I was thinking of replacing the headlamps with the 55W+50% H7 bulbs from Hella. They are supposedly brighter without drawing much extra current. I was wondering tho if this could invalidate any warranty or overheat the reflecters or other headlamp componants...anybody know if theyare safe to use, and if they make a definite difference? Highbeams? Low beams? Which to do first!

 

Umberto,

I replaced my bulbs with +50% from Osram - same sort of upgrade as with the Hella - and the light is definitely "brighter" and certainly "whiter". I did both highs and lows and recommend the same. These bulbs should not affect warranty as they are rated at the same stock Wattage and would not produce any more heat which is usually what gets folks into trouble with wiring and plastics ageing.

So, this is one easy upgrade that I think you will definitely see an improvement in without much expense.

Cheers :smile:

 

Here's a thread on roughly the same subject
Sylvania Silverstars
The US versions are often tinted a little blue and often put out
a little less light than stock. The best ones are probably the
Euro +50% versions by Osram/Sylvania or Philips.
also check out Daniel Stern Lighting Consultant

 

I have the same bulbs as OzMini in my highbeams. They are from Osram and are a 65Watt H7. They are a hybrid bulb, essentially an H9 bulb on a H7 base. Draws a little more current than the typical H7 does, but only about that equivalent to a turn signal. This is not enough to hurt your wiring harness or overheat your reflectors. They are noticable brighter and the light seems more "even".

I got my bulbs from Daniel Stern Lighting. He is very knowledgable and you can email him with any questions or to order bulbs.

Enjoy!

 

Here's another thread on upgrading your exterior lighting in your MINI. It has a lot of useful stuff in it.

How to Upgrade the Exterior Lighting in your MINI