Uprating headlight bulbs

[bungle74]

Hi all

Can anybody tell me if Philips 12342-XVS2 H4 X-Treme Power bulbs will fit straight into my 1994 16v Coupe please?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-12342-XVS2-X-Treme-Power-Bulbs/dp/B00440CWBW/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1357062492&sr=1-2

I was reading a thread on here the other day where someone had used these and was told to watch for fuses blowing, typically, I've tried to find the thread again and can't find it. Obviously the standard lights on the Coupe are shocking and am hoping these are a direct replacement.

Cheers in advance for any advice.

Lee

[Christophski]

They are indeed a direct replacement. I have them and just have to keep an eye on melting the plastic ifthe headlight fuses... Maybe once a year they get replaced...

[bungle74]

Excellent, cheers for that. When you say 'melting the plastic if the headlight fuses', what exactly do you mean?

And are they a worthwhile purchase?

[Christophski]

I would say they are worth having as any improvement is a good thing.

Well the plastic of the fuse just gets a little misshaped over the year. Not sure why but once a year for the past 4 years I just replace the fuses to keep it all in good shape.

[bungle74]

Ah, cool........i was worried that something within the headlight was likely to melt. With that in mind they're ordered, cheers for the advice.

[Tonybolony]

I've just looked at the spec of these lamps, and they are 60/55w- which is a standard wattage, therefore they can't do any damage to the headlamps/reflectors/fuses. Begs the question, tho - how can they be "100% brighter if they are standard wattage? Maybe a 'whiter' CRI, but how much more Actual light output?????
There are higher wattage Lamps available, without the expense of HID's, but if Volt drop is the issue, then this will only exacerbate the issue. (If you go down this route, then you Do run the risk of reflector damage, and poss fuse blowing-Do not increase fuse value)
I recently read a thread about 'Relaying' Fuel Pump, and Headlights. May be worth metering the Actual voltage available at the headlights (Both sides, Dip and Main) to see what is available, with engine running. Compare with available voltage from Large terminal on back of Alternator. If a large discrepancy, try running a Jumper cable to each filament of each lamp (Carefully- You don't wanna connect to the Neutral!!!) to see what improvement could be made. As and when it stops P****** down here, I'm gonna do the same to mine, as altho I have a pretty good HID set-up, when switching to Main beam, there is little difference, other than a more orange light spread. May also be worth changing the headlight fuses (for the same value), as corrosion on the pins is something I have seen before, and merely changing the fuses can occasionally make a difference. (IMO!!)

[bungle74]

Well, I've had these bulbs in for a couple of weeks now........rain, snow & freezing temperatures meant I couldn't change them over before. I can confirm they are loads brighter than standard which is great....at last I can see!!!!!!!! Well worth the money in my opinion, however, it has highlighted the fact that I need to adjust the beams as one is def pointing more at the road than the other.
Are there adjusters on the headlight units? Never thought to look when I changed the bulbs....

[Greg_S]

have you got a couple of comparison pics looking fron the car ahead?

[bungle74]

Unfortunately I didn't think about that before I fitted them, it took so long to get them in I took the opportunity and did it one a lunchtime. If it warms up a bit more I may switch them back and take a couple of photos.....They seem to have some sort of coating on the sides if the bulb, maybe this helps to focus the light ahead rather than spread it around, making it seem brighter.

[M_GORDON]

Hi dude!

I preffer some Osram NightbreakerPlus lamps. Some cheapper and same quality.


You can buy here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSRAM-Nigh...item588fba32e3


Bye.

[Louie C]

Hi dude!

I preffer some Osram NightbreakerPlus lamps. Some cheapper and same quality.


You can buy here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OSRAM-Nigh...item588fba32e3


Bye.

Is that ebay listing the right fitment for the S2 as I might buy a pair.

[quattrostyle]

Osram Nightbreakers give a good improvement but they die very quickly, had a few dying within a year after the install.

[Louie C]

Osram Nightbreakers give a good improvement but they die very quickly, had a few dying within a year after the install.

I suppose they are only a tenner, maybe I will try them out, cheers for the info though.