 130W high-wattage bulbs. Custom-made housings, reflectors, and lenses designed just for the HIR H3's might do well, but for the price, superior quality halogen lamp kits with high-effeciency or just high-wattage H2 & H3 bulbs do better.

 

[xlt-sport]

i have the hir's and they are NOT some bs gimmick.

at least a +90% in 9012 and differing info on 9011, +55%- +75%

they are awesome, the '02-'05 headlights are quite decent anyway.

i had never seen or heard of a hir h3 though.

i'm curious what they look like...

http://www.bmwz.org/articles/lighting/0506trick/

 

[Rob Slade]

i have the hir's and they are NOT some bs gimmick.

at least a +90% in 9012 and differing info on 9011, +55%- +75%

they are awesome, the '02-'05 headlights are quite decent anyway.

i had never seen or heard of a hir h3 though.

i'm curious what they look like...

http://www.bmwz.org/articles/lighting/0506trick/

Go to my webshots link in my signature and I have pictures of the bulbs and output.