Headlight Bulbs.

[les richards]

I drove my 993 at night for the first time last week "" I've only had it two years!

The nearside dipped beam looks a bit dim so I thought I might treat myself to some new bulbs and clean the lenses at the same time.

According to my handbook I need H1, 55W, P14.5E but looking on eBay most seem to be P14.5S. Could someone enlighten me as to the difference and, possibly, recommend a better replacement bulb, please?

I note from one of the Maurice's posts that he recommends the Osram Silverstar. Is this still the replacement of choice or has something better since emerged on the scene?

 

[Mark Elder]

Hi I've never come across the "P14.5?" part of the description before - perhaps I did not read the manual closely enough when I first needed to replace one. I just order H1 55w bulbs and all I have fitted have worked. I use Osram Nightbreakers. The Silverstars are good but Nightbreakers are fairly new (appeared about 18 months or so ago from memory) and they are very significantly brighter without using more watts or using any different technology.

 

[mmylonas]

I think everyone with a 993 is surprised at how poor the lights are - many of us upgraded do the HIDS system and I am sure there are several strings on here (or someone better informed and with more time could find a link and paste it on this thread). The difference is startlng - and much better than simply upgrading the bulbs. I was suppleid by HIDS4U (I think). Dreadful acronym but almost memorable and they supply a lot if us. Regards Michael

 

[les richards]

The handbook is back in the car so I cannot check at this exact moment but I recall that P14.5E referred to the socket, as if that were important in selecting the correct bulb. Perhaps I misread it but it would appear now that it's not that important. I note that on the Pelican/Porsche catalogue the bulbs are simply H1, not even the wattage given. I like the sound of the Osram Nightbreakers mentioned in one of the replies so may well give them a try, ignoring the specifics of the 'socket' information, and just ask for H1/55W to fit the 993! On a different tack now, how is the gaiter on the gear shift removed, please? It seems to be well secured all around the edge where it meets the centre console.

 

[T911UK]

Les, the gearshift just unclips, you need to push down on the leather, it can be a bit hard if it hasnt been removed before, just use your thumb and middle finger and push down

 

[day1zero]

I have completed the HID upgrade a fairly simple job for even my sausage fingers!!!!....no problems with MOT post fitment and the transformation is amazing !!!!! The original lights are pretty poor...... Would be interested to see what you went for ???

 

[sue11sam]

I use the Silverstars on main beam, as I have litronics, also use them to replace bulbs on the driving/fog lights, this is also a good addition to overall lighting. I leave them on at all times when the headlights are on, and my overall lighting is very good. I do appreciate that not all you guys have driving lights, and that strictly speaking the use of the driving lights is not legal for use all the time. Also uprated the side lights which is also useful []

 

[les richards]

Thanks for the replies concerning the bulbs and gaiter. I guess I will go down the route of the Nightbreakers; haven't tried the gaiter removal yet. Regarding the P14.5E reference it's on page 90 in the handbook - hopefully I've attached a scan to this message - but it seems from the responses here that it is of little or no significance when buying replacement bulbs. Just seems odd that Porsche would give this information to the owner/driver if it were meaningless! Thanks again.

 

[matthewb]

I suggest having a look at [link=http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=665271]http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=665271[/link] regarding replacement bulbs. I think they're pretty good. Matthew

 

[les richards]

Thanks Matthew, will do.