R56 Any brighter bulb option for standard h.lights?
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
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Any brighter bulb option for standard h.lights?
My wife's been driving a loaner while her mini was in the shop. She thinks the BMW she had offered brighter headlights.
Are there replacement bulbs for the MINI that are brighter than factory?
Are there replacement bulbs for the MINI that are brighter than factory?
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
SilverStar
I too thought the lights on my 02 were a bit weak, so I changed the bulbs out with SilverStars. I was happy enuf that I changed out the lights in each of my other vehicles (except the classic)
I have not checked the '7 but GEN 1 used "H-7" bulbs, readily available at any auto parts store.
*Checked a web site and H7 is right for high and low beam on a non-xeon 07
I have not checked the '7 but GEN 1 used "H-7" bulbs, readily available at any auto parts store.
*Checked a web site and H7 is right for high and low beam on a non-xeon 07
Last edited by Capt_bj; Dec 21, 2007 at 03:03 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, Iowa
I too thought the lights on my 02 were a bit weak, so I changed the bulbs out with SilverStars. I was happy enuf that I changed out the lights in each of my other vehicles (except the classic)
I have not checked the '7 but GEN 1 used "H-7" bulbs, readily available at any auto parts store.
*Checked a web site and H7 is right for high and low beam on a non-xeon 07
I have not checked the '7 but GEN 1 used "H-7" bulbs, readily available at any auto parts store.
*Checked a web site and H7 is right for high and low beam on a non-xeon 07
I put Hella Optilux H7s in my 06. They are brighter and less yellow without being obnoxious. I think each set (high and low beams) cost me $20, so $40 to fix it was a cheap upgrade. I went with them because I have Hella Optilux driving lamps, so I wanted to match. I too have heard good things about the Silverstars as well.
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The R56 Mini Cooper uses H13 bulbs (check owner's manual), not H7. Also uses one bulb for high and low beam unlike the earlier Coopers that used separate bulbs. Websites have been posting the wrong info.
As recommended by Daniel Stern Lighting, I got a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs for my 2007 cooper with standard headlights. They are easy to replace (check owner's manual). Highly recommended and affordable mod ($40).
As recommended by Daniel Stern Lighting, I got a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs for my 2007 cooper with standard headlights. They are easy to replace (check owner's manual). Highly recommended and affordable mod ($40).
> I want to replace my stock halogen lights on my 2007 Mini Cooper. The
> manual mentions type H13 60/55 W. I have read in newsgroups about
> people replacing their Mini Coopers with Sylvania Silverstars. What do
> you recommend?
Sylvania Silverstar is a scam.
Here's manufacturer data, from internal engineering databases, for output
and lifespan at 13.2v for H1 bulbs. The numbers here are a composite of
values applicable to the products of the big three makers (Osram-Sylvania,
Philips-Narva, Tungsram-GE). Each manufacturer's product in each category
is slightly different but not significantly so. I picked H1-type bulbs
for this comparison, and while the absolute numbers differ with different
bulb types (such as H13), the relative comparison patterns hold good for
whatever bulb type you consider. Lifespan is given as Tc, the hour figure
at which 63.2 percent of the bulbs have failed.
H1 (regular normal):
1550 lumens, 650 hours
Long Life (or "HalogenPlus+")
1460 lumens, 1200 hours
Plus-30 High Efficacy (Osram Super, Sylvania Xtravision, Narva Rangepower,
Candlepower Bright Light, Tungsram High Output, Philips Premium):
1700 lumens, 350 hours
Plus-50 Ultra High Efficacy (Philips VisionPlus, Osram Silverstar, Narva
Rangepower+50, Tungsram Megalicht, but not Sylvania Silverstar):
1750 lumens, 350 hours
Blue coated 'extra white' (Osram CoolBlue, Narva Rangepower Blue, Philips
BlueVision or CrystalVision, Tungsram Super Blue or EuroBlue, Sylvania
Silverstar or Silverstar Ultra, which is just a rebrand of the
Silverstar product, also PIAA, Hoen, Nokya, Polarg, etc):
1380 lumens, 250 hours
Now, looking over these results, which one would you rather:
(a) Buy and drive with?
(b) Sell?
The answer to (a) depends on how well you want to see versus how often to
change the bulb. If you want the best possible seeing, you pick the
Plus-50. If you don't care as long as it works and you don't want to
hassle with it, you pick the long life.
The answer to (b) is determined by how rich your company's shareholders
want you to be, and is obvious: You want to sell the bulb with the
shortest lifespan, highest promotability and highest price. That'd be the
blue unit, e.g. Sylvania Silverstar.
Go get a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs, if that is what your MINI
takes:
http://aid-auto.stores.yahoo.net/phviplrebu90.html
> manual mentions type H13 60/55 W. I have read in newsgroups about
> people replacing their Mini Coopers with Sylvania Silverstars. What do
> you recommend?
Sylvania Silverstar is a scam.
Here's manufacturer data, from internal engineering databases, for output
and lifespan at 13.2v for H1 bulbs. The numbers here are a composite of
values applicable to the products of the big three makers (Osram-Sylvania,
Philips-Narva, Tungsram-GE). Each manufacturer's product in each category
is slightly different but not significantly so. I picked H1-type bulbs
for this comparison, and while the absolute numbers differ with different
bulb types (such as H13), the relative comparison patterns hold good for
whatever bulb type you consider. Lifespan is given as Tc, the hour figure
at which 63.2 percent of the bulbs have failed.
H1 (regular normal):
1550 lumens, 650 hours
Long Life (or "HalogenPlus+")
1460 lumens, 1200 hours
Plus-30 High Efficacy (Osram Super, Sylvania Xtravision, Narva Rangepower,
Candlepower Bright Light, Tungsram High Output, Philips Premium):
1700 lumens, 350 hours
Plus-50 Ultra High Efficacy (Philips VisionPlus, Osram Silverstar, Narva
Rangepower+50, Tungsram Megalicht, but not Sylvania Silverstar):
1750 lumens, 350 hours
Blue coated 'extra white' (Osram CoolBlue, Narva Rangepower Blue, Philips
BlueVision or CrystalVision, Tungsram Super Blue or EuroBlue, Sylvania
Silverstar or Silverstar Ultra, which is just a rebrand of the
Silverstar product, also PIAA, Hoen, Nokya, Polarg, etc):
1380 lumens, 250 hours
Now, looking over these results, which one would you rather:
(a) Buy and drive with?
(b) Sell?
The answer to (a) depends on how well you want to see versus how often to
change the bulb. If you want the best possible seeing, you pick the
Plus-50. If you don't care as long as it works and you don't want to
hassle with it, you pick the long life.
The answer to (b) is determined by how rich your company's shareholders
want you to be, and is obvious: You want to sell the bulb with the
shortest lifespan, highest promotability and highest price. That'd be the
blue unit, e.g. Sylvania Silverstar.
Go get a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs, if that is what your MINI
takes:
http://aid-auto.stores.yahoo.net/phviplrebu90.html
Last edited by lacning74; Dec 21, 2007 at 07:02 PM.
Also many cooper owners have been adjusting their headlights to aim higher. Mine do seem to point too low. I plan on adjusting them higher. Should give much more throwing distance.
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
Try amber colored high beams if she truly does have night blindness. Our eyes are "tuned" to the yellow region of the visible spectrum. Too much blue causes too much glare and might hurt more than help her.
The R56 cooper does not use separate bulbs for the high and low beam. If you use amber bulbs, it will be for both.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 2
From: Canton, GA
H13 Silverstars only lasted me 8K miles.
Phillips, Narva, & PIAA make better bulbs.
Has anybody tried Xetronic Digital HID? I know folks that have put them in motorcycles but not anybody that has installed them in a vehicle with a CANBUS OBDC like we have...
Phillips, Narva, & PIAA make better bulbs.
Has anybody tried Xetronic Digital HID? I know folks that have put them in motorcycles but not anybody that has installed them in a vehicle with a CANBUS OBDC like we have...
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
I stand corrected. The sales site I checked said H7 for a 2007...but u r correct the owner's manual says H13 (I now realize they didn't differ' twixt at 07 'vert and hardtop.....)
I've had SilverStar on my 02 for about 2 years now....and SilverStar on my Miata and Honda almost as long....quite happy.
On my 07 S, I haven't found the lights to be as deficient so haven't changed the bulbs.....sorry for bad poop. Can you believe it....I got bad poop off the web!
I've had SilverStar on my 02 for about 2 years now....and SilverStar on my Miata and Honda almost as long....quite happy.
On my 07 S, I haven't found the lights to be as deficient so haven't changed the bulbs.....sorry for bad poop. Can you believe it....I got bad poop off the web!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 3
From: Rochester, NY
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 230
From: York, Pennsylvania
Osram Hyper H7's: H9 burners on an H7 base
Great bulbs, and they last about the same as oem ones.
I have to admit, I had tried silverstars first. Big mistake. They did not work as well, and they burned out very quickly.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 2
From: Canton, GA
Euro-spec used to be 55w low and 65 high --- so the harnesses and reflectors were made for the heat. Car makers didn't bother to make different housings for the separate markets.
Nowadays the world market has mellowed to 55w/55w. I haven't seen any H13's that are 55/65... ...yet.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Willowick, OH
The Philips X-treme's and the Vision Plus look interesting but I'm wondering about the power requirements and life expectancy. I tried the silver stars in my Passat but they didn't last at all. Anybody with any experience with either of the Philips bulbs?
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Tx.
This might be a really stupid question, but are the non-Xenon's bulbs halogens? I do not have the Xenon package and ordered a set of the Philips 9008 H13 and they are sitting on my desk in front of me, but I didn't realize that the bulbs in my R56 were halogens?
So the proper replacement for the non-Xenon's would be the H13's?
So the proper replacement for the non-Xenon's would be the H13's?
This might be a really stupid question, but are the non-Xenon's bulbs halogens? I do not have the Xenon package and ordered a set of the Philips 9008 H13 and they are sitting on my desk in front of me, but I didn't realize that the bulbs in my R56 were halogens?
So the proper replacement for the non-Xenon's would be the H13's?
So the proper replacement for the non-Xenon's would be the H13's?
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Tx.
This had me a little worried. I was going to install them this weekend and this really had me stumped as I didn't realize the standard bulbs were halogen. I'm used to seeing the intense blue light from my Acura's headlights that light up the entire field of vision and then some. Any tricks to installing the replacement bulbs? I know to keep my hands off of the bulb glass. Thanks in advance.