Headlight Bulbs

[Fidgits]

Hi,

I have a UK spec (C16) '98 996 C2 and have noticed the lights arent up to much on the dark back roads (non Xenon)

I was hoping to be able to get a higher wattage main lights - but does anyone know the type and wattage of the standard bulbs? And what you can go to for a bright light while staying legal?

[claudiu]

Hi,

I have a UK spec (C16) '98 996 C2 and have noticed the lights arent up to much on the dark back roads (non Xenon)

I was hoping to be able to get a higher wattage main lights - but does anyone know the type and wattage of the standard bulbs? And what you can go to for a bright light while staying legal?

You are right, the usual lights are not great, but I don't know of a solution. Hopefully now that you've raised the question in this forum I'll benefit as well (2000 C4).

[Fidgits]

well, on my last car I just bought some X-white bulbs from Japan - okay not 100% legal (not EU approved) but made such a difference...

I just need the type/wattaged etc of the standard lights to try and find brighter bulbs (and know if there is any melting issue with the headlights?)

[Ahsai]

I use PIAA xtreme white plus (same wattage as the standard) in my other cars and they're great. They're DOT approved so they're legal in the US, not sure about in EU.

Philips Vision Plus claims to produce 50% more light but have not tried it personally. Not sure about UK spec'ed cars but in US, '99 uses H7 55W for low beam.

- Ahsai

[claudiu]

I use PIAA xtreme white plus (same wattage as the standard) in my other cars and they're great. They're DOT approved so they're legal in the US, not sure about in EU.

Philips Vision Plus claims to produce 50% more light but have not tried it personally. Not sure about UK spec'ed cars but in US, '99 uses H7 55W for low beam.

- Ahsai

Thanks for your help!

[BjornH]

I use PIAA xtreme white plus (same wattage as the standard) in my other cars and they're great. They're DOT approved so they're legal in the US, not sure about in EU.

Philips Vision Plus claims to produce 50% more light but have not tried it personally. Not sure about UK spec'ed cars but in US, '99 uses H7 55W for low beam.

- Ahsai

Thanks for your help!

I had the same "problem" in my -99 Carrera 4. Switching to Philips premium bulbs made a big difference. I choose "Vision Plus" for high beam and "NightGuide" for dipped beam. H7 55W all around.

Another tip is Philips GT150 "PowerNight".

The "Night Guide" has differentiated color for left and right. I don´t know if there is a version available for LH traffic. The theory is: Left side - yellow, for less glare for oncoming trafic. Right side - blue, for better reading of signs. It works.

Philips topped the first five places in a bulb test published in the swedish Auto Motor & Sport last year. Test ranking below.

Place and Average light strength

1. Philips GT150 PowerNight 100%

2. Philips Vision Plus 96%

3. Philips NightGuide 95%

4. Philips Premium 93%

5. Philips Blue Vision (blue) 88%

6. Ring Xenon Plus 30% 87%

7. Philips Long Life 86%

8. GE Megalight plus 50% 82%

9. Osram Silverstar 50% 81%

10.Osram Standard 79%

11.Philips Silver Vision (blue) 79%

12.GE Standard 76%

13.Osram All season (yellow) 74%

...............

17.Osram Cool Blue (blue) 64%

And no, I´m not affiliated with Philips in any way... :)

Edited October 4, 2006 by BjornH

[viper501]

Be careful with any overwattage bulbs. Prior owner of my car browned the pass. side and started melting the driver's side (not bad, just noticable) with overwatt bulbs.