I replaced my regular Halogen headlights late last year with some SilverStar H7 ST's. I have changed my share of headlight bulbs so I know to wear gloves and not to touch the glass and all. But I had one bulb go out after only a couple months. I put a back up bulb in the headlight while the stores could restock (popular bulb type apparently, all the stores around here were out of stock). I finally was able to buy another SilverStar to replace the old one, installed it, and checked the lights only to find that the other one had burned out.

Now I thought, fine, one bulb goes out maybe i touched the glass by accident, whatever. But to have both bulbs burn out in a matter of months is a bit fishy. Anyone else have similar problems? I'm going to get in touch with their customer service to see what they say. I'll let you know.

There is a big difference, by the way, between the standard and SilverStar beam shape and brightness. Besides the light being brighter and whiter, the beam shoots out farther than the standard bulb.

 

I changed both highs and lows in the 02 to SilverStar about two years ago....those bulbs are there today.

I have had a bulb burn out almost immediately after hook up....a bad bulb...it happens....with a SilverStar I'd try to take it back to the store but wouldn't hold my breath.

I wear latex/nitril gloves when I change 'em.....but oil on the fingers causes a glass crack, not a filiment failure....

 

Silverstars are classic for short lifespan. I went through three of them thinking it was me, or just a fluke. I did a little googling and sure enough there are lots of folks complaining about short lifespan. I was equally disappointed with the brightness. I bought some off brand "laser" lights that were super bright and lasted the entire time I had my truck (3+years)

 

Went thru three Silverstars within a 3 month period, but since then (over a year), nada. Still working.
Halogens hate vibration. Make sure your hood latche(s) are adjusted properly and holding the hood down snugly.

 

I had both sileverstars go out one night in the beetle I owned before my MINI that sucked. I have one Halogen in my MINI now for about 14 months, no problems other than slight color difference from stock. Even though its the same whatever 4700 or what it is.