Best stock replacement bulbs for the $? any input appreciated.

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

hello everyone, I am basically a n00b when it comes to knowledge about head lights and bulbs for the M. I have been reading a few of the threads already posted, but Im still a bit confused.



These are basics to what I would like:



1 - relatively low overall cost



2 - bright white light (not purple/blue) for all 3 lights (low/hi/fogs)



3 - no modifications or installation of ballasts etc. (just bulb replacement)



Ive read the Osram/Phillips Silver Stars are good, but can I use the H1 bulb in my stock 97 M3?



Please provide any info that would help my decision. I really would like to just have better overall 'white' light output over stock with a simple bulb replacement.



Thanks in advance.

[m3f_KUpolo]

hello everyone, I am basically a n00b when it comes to knowledge about head lights and bulbs for the M. I have been reading a few of the threads already posted, but Im still a bit confused.



These are basics to what I would like:



1 - relatively low overall cost



2 - bright white light (not purple/blue) for all 3 lights (low/hi/fogs)



3 - no modifications or installation of ballasts etc. (just bulb replacement)



Ive read the Osram/Phillips Silver Stars are good, but can I use the H1 bulb in my stock 97 M3?



Please provide any info that would help my decision. I really would like to just have better overall 'white' light output over stock with a simple bulb replacement.



Thanks in advance.





No you can't use the H1 in your stock setup. Yes the Osrams are awesome bulbs. I run the H1's in my ZKW Hi beams (HID low beams). I believe that they make an H7 bulb that will fit a stock US setup under the Philips name. Whatever you do be sure the bulbs you are buying are not painted. Painted bulbs are just awful for light output.

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

So H7 is the fitment? I thought it was 9005 for Hi, 9006 for Lo, and H1 for fogs.



Anyone?

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

I'm feeling you Wicked, it does get confusing. But you've already got the answer -- SilverStars. Much brighter, much whiter than stock.



Before I went Hella, I had silver 9005 highs and 9006 lows, and fog (H1, BTW)



Here's a thread that talks about how to mod the fogs to basically be another two headlights, if you want to go super bright:



http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=47101&highlight=Bulbs



Affordable -- subjective term, the Silvers are more expensive than regular, prob around $25 for the fogs H1's and $40-$50/pair for lows and highs.



KUpolo my brother, what H1's is Wicked talking about here, b/c that's also the stock fog bulb size?

[m3f_KUpolo]

So H7 is the fitment? I thought it was 9005 for Hi, 9006 for Lo, and H1 for fogs.



Anyone?





My bad, you're right. And Edgy is also right, H1's for the fogs.

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

Thanks Edgy, I think I have my answer then. $25/pair fogs and $40-50/pair hi/los is relatively inexpensive for me, compared to several hundred for HIDs etc.



Do you happen to have part #s for those 3 sets of Silver Star Bulbs?

Much appreciated.

[m3f_Brent_Vino]

sylvania silverstars!!!!! that is what i am getting when I need bulb replacement.

[m3f_KUpolo]

sylvania silverstars!!!!! that is what i am getting when I need bulb replacement.





I'd do a preemptive replacement if I were you. They make a big difference. I had them in my ZKW lows before I made the switch to HIDs and they are MUCH brighter than the stock bulbs. You should run some relays and drop some 100 watt bulbs in there. You'll be nearly as bright as any HID setup.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Save up for a bit and get some euro lamps with HID's. You won't regret it.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Brent, we're all on the same page -- Sylvania is the brand name Osram uses in the States.



Wicked, you don't need part numbers as long as you have bulb sizes, and you can find Silverstars in most of the chain places -- AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc. Fogs may be a little harder to find than than hi/low. Or use the store locator function off this site:



http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Silverstar/



I'm a big Silverstar fan, but I will say this -- I love how the Hellas update my front end, and Euro ellips are far superior to US bulbs, no matter how good the halogen bulbs. Eventually you should think about an upgrade...

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

Thanks guys - I will probably upgrade some day...to a newer M3 w/ HIDs ;-)



Right now Ive got my hands full trying to close on a contract for a pool and hot tub along with installing a new bathroom and updating the garage. Therefore work and excessive $$ on the M will have to hold.

[m3f_Brent_Vino]

I'd do a preemptive replacement if I were you. They make a big difference. I had them in my ZKW lows before I made the switch to HIDs and they are MUCH brighter than the stock bulbs. You should run some relays and drop some 100 watt bulbs in there. You'll be nearly as bright as any HID setup.





i dont know anything about running relays to drop 100 watt bulbs in there... wont that trip a error on the obc? :nixweiss:

[m3f_KUpolo]

i dont know anything about running relays to drop 100 watt bulbs in there... wont that trip a error on the obc? :nixweiss:



I don't know, It shouldn't because you are still getting the resistance. i should check on bmf and see if anyone has done it. Realistically, you should be able to go even higher than 100 watts with relays and have some super bright bulbs. you'll just burn them out more often.

[m3f_mfree_dad161963d]

wal mart has the best price on Silver stars that I found. they sell them in two packs.

I just have the lows and it helped a ton.

I am contemplating running 4 small pencil beam fogs that PIAA makes for motorcycles instead of the stock fogs.

I need more light output but can not afford new head lights

[m3f_nemesis519]

I prefer PIAA for headlights and fog lights. They also make led bulbs for turn signals, so if you have clear corners you have the reflection of an orange bulb.