Xenon replacement bulbs

[matthewb]

Hi all

I currently use H1 Philips Blue Vision bulbs - they give a claimed 30% more light than standard bulbs and they have a blue tint. I've been fairly happy with them over the last 5 years.

But I've just seen this on the AutoBulbs website - H1 Ring XENON Ultima 120% 55W (Pair) - and wondered if anyone has any thoughts.

They claim 120% more light than standard bulbs. I found this video on the SimpleMotoring website - it seems quite convincing.

Certainly, the idea of not having to wire-in a proper HID unit but still getting 120% more light, is tempting.

I guess using these new bulbs is OK for both high-beam and dipped-beam?

 

[Mark Elder]

I agree - they do look interesting. I've already done the HID switch on the dipped beam but these might be good for the main beam. I'm currently running the +90% "night breakers" and they are a lot better than standard bulbs.

 

[Stewart Rix]

I used those blue vision bulbs for a while and was v disappointed with them. The blue tint seemed to cut the light thrown down the road so I went back to standard bulbs for full beam. In fact it was hard to tell I had full beam as my hid dipped beams are so good. Interested which bulbs folks recommend though.

 

[scaramanga]

ORIGINAL: matthewb
But I've just seen this on the AutoBulbs website - H1 Ring XENON Ultima 120% 55W (Pair) - and wondered if anyone has any thoughts.

They look great and I'd be tempted to replace my HIDs out for these as I've never been 100% comfortable with the ballast squished into the headlamp housing.

Please let us know how you get on if you order these.

 

[944s2]

There is a thread on Pistonheads where police are clamping down on these bulbs in standard reflectors

 

[scaramanga]

Interesting. Assume no issues in the 993 projector unit ?

 

[Stewart Rix]

ORIGINAL: scaramanga

Interesting. Assume no issues in the 993 projector unit ?

The projector lens is designed to use HIDs so no issue from that perspective. If your beams are properly aligned there is no reason for "the police to clamp down" on them. If the reference is to HIDs, well I've been through 12 MOTs (with several different testing stations) with mine and they have never been queried.
Scaramanga, you must be certifiable thinking about going back to standard bulbs []

 

[944s2]

FYI

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=10&t=1079568

And

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps.html

 

[matthewb]

Thanks Dougie but those links seem to refer to after-market HIDs.

The bulbs I am referring to are xenon but are not HID.

M

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: 944s2

FYI

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=10&t=1079568

And

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps.html

Oh dear - shame idiots spoil it for the rest of us. In a 993 HIDs actually create a quite well focused beam - indeed I've never been flashed by an oncoming driver. They are a huge road safety improvement.

However it is true that there are more and more cars around with obviously dubious reflectors shining HID light in all directions.

Anyone know any more about the "new MOT from January" - I assume it is going to do more stringent beam testing - but is it actually going to look for the E type mark on the back of the headlamp unit? (I doubt that!).

 

[944s2]

Are Xenon and HID bulbs effectively the same thing bulbs which produce a light source the headlamp is not designed for?

The conversion kits only convert headlamp by adding an HID Xenon bulb as opposed to replacing complete headlamp unit

Anything that stops the blue/white glare from badly set or wrong bulbs in headlights I'm all for

 

[Mark Elder]

Dougie,
I think these "xenon" lamps Matthew posted on are not same as HIDs. They use a filament, like most "normal" bulbs and just use xenon gas to prevent ignition. They are not "discharge" lamps that create a completely different shape of light source. But who knows what the MOT man will think if they see a shade of blue!

 

[matthewb]

Hi all

Well, I've given these bulbs (H1 Ring XENON Ultima +120% Headlamp Bulb 55W) a good test over winter and they are pretty darn good.

• Dipped beam - much better distance and peripheral.
• Full beam - pretty amazing.

Not as good as HIDs, sure, but still great compared to standard bulbs and you don't have to re-wire the car.

Cheers
Matthew

 

[Mike M]

Regarding the MOT, there is a deviation written for certain sports cars with stiffened suspension and small luggage compartmentss. The problem with HID's appears to be their use in cars wich do not have self adjusting beams; therefore when the car is fully occupied or with full luggage the beam angle can be changed; hence the requirement for self levelling units. I can only assume 'sports suspension' or restricted luggage compartments restricts the affect of beam angle change! This deviation is for interpritation by the testor and I would assume most testors wouldn't know if the 993 was meant to have HID or not, if it was picked up you could push the deviation. A number of MOT posts have raised their heads and to date I'm not aware of any Porsche owner being failed due to HID's. I would imagine the test centres are paying more attention to the boygirl racer brigade!

 

[matthewb]

Thanks Mike

The bulbs to which I refer are not HIDs - they use a filament like "normal" bulbs and just use xenon gas to prevent ignition. They are not "discharge" HID bulbs. But they are very bright in comparison to "normal" filament bulb!!

 

[scaramanga]

ORIGINAL: matthewb


Well, I've given these bulbs (H1 Ring XENON Ultima +120% Headlamp Bulb 55W) a good test over winter and they are pretty darn good.

• Dipped beam - much better distance and peripheral.
• Full beam - pretty amazing.

Not as good as HIDs, sure, but still great compared to standard bulbs and you don't have to re-wire the car.

Do these 55w bulbs cause issues of cables over-heating/etc ?

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: scaramanga

ORIGINAL: matthewb


Well, I've given these bulbs (H1 Ring XENON Ultima +120% Headlamp Bulb 55W) a good test over winter and they are pretty darn good.

• Dipped beam - much better distance and peripheral.
• Full beam - pretty amazing.

Not as good as HIDs, sure, but still great compared to standard bulbs and you don't have to re-wire the car.

Do these 55w bulbs cause issues of cables over-heating/etc ?

The question is still worth asking, but I think the standard bulbs are 55watt.

 

[matthewb]

Absolutely Mark.

That's my point - they're the same power (i.e. 55W) as standard filament bulbs but you get more light (120% more, apparently).

Because they're the same power as standard filament bulbs, you do not need to worry about overheating and/or re-wiring. They're a straight swap.

M

 

[scaramanga]

Great! Thank you both. Now just need to decide which bulbs to go for!

 

[dickbishop]

PIAA do a range of replacements bulbs, has anyone tried them? Currently I am using Ring replacements 100% light increase which have been good over the last 2 years.

Dick

1996 Silver C4S