Last year I changed the stock low beam bulbs in my MC to Sylvania SilverStar Halogens. The first one went after less than 6 months, the other lasted 8 months. At $20 a pop (not to mention the awkward position one must assume to change the bulbs ) this is a pretty expensive replacement (although I have been happy with the amount of light output).

What else are MINI drivers without the Xenons using? I've had it with these SilverStars.

Thanks,

Dave

 

im suprised that they went that quickily... i have crappy 'blue' bulbs i brought for about 10 bucks and so far after a year and 3 months they are still shining and without any problems

 

There is certainly a trade-off: light v's longevity. If you go to Sylvania's website (sorry I don't have it with me) They suggest replacing the Silverstars at least once a year, even if they still work. You didn't even make it that far.

From what I have read the only way to get more longevity out of the bulb is to go with a 'cooler' temperature one. Or switch to HID.

 

I am running 65W Osram Ultra High Output in my halogens. These bulbs are not the pseudo-HID 'white' light, rather they are standard color wide-spectrum halogens with increased light output and long life. Most of the "Blue" bulbs have lives measured in mere tens of hours (if they specify bulb life at all). The reason for this is in order to overcome the inherent reduction of light output when filtering the full spectrum of emitted light in order to give the lamps their bluish color, the filaments are burned brighter (hotter) to maintain an equivalent light output. If this was not done, the light output per watt would be less than allowable by law.

Dont be fooled by claims of "85 watts of light" or similar from a 55 watt blue tinted bulb. It just does not happen.

 

I have Sylvania Silver Stars still working after 3 years in my 'other' car - Ford Taurus. Now they will probably blink out on me tonight . I recommended them to my father and his burnt out in 6 months. In the Taurus, the bulb changing process is very neat - light housing pulls out completely for the install. This makes it possible to assure the bulb glass has not touched any surface.

In my father's Subaru, it was not so easy. It sounds like the Cooper is similar. Perhaps the installation process lends itself to touching the bulb to something that deposits gunk on the glass and this causes early failure.

I will purchase another set for my Ford when these die. Without them, it was a hazard to drive on 2 lane, deer infested, northern Wisconsin roads. The improvement in visibility was astounding. Not so important with the MINI since it has HID's but I'm considering them for the high-beams and foglights.

 

I disagree with some of you,

I have had the same PIAA bulbs in my other vehicle (93MB) since 1999....

When you buy a product from a reputable vendor or manufacturer, they should stand behind their product.

PIAA has a great warranty, I do not know about the other brands.

Victor

 

Victor, maybe you should start to offer the PIAA bulbs. On your site, you only have a lighting kit listed.

 

I've had silverstars in the low beams on previous cars for well over 2 years no issue and I have the silverstars currnetly in their 4th month, are you sure you didn't get any fingerprints on the bulbs, thats the only reason I think one would go so quickly.

 

It's possible, although I was very careful to avoid touching the bulb during handling and installation. I had some trouble getting the clip reattached, and may have inadvertently touched the bulb, but I don't think so.

In terms of the amount of difficulty to change a headlight, the MINI has got to be among the worst (awkward to kneel/lean against the fender/look straight up at the connection, then fiddle with the clip, then have only about 2 inches of play in the wire, then get the bulb back in just right, then deal with that stupid clip again). I guess this is a necessary side-effect of having the headlines in the hood. If anyone knows any tricks to installing them more easily, let me know.

 

I use some pliers to pull back the clips pull out the old, algin the new stick it in and thenplug the lamp in and close everything up. total time 5 min, per lamp. Actually one of the easy lamp installs I've ever done, try doing a Dodge caravan you have 1/2 inch behind the fixture to get everything done in and no room to even get a flashlight pointed downtere to see what you're doing.

 

I used to purchase euro Philips brand bulbs from www.autolamps-online.com (no affiliation) and was extremely happy with them. Autolamps is based in England so they are a bit pricey after the currency conversion , but they do offer free shipping.

 

That is not good longevity - I've had bulbs last many years, evven changing them from car to car. I spent similar $$ on Razo bulbs in the past and although they were really nice and lasted at least 4 years I now buy bulbs from Supreme Power Parts - the bulbs are not expensive, light very well, and have a 1 year replacement warranty. I've had them in the BMW for a couple of years with no problems and they have been great in the Mini too.

 

The Mini uses PIAA H7 for Low and High Beam

We have the Xtreme White Plus in stock

Price is $72.00 per pack(2)



Thanks
Victor

 

We know. Read http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/...uperwhite.html

He's right. You can't change the laws of physics via marketing.

The better H7s are the European Philips VisionPlus or Osram SilverStar (not the silverstars sold in US. The european versions). About $35 for a pair.

Or, as Greatbear mentions, get the 65w Osrams, for about $50/pair.

65w is ALWAYS better than 55w. .... More power, more light. Physics 101.

Sorry ... just trying to bring a full perspective rather than a pure marketing perspective into the discussion.

 

Keep in mind though that this is muchlike the brakes on the MINI (at least the pads) ANYTHING is better than stock, and I've also found a little reaimng goes a long way.

 

I agree. I'm just trying to let ppl see ALL sides of the "answers"

A little bit of research helps the entire community

 

I'm jumping in here at the end of the thread. I haven't read it, but here's my thoughts anyway.

If you managed to touch your bulbs they won't last as long as they should. It does happen. I believe in using a quality bulb. For me it's Philips blue visions. I've had some bulbs last for years & others go dark in 6 months.

 

I followed Drew's (Motor On's) sequence of installing another new Sylvania SilverStar (I had an extra from my last purchase of a 2-pack) of first lining up the new lamp and then plugging in the socket. This completely elimiated the chance of touching the bulb (and this process does get easier/faster after you've done it 4 times!). I'll track the life of this new bulb, but in the meantime will probably look into the 65w Osrams.

Anyone know where to get these? I'm assuming my local autoparts store would not have them.

 

When I did some searching on NAM a while back it seemed like quite a few people ordered some real Osram SilverStars from Power Bulbs. They are based in the UK so it will take slightly longer than ordering from a US place.

Keep in mind too, Osram SilverStars are not US DOT approved. So techincally you are putting illegal bulbs in your car and you could get fined for it. It's not too likely that anyone in any authority will notice, but you never know.

 

I got my 65w Osrams from Daniel Stern Lighting (hand delivered by Mr. Stern himself! ). Not cheap by any means, but more than worth it IMO.

Yes, these lamps are considered 'off-road/racing use only'. However given the MINI headlight's excellent beam pattern and light control, it would not be readily apparent to anyone looking at your oncoming lights or otherwise that you have anything outrageous. In fact, because these lights are 'standard' color temperature and not the excessively blue-green color, you will NOT stand out as having anything 'illegal' as would someone with ill-fitted HID 'retrofit' light kits or overwattage blue bulbs.

 

Daniel Stern, I think, is the definitive source for lighting needs. His technical explanations are excellent. I wouldnt buy any lighting without his site first as mandatory reading.

I added the Phillip Visions (I think thats the name) for the high beams. His explanation on which ones to pick is great.