MINI2

carlh94 · Apr 8th, 2005, 05:32 PM

Zippy is fitted with the Xenon light option, but I believe this is only for the dipped beam.
Looking at the car when the main beam is on the light source for this beam has a distinct "yellow" tinge to it.
Is it easily possible to change out the main beam lights to, for example, Osram Silverstar?
If so, can anyone define the "preferred" wattage, and Model type. Are they H7 on the main beam bulbs?

mikeythemini · Apr 8th, 2005, 07:02 PM

You could use osram silverstar H7
Or I use Lucas 100w H7 (off road use only)

carlh94 · Apr 8th, 2005, 07:04 PM

Thanks, Mikey,
There is a dealer about 5 miles from home.
I'll go and get a couple today, and report the outcome.
Thanks for replying so promptly.

KevinR · Apr 8th, 2005, 07:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Or I use Lucas 100w H7 (off road use only)

Any problems with the wiring handling the heat & current generated by 100w bulbs?

mikeythemini · Apr 8th, 2005, 07:17 PM

Mine have been in for 2 years - no problems

MINNOW · Apr 9th, 2005, 04:25 AM

I bought the Osram Silverstar H7's from www.powerbulbs.com in the UK - fast, free shipping.
They are reputed to be brighter than the North American spec Sylvania Silverstars which have a blue coating for the "look" of HID's.
I am happy with the Osrams, and they actually were a bit cheaper than the locally sourced Sylvanias.

stellardude · Apr 10th, 2005, 07:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by carlh94

Zippy is fitted with the Xenon light option, but I believe this is only for the dipped beam.
Looking at the car when the main beam is on the light source for this beam has a distinct "yellow" tinge to it.
Is it easily possible to change out the main beam lights to, for example, Osram Silverstar?
If so, can anyone define the "preferred" wattage, and Model type. Are they H7 on the main beam bulbs?

Wait, you say you have the Xenons? If you are talking about the main beams, you will be unable to replace them with anything but a HID replacement light. If you are talking about the high beams, you can replace the lights with something.

carlh94 · Apr 11th, 2005, 01:06 PM

Sorry,
This is a matter of terminology!
It is a failure of being a "Brit" living in the US!
I will rephrase....The Low Beams ("Dipped") are Xenon, I know, and, naturally, they a great light intensity, colour (color) and spread.
The High Beams ("Brights" or "Main") are a halogen bulb, and although they are adequate, as they are augmented, or supplemented, by the Xenons, they are the ones that have a yellowish tinge.
So....It is these Halogen Bulbs that I intend to change.
One area that causes me a little concern is the two nomenclatures for the Silverstars. I note from the post from Minnow in Canada that they are marketed by both Osram and Sylvania, and the Silverstars that are available in the US are Sylvania. These are, according to Minnow, of a lower intensity and possess a "bluish" tinge. I don't want the "bluish" tinge when the lights are off.
Are Osram and Sylvania the same Company? It is surprising that two Companies have licensed (licenced) the same trade name.
Once again, please forgive the failing in transatlantic terminology! I have heard good things about Silverstars, but I just don't want a "blue" colour (color) showing through the lenses when the lights are "off".

MINNOW · Apr 11th, 2005, 09:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by carlh94

Once again, please forgive the failing in transatlantic terminology! I have heard good things about Silverstars, but I just don't want a "blue" colour (color) showing through the lenses when the lights are "off".

See www.danielsternlighting.com for more info.

carlh94 · Apr 12th, 2005, 12:39 AM

Thanks Minnow,
I actually saw this link over on NAM.
It is very enlightening, and pretty much spells out what to look for.

relbats · Apr 14th, 2005, 10:10 AM

I have taken the advice in this thread and fitted the above bulbs, next day delivery from PowerBulbs, the improvement is dramatic. Price £29.95/pair inc vat & delivery.
Why have BMW fitted crap bulbs?

Apr 8th, 2005, 05:32 PM	#1
carlh94 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 70 Offline	Silverstar Main Beams Zippy is fitted with the Xenon light option, but I believe this is only for the dipped beam. Looking at the car when the main beam is on the light source for this beam has a distinct "yellow" tinge to it. Is it easily possible to change out the main beam lights to, for example, Osram Silverstar? If so, can anyone define the "preferred" wattage, and Model type. Are they H7 on the main beam bulbs?

Apr 8th, 2005, 07:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
mikeythemini I can't get no sleep My Classifieds Join Date: May 2002 Location: Capital of Culture Local Time: 09:22 PM Posts: 9,237 Online	You could use osram silverstar H7 Or I use Lucas 100w H7 (off road use only) Lakes Tour 2008 coming soon Are you ready for Lakes 2008 - details soon

Apr 8th, 2005, 07:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
KevinR 2nd Year Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Georgia Local Time: 04:22 PM Posts: 83 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini Or I use Lucas 100w H7 (off road use only) Any problems with the wiring handling the heat & current generated by 100w bulbs? '04 MINI Cooper S Indi Blue/Black

Apr 8th, 2005, 07:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
mikeythemini I can't get no sleep My Classifieds Join Date: May 2002 Location: Capital of Culture Local Time: 09:22 PM Posts: 9,237 Online	Mine have been in for 2 years - no problems Lakes Tour 2008 coming soon Are you ready for Lakes 2008 - details soon

Apr 10th, 2005, 07:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
stellardude i'm the dude! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn Park, MN Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 55 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by carlh94 Zippy is fitted with the Xenon light option, but I believe this is only for the dipped beam. Looking at the car when the main beam is on the light source for this beam has a distinct "yellow" tinge to it. Is it easily possible to change out the main beam lights to, for example, Osram Silverstar? If so, can anyone define the "preferred" wattage, and Model type. Are they H7 on the main beam bulbs? Wait, you say you have the Xenons? If you are talking about the main beams, you will be unable to replace them with anything but a HID replacement light. If you are talking about the high beams, you can replace the lights with something. Only a surgeon can get rid of this smile. If you know the name of THIS SONG please PM me!

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

From bodykits to bonnet stripes, discuss them here

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Apr 8th, 2005, 07:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
carlh94 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 70 Offline	Thanks, Mikey, There is a dealer about 5 miles from home. I'll go and get a couple today, and report the outcome. Thanks for replying so promptly.

Apr 9th, 2005, 04:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
MINNOW Obsessive Not Compulsive Join Date: May 2004 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 395 Offline	I bought the Osram Silverstar H7's from www.powerbulbs.com in the UK - fast, free shipping. They are reputed to be brighter than the North American spec Sylvania Silverstars which have a blue coating for the "look" of HID's. I am happy with the Osrams, and they actually were a bit cheaper than the locally sourced Sylvanias.

Apr 11th, 2005, 01:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
carlh94 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 70 Offline	Sorry, This is a matter of terminology! It is a failure of being a "Brit" living in the US! I will rephrase....The Low Beams ("Dipped") are Xenon, I know, and, naturally, they a great light intensity, colour (color) and spread. The High Beams ("Brights" or "Main") are a halogen bulb, and although they are adequate, as they are augmented, or supplemented, by the Xenons, they are the ones that have a yellowish tinge. So....It is these Halogen Bulbs that I intend to change. One area that causes me a little concern is the two nomenclatures for the Silverstars. I note from the post from Minnow in Canada that they are marketed by both Osram and Sylvania, and the Silverstars that are available in the US are Sylvania. These are, according to Minnow, of a lower intensity and possess a "bluish" tinge. I don't want the "bluish" tinge when the lights are off. Are Osram and Sylvania the same Company? It is surprising that two Companies have licensed (licenced) the same trade name. Once again, please forgive the failing in transatlantic terminology! I have heard good things about Silverstars, but I just don't want a "blue" colour (color) showing through the lenses when the lights are "off".

Apr 11th, 2005, 09:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
MINNOW Obsessive Not Compulsive Join Date: May 2004 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 395 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by carlh94 Once again, please forgive the failing in transatlantic terminology! I have heard good things about Silverstars, but I just don't want a "blue" colour (color) showing through the lenses when the lights are "off". See www.danielsternlighting.com for more info.

Apr 12th, 2005, 12:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
carlh94 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois Local Time: 02:22 PM Posts: 70 Offline	Thanks Minnow, I actually saw this link over on NAM. It is very enlightening, and pretty much spells out what to look for.

Apr 14th, 2005, 10:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
relbats MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Local Time: 08:22 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Osram Silver Star H7 I have taken the advice in this thread and fitted the above bulbs, next day delivery from PowerBulbs, the improvement is dramatic. Price £29.95/pair inc vat & delivery. Why have BMW fitted crap bulbs?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Low beams adjusted correctly, but high beams are way off	BruceK	Faults & Fixes	39	Dec 17th, 2006 03:00 PM
High Beams Work but Low Beams Don't!	bmguser	Faults & Fixes	12	Jun 11th, 2006 12:09 PM
Aux lamp - wiring into main beams UPDATE	Dead Duck	Exterior	10	May 4th, 2005 03:47 PM
Osram Silverstar bulbs	Nameless	Exterior	1	Mar 29th, 2005 02:29 PM