H7 Bulbs

Lowlowloader · 12-29-2019, 11:03 AM

As the title suggests really... has anybody fitted 80w headlight bulbs? And if so... have you had any issues?

Thanks
LLL

teaston · 12-29-2019, 11:57 AM

Well, they aren't road legal, but do produce more light than 55w bulbs. All explained here:

https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/power-bulbs/

lethbridge · 12-29-2019, 05:27 PM

Besides the legality (which in reality is probably only an issue at MOT), the main issue will be whether they will crack/damage the lens etc. due to the extra heat - I had this issue years ago with 80/100w lamps in an XR2 and probably why you are asking... So well worth hearing from someone who has run them (and does long journeys with them on)...

Wills2 · 12-29-2019, 06:13 PM

These 80w blubs are a nightmare for other road users no one wants them in their eyes.

t5pilot · 12-29-2019, 07:17 PM

I tried some 80w & 100w H7's in my E90. Both started to "haze" the lamp reflector surface. And they weren't much brighter.
By far, in terms of actually putting more usable light onto the road, Osram nightbreaker unlimited bulbs were far, far better.

teaston · 12-30-2019, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t5pilot

I tried some 80w & 100w H7's in my E90. Both started to "haze" the lamp reflector surface. And they weren't much brighter.
By far, in terms of actually putting more usable light onto the road, Osram nightbreaker unlimited bulbs were far, far better.

Apparently Philips Racing Vision are the daddies now:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.a...oup-test%3famp

Sasquartch · 12-31-2019, 04:01 AM

Upgraded halogen bulbs are OK except they don't last very long. I seem to recall the brighter bulbs have a life measured in only 100s of hours.

The low beams are a right pain to fit as well :-(

davethefish · 01-01-2020, 04:50 PM

i've had both osram night breakers and phillips extreme H7's

both are good.
the phillips are very slightly brighter/whiter imo and last longer,
but more expensive than osrams

that said all BMW halogens are absolutely dire...
the H7's in my missus fiesta are twice as good at lighting up the road as the H7's in my F30....
i think it is intentional on BMW's part....to make you buy lighting upgrade packages...

NanasBack · 01-02-2020, 04:55 PM

Go ahead and fit them.

You’ll just blend in amongst the other approaching vehicles with terrible headlights....

Bulbs fitted incorrectly.

Foreign vehicles – especially lorries - with no beam correctors fitted.

Newer minis with LED lights.

New Range Rovers with LED lights are some of the worst.

God knows how some of the beam patterns comply with MOT regulations?
Although I guess it’s some european directive now.
Roll on Brexit and let’s get some control back!

12-29-2019, 11:03 AM	#1
Lowlowloader New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 320d xDrive F30 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: 🇬🇧 iTrader: (0)	H7 Bulbs - are 80w bulbs ok? As the title suggests really... has anybody fitted 80w headlight bulbs? And if so... have you had any issues? Thanks LLL
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12-29-2019, 11:57 AM	#2
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	Well, they aren't road legal, but do produce more light than 55w bulbs. All explained here: https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/power-bulbs/
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12-29-2019, 05:27 PM	#3
lethbridge Captain 470 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 CP YMB Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 CP [10.00]	Besides the legality (which in reality is probably only an issue at MOT), the main issue will be whether they will crack/damage the lens etc. due to the extra heat - I had this issue years ago with 80/100w lamps in an XR2 and probably why you are asking... So well worth hearing from someone who has run them (and does long journeys with them on)... __________________ Current: 2018 F80 M3CP YMB. Previous: 2015: F34 335d GT M Sport+; 2012: F07 535d GT M Sport; 2008: 335d SE; 2005: 530d; 2003: 330d; 2002: 330i; 1999: 523i
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12-29-2019, 06:13 PM	#4
Wills2 Barge driver 8656 Rep 12,425 Posts Drives: 730d Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	These 80w blubs are a nightmare for other road users no one wants them in their eyes. __________________ 730d/Z4C
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12-29-2019, 07:17 PM	#5
t5pilot Colonel 978 Rep 2,069 Posts Drives: M4 CP & S1000 XR Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Yorkshire - UK iTrader: (1)	I tried some 80w & 100w H7's in my E90. Both started to "haze" the lamp reflector surface. And they weren't much brighter. By far, in terms of actually putting more usable light onto the road, Osram nightbreaker unlimited bulbs were far, far better. __________________ /// BM3 + M-Power ///
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12-31-2019, 04:01 AM	#7
Sasquartch Major 606 Rep 1,455 Posts Drives: 520i G30 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Herts iTrader: (0)	Upgraded halogen bulbs are OK except they don't last very long. I seem to recall the brighter bulbs have a life measured in only 100s of hours. The low beams are a right pain to fit as well :-(
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01-01-2020, 04:50 PM	#8
davethefish Captain 131 Rep 664 Posts Drives: 2012 F30 320i Sport Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bedworth iTrader: (0)	i've had both osram night breakers and phillips extreme H7's both are good. the phillips are very slightly brighter/whiter imo and last longer, but more expensive than osrams that said all BMW halogens are absolutely dire... the H7's in my missus fiesta are twice as good at lighting up the road as the H7's in my F30.... i think it is intentional on BMW's part....to make you buy lighting upgrade packages... __________________ MOD's/DIY list Bonnet Badge Repacement, LED Door Sills, 35%VLT Window Tinting, 442m alloys, Stainless Steel Pedals, Front and Rear Disk Replacement, GTechniq C1 Detail, Gladen HIFI upgrade, LED DRL's, 90mm Stainless Tailpipe, Complete Leather Reupholstery.
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01-02-2020, 04:55 PM	#9
NanasBack Lieutenant 200 Rep 542 Posts Drives: EB 335 oil burner Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Staffs, UK iTrader: (0)	Go ahead and fit them. You’ll just blend in amongst the other approaching vehicles with terrible headlights.... Bulbs fitted incorrectly. Foreign vehicles – especially lorries - with no beam correctors fitted. Newer minis with LED lights. New Range Rovers with LED lights are some of the worst. God knows how some of the beam patterns comply with MOT regulations? Although I guess it’s some european directive now. Roll on Brexit and let’s get some control back! __________________ 335d xDrive
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