are silverstars white or blue?

[aldive]

so are these silverstar bulbs very reliable?

also will they not blow out your stock headlight plug connectors?

Yes, very.

No.

 

[dannyb420]

They are OK for the standard socket, from what I hear, I bought the sylvania brand

 

[rome85CT]

ok sounds good, thanks guys

 

[celly]

so are these silverstar bulbs very reliable? also will they not blow out your stock headlight plug connectors? and more specifically i see they are made by sylvania, but there are different types, and im guessing the ones you are referring to are just the ones labeled "silverstar"?

There is a "Silverstar" brand marketed in Europe by "Osram" (Sylvania Europe for the most part). These are nothing like the North American version and are definitely "whiter" and supposed to be brighter than just about anything on the market. I read a ton of favourable posts in several newsgroups and other messageboards and was disappointed they weren't available in 9007 application. I scored a set that fit my fogs (H1) off eBay. I took them out because they looked a bit out of place because the lighting was definitely a different "colour" than the North American Silverstar headlights. (much whiter). Unfortunately, the Euro version of the Osram Silverstar headlights are not available in any application for Explorers.

Surprisingly, on a lot of the newsgroups I read about the North American Silverstars some time ago, a LOT of people complained about a short life of the headlights. I had some serious buyer's remorse after reading those threads not long after I installed my Stars. I was a bit wary because of all this bad press, but so far I've got decent life out of them. A lot of people claim the Sylvania Xtravision are actually a longer lasting and much brighter bulb than the Silverstars. They're also a lot cheaper. I have a set in reserve, but have yet to test that theory. In addition, the Xtravision are supposed to be more of a "conventional" colour like regular halogens, so the coolness factor is not there like with Silverstars.

I definitely agree that Silverstars are a bit whiter than conventional bulbs BUT I thought of this thread this weekend as I sat in the video store parking lot. I could see my lights shining back in the mirrored glass. There are two HID-equipped cars facing the same way, and a few other cars with what appear to be conventional bulbs. Let's just say, I stand by my earlier assessments above.

We're all entitled to our opinions. It's no different than those that steadfastly defended something as useless as "throttle body spacers" despite having ANY proof that they actually did anything. Well, I like the Stars, but they're definitely not a "seat of the pants" improvement to me.

 

[RayLCC]

As far as installing them, its pretty simple. just unplug and remove the plastic "retaining cap" around the bulb (it unscrews) and remove the old light. Install the new light in reverse and your set. Whatever you do, DON'T TOUCH THE BULB!!! The oils from your hands will get on the glass and mess it up. What actually happens depends on who you talk to, I have heard everything from it will make the bulb burn out faster to it will make the bulb explode, causing a hollywood style explosion engulfing your Explorer in flames as it rolls down a strategicly placed cliff. (well... maybe not that bad... but who wants to take a chance? These lights are expensive.) If you do accidentally touch the bulb I have been toled it can be cleaned with alcohol but I would wait for someone with more knowledge than me to confirm that before I tried it. Hope this helps.

 

[rome85CT]

ah thanks very much, hopefully the X would roll down the hill engulfed in flames, maybe the insurer will feel worse for me and give me more cash ahaha