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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > Replaced Halogen, bulb review



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      10-09-2012, 02:56 AM   #1
Dizzle
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Post Replaced Halogen, bulb review

So I wanted to swap the Halogen H7 bulbs out because the standard ones were poo, doesn't help that I had Xenons on my last E90, but in the rain you couldn't even tell they were on.

Swapping them out was 'interesting', my hands just weren't small enough until a quick google revealed a removable panel in the wheel arch used to access the light unit, that'll teach me to

After much research I got my shortlist down to three bulbs, Osram NightBreakers (claim 90% light improvement), Ring Ultima Xenons (claim 120% light improvement) and Philips X-Treme Power (claim 100% light improvement) I wanted more light for safer driving at night and in the rain and a slightly whiter look, not blue though. I've experiences the Osram NightBreakers before, they give off quite a crisp light and when I had my e46 it was literally night and day difference over standard, I still have this set fitted to the missus' Mini and considering the light output claims I thought I'd take a punt on the Ring Ultimas. So enough typing lets see some pics......

On the Left, Standard Halogen, the right shows Ring Ultima Xenon

To be honest its more noticeable in person, certainly a whiter look and a definite improvement on light output, more noticeable in the rain and such. I tired my best to capture and compare light output, bear in mind this was in (dull) daylight, Top is AFTER fitting, the bottom is BEFORE fitting, with the standard halogens (car/bins haven't moved)

....not the best image but there is some conclusion, the ring bulbs are more intense and defined.

For £15 I'm chuffed and think I've made the right purchase, would be interesting to compare like for like Ring to the Osram which I plan to do in a few weeks. Thought I'd share as me being me it took a few weeks to decide what bulb to try lol, mostly because it was hard to find comparison threads such as this
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      10-09-2012, 03:05 AM   #2
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I had Ring ultima xenon bulbs in my old mk5 Gti, I found them very good and also intend on putting them into my e90 when I get round to it, you've done me a favour actually and reminded me, must get round to it at the weekend.
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      10-09-2012, 03:19 AM   #3
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Ideally I'd like some whiter side lights now to match.... but the 'xenon' effect ones give out really poor light, I was thinking about some LED ones with the wiring harness circa £20 all in but my ideal solution would be to get some LCI units
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      10-09-2012, 03:24 AM   #4
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A lot of people don't realise that all halogen bulbs are not made equal.

Sure there are the pretend xenon bulbs but if what you want is more light on the road to see where you are going rather than something that looks pretty then these high end bulbs by the big manufacturers cannot be beaten
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      10-09-2012, 04:16 AM   #5
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is there any negative impact on using these? e.g. to achieve the extra light output, do they put greater strain on the wiring or draw more current through the system.

I had heard rumours of these types of bulbs causing issue with wiring.
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      10-09-2012, 04:20 AM   #6
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Only if you buy bulbs > 55W which are illegal anyway. These bulbs are 55W as per OEM but just of a higher quality. Beats me why proper xenons aren't standard.
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      10-09-2012, 04:23 AM   #7
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i had xenons on my E46 but only Halogens on my E90.. which is annoying!

I take it these bulbs are for the dipped lights?
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      10-09-2012, 04:26 AM   #8
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They're H7 bulbs so you can use for either.
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      10-09-2012, 04:27 AM   #9
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so you need four in total then?
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      10-09-2012, 04:39 AM   #10
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Nice!
I have activated Day-time running lights on my car, so mine are always on and I had both bulbs go within a matter of weeks of each other.
Replaced them with standard bulbs, and like you say in the Rain these really are lacking.

I read about the Night breakers not lasting very long. Which kinda puts me off.

For £15 I may just have to get a set!
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      10-09-2012, 04:43 AM   #11
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Nice!
I have activated Day-time running lights on my car, so mine are always on and I had both bulbs go within a matter of weeks of each other.
Replaced them with standard bulbs, and like you say in the Rain these really are lacking.

I read about the Night breakers not lasting very long. Which kinda puts me off.

For £15 I may just have to get a set of the lights.

In this lovely weather we have been having, have you noticed a big difference?
Driving home in the rain the other night I had to double check my lights where even on for all the difference they where making!
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      10-09-2012, 04:47 AM   #12
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worth noting though, that all the reading ive just done (in the last 30 mins lol) suggests that the lifespan of these enhanced bulbs is less.

to quote blade runner "the light that shines twice as bright, shines half as long, and you have shined so very brightly"

So perhaps take that into account when replacing them. Perhaps putting them on mainbeam where they will be used less often?
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      10-09-2012, 05:21 AM   #13
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I used Philips Extreme on my last 2 cars, they lasted years & I never had to replace any, although I didn't have them permanently lit as DRLs

As a comparison, I installed good quality (expensive) aftermarket dip beam HIDs in the my last car & one side lasted just over a year and cost a fortune to replace compared to the Philips bulbs, which can be bought for about £20 pair. I've repaced all 4 BMW headlight bulbs with them & find them a great improvement & not a lot worse than the HIDs
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      10-09-2012, 05:45 AM   #14
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I just fitted a pair of Philips Ex-Treme to the Wife's SLK on the dipped beams and the improvement is huge. And only £19.50 per pair delivered from Amazon. Highly recommend them.

They came out top in the Auto express test and I can see why. No pun intended
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      10-09-2012, 06:04 AM   #15
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On Amazon which version of the Philips X-tremes should I buy for my E90 ? Thank you
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      10-09-2012, 07:01 AM   #16
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Looks like H7 for dipped and main.
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      10-09-2012, 07:18 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by creepy coupe View Post
Looks like H7 for dipped and main.
All 4 bulbs were the same on my LCI e90, all H7s as above
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      10-09-2012, 10:57 AM   #18
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I replaced my standard H7's with Phillips Extreme bulbs a month or so back. They certainly made a worthwhile difference. Was going to take before and after photos as well but if I'm honest I forgot!
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      10-09-2012, 11:37 AM   #19
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For the bulb experts out there. Can someone point out which one of the two bulbs (numbered 1&2) in the diagram below, lights the Angel-eyes. Cheers.
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      10-09-2012, 11:41 AM   #20
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Check these out: http://************/8q2ca4n

They look to be the correct ones



Cyprio:

No 2 is just a standard headlight bulb as above

No 1 looks like an HID bulb
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      10-09-2012, 11:44 AM   #21
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Aahh so it's the H7 then.

edit.
oops - sorry, I mean H8.

Last edited by Cyprio; 10-09-2012 at 11:51 AM..
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      10-09-2012, 02:08 PM   #22
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Is it an easy diy job to swap them???


Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyprio View Post
Aahh so it's the H7 then.

edit.
oops - sorry, I mean H8.
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