Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs

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Thu 29 Jan 2004 09:32
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - L'escargot
I?ve just received through the post a pair of H4 Osram Silverstar +50% headlight bulbs (plus a free pair of Philips Blue Vision sidelight bulbs worth £9.95) from Powerbulbs.com. Unbeatable next day delivery. However when I opened the package I was surprised to discover that they were 60/55 W compared to the 55/50 W rating of the OE bulbs. I had taken Powerbulbs.com at their word that the Silverstar bulbs would be suitable for my car and there was no information on their website regarding ratings of the products they sold.

Will the increased wattage compromise either the car wiring/fuses or the headlight reflectors? I?ve read somewhere that too high a wattage bulb can blacken the reflector.

The other contentious point is the expected life ~ Powerbulbs.com claim a ?service life comparable to that of standard H4 and H7 lamps?. However, Osram themselves (on their website, www.sylvania.com/auto/sstar_faq.htm) only estimate ? a lifespan of up to one year under average driving conditions?. I?ve never known OE bulbs have such a short life ~ those on my car (Focus) are nearly 5 years and 72000 miles old already.

Any comments on these issues would be much appreciated.

--
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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Thu 29 Jan 2004 09:45
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - Altea Ego
ref the increased wattage and wiring. Each bulb will be drawing an extra 1/2 amp approx over the normal bulbs (in main and dip). This is unlikely to cause any wiring problems although if the system uses fully multiplexed wiring, the headlamp controller might object, again unlikely tho. Re the black reflectors/glass - again unlikely as its only a 5watt increase in heat output. (10 if the system keeps dipped on when you use full beam)

I thought however (and i may be wrong) that these are not legal as they are outside the lighting regulations maximum?
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Thu 29 Jan 2004 10:13
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - Mike H
I think you need to check the specs of your OE lights - all normal H4s are 60/55W. Your handbook should have details.
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Thu 29 Jan 2004 11:01
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - L'escargot
Handbook only says "55W"" which I assume means 55/50W. Haynes says 55/50W.
On the Silverstar packaging, it states they are "EEC legal".

Thanks everybody, all my fears are now banished.
--
L'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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Thu 29 Jan 2004 10:44
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - Dynamic Dave
I replaced the standard H4 40/45w (non halogen) bulb on my motorbike for a H4 55/60w halogen bulb with no ill effects.

The extra 5 watts you're talking about won't cause any problems. Take for instance the heat given out by a 5w side light bulb, you most likely would be able to touch it without burning yourself.
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Thu 29 Jan 2004 17:49
Osram Silverstar +50% bulbs - Sooty Tailpipes
Your car requires E-approved H4 bulbs these are 55/60w by definition.
Most car bulbs c;aim to be rated for 1000 hours use, (roughly 24/7 for a month)
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