[mcldan10]

Hi, I saw in a shop this week 80w intense white lights. I don't have Xenon and the standard lights are pretty dim. I have tried the Philips Vision Plus but they don't make that much difference. Any ideas on whether the wiring will cope with 80w bulbs?

TIA

[Goonery]

Should'nt be a problem, but I've got a theory about the lights, Which is:
It does'nt matter how many watts you have, the design of the lamps reflectors and focussing is the key.
Basically I've tried 60, 80 and 100w bulbs, the 100's melted the silver reflectors of the lamp unit, but ther wiring was fine.
The 80's gave a brighter light, but still did'nt penetrate more than the 60's that came with the car.
I think the lamp design has been a problem since day one, it wo'nt matter what wattage you put in, the coverage forward on the road will be pretty much the same., Mikey will doubtless disagree as he is a lighting guru, but I've never got different bulbs to make an appreciable difference..

[KenL]

Goonery - Do you think the new lights design for the facelifted model will improve things? I too am disappointed with the lights and have Philips Vision Plus in them too. I wasn't impressed with the Xenons on a courtesy car either.

[mcldan10]

Thanks for the reply Goonery. When I put Philips Vision Plus in my old car it did make a difference so your answer sounds completley feasible and I think i'll just stick with standard. I would be gutted if I had paid the extra for Xenon and they were poor as well

[Goonery]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL

Goonery - Do you think the new lights design for the facelifted model will improve things? I too am disappointed with the lights and have Philips Vision Plus in them too. I wasn't impressed with the Xenons on a courtesy car either.

The redesign may well have more than just a styling effect, can't say that I'm very close to the lighting people, but I'll ask and see what is said.

[dannboymalinga]

I have just replaced the original bulbs with Osram Silverstar (both hi and lo beams) and I am now much happier with the visibility. These bulbs are still 55w but claim to be 50% brighter giving an extra 20 metres range. They certainly seem to be an improvement. Incidentally I got them at a cheap price from a Citroen dealers spares dept!

[elbee]

I just wanted to chime in about the Xenons. They don't really do too much to illuminate a dark road but they do make a tremendous difference when there is an object on the road i.e. leaves, a dog, uneven roads, etc. I found that it took some 'training' so I could acclimate to them. They do have a distinct cut-off line of where the light ends. Typically it's okay but there are a few roads that I frequent with some hills and I really dislike the way the light ends when you're at the crest or valley of some of the inclines.

Just my $.02.

[zgokart]

Quote: Originally Posted by dannboymalinga

I have just replaced the original bulbs with Osram Silverstar (both hi and lo beams) and I am now much happier with the visibility. These bulbs are still 55w but claim to be 50% brighter giving an extra 20 metres range. They certainly seem to be an improvement. Incidentally I got them at a cheap price from a Citroen dealers spares dept!

_________________
I, too, have read that the Osrams are better than the stock 55w. bulbs. However, I agree with Goonery that the design of the reflectors is the main thing that determines how bright your lights are. One lighting guru downplayed the Phillips Vision Plus and the Sylvania (but do get the German version which is Osram).

The trouble with the higher output lamps is that they generate more heat and, as mentioned, could cause premature failure of the lamp. I'd stick with the Osram 55w.

[mikeythemini]

Only just spotted this one Goonery
Which reflectors did you melt, dip or main??
I have been using lucas 100w in my main (full) beam for over a year no probs but if you were using them in dip then I suppose they are on for long periods.
I have been selling the osrams latley & having good results

[punkeyfunky]

Er... just a minor point...

Isn't there a legal limit on the wattage of bulbs used in cars? 55w dipped and 65w main.

-Lee aka PunkeyFunkyt

[Harpo]

I'm running with Silverstars throughout, and they most certainly do not possess a 'wow' factor.

I not convinced that they provide a significant increase in brightness. Slight perhaps, but not significant.

[speacock]

I ordered a set of Osram 65W +80% bulbs from suvlights for my main beams since they were the same price as the 55W +50% and a 10% increase in power/heat should still be within design specs. The light output difference is noticable but I wouldn't call it a dramatic difference.

Sean

[maxdude]

Got some Ring Sportz Blue off ebay for £22, they r 80w and quite an intense white light. Much improved and look fab. However, they are advertised as for off road use only!!

[zgokart]

Quote: Originally Posted by speacock

I ordered a set of Osram 65W +80% bulbs from suvlights for my main beams since they were the same price as the 55W +50% and a 10% increase in power/heat should still be within design specs. The light output difference is noticable but I wouldn't call it a dramatic difference.

Sean

___________________
The person whom I have a lot of confidence in, lighting guru Daniel Stern, recommends the Osram 65w ultra high output and I'm getting a pair for $19 each. It's a killer lamp, he says.

[Bilbo Baggins]

One of the most important things about lighting is how they are aimed. My MCS has the Xenons and factory fogs. I was very un-impressed with the both lights and wished that I had not wasted the money on them after my fist few night drives.

Then I checked the factory aim of the lights and found that they were not even close to where they should be. After about an hour or so of fiddling with the adjustment there was a dramatic improvement. Then I checked to see that I was not blinding either oncoming traffic or cars that I was following by haveing my son in his car alternately approach me or allow me to follow him. All was well.

Now I am much happier that I purchased the optional lights because they really do make a difference.

For proper aiming see Daniel Stern's excellant article on the subject.