Headlight bulb upgrade

[Bustwell]

Has anyone upgraded their standard headlight bulbs to the likes of Osram night breakers which claim to increase light bu up to 90% or Philips Extreme power with increases to 80%

Are they a worthy upgrade?

[Komenda]

I've got Osram Silverstars and they are as bright as I need them to be, definately worth the money. Not sure about the high power ones, heard some horror stories involving burned light covers.

[ccaasjf]

Hiya

The Osram Silverstars, which ones fit the GTI? Checked there site and GTI not listed.

Thanks
Si

[Bustwell]

I've got Osram Silverstars and they are as bright as I need them to be, definately worth the money. Not sure about the high power ones, heard some horror stories involving burned light covers.

Did you go from stock bulbs to the silverstars?  Was there a big improvement?

[Komenda]

Hiya

The Osram Silverstars, which ones fit the GTI? Checked there site and GTI not listed.

Thanks
Si

You need 4 H7 bulbs 2 dipped 2 main 

[ccaasjf]

Hiya

Ok, am i being thick but somes sites describe these as Zenon bulbs? Are they suitable for the normal stock lights, or are there ones for stock and ones for zenons?

Si

[Komenda]

Hiya

Ok, am i being thick but somes sites describe these as Zenon bulbs? Are they suitable for the normal stock lights, or are there ones for stock and ones for zenons?

Si

Here is a link to the site that I got mine from. I bought the ones at the top of the list and they are suitable for stock lights. Any of these bulbs are suitable.

http://www.xenondirect.com/home.php?cat=261

Did you go from stock bulbs to the silverstars?  Was there a big improvement?

Yep mine had stock bulbs. The new ones give off a pure white light instead of the dingy yellow light which is brighter.

[Moos3h]

Xenon (note the X) is the type of gas used inside the bulb, and generally gives a slightly whiter light and more perceived output over Halogen.

I'd really recommend the Halfords Super Brilliance ones that are on buy one, get one free - they make a big difference and are easily as good as the other 'premium' bulbs I've tried.

The most crucial thing is that you stick within the standard wattage.  Don't be tempted to run higher wattage bulbs - all this will acheive on a modern car is melted lenses, reflectors or water ingress due to higher temperatures melting the sealant.

Also, you'll blind people, irritate others on the road and fail your MOT

Cheers,
James

[fliptophead]

What of these are actually "legal"

What actually makes you fail the MOT? ( not that I have to worry about that for > 2 years)

I didnt get the option to get Xenons , as it was a car at the dealer that somebody had specced and then couldnt buy.

[k4ith]

going to check my engine bay today, but i remember the MK4 golf was a nightmare to change to bulbs, you needed to have tiny wee ambi-dex hands to get at them, hope the mk5 aint the same :embarassed: